7 historic and officially prettiest villages in France

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Discover 7 historic and officially prettiest villages in France – all classified by Les Plus Beaux Villages de France, an association formed in 1982 in an attempt to reverse the exodus from historic rural communities which lists some 180 members spread across 70 French departments, all selected according to strict criteria and reviewed regularly.

Now, thanks to new craft studios and hospitality businesses, restaurants and activity providers, these idyllic villages are welcoming new visitors and permanent residents, all in search of an authentic lifestyle in scenic surroundings. To find out more, visit www.plus-beaux-villages-de-france.com

Barfleur, Manche

Only a small number of PBVs sit directly on the French coast, a situation that immediately sets them apart from other members. Located on the tip of the Cotentin peninsula, 28km east of Cherbourg, Barfleur is also unusual for its historic links with England. In 1066, Matilda of Flanders, wife of William, Duke of Normandy, commissioned the building of the flagship Mora at this important medieval port, and in 1120, the only son of Henry I of England drowned here, changing the course of English history.

Plundered several times in the 15^th and 16^th centuries, the medieval town has largely disappeared, but the quays around Barfleur’s pretty fishing harbour are a delightful place to watch the world go by, overlooked by granite houses and the tower of Saint-Nicolas Church.

Ars-en-Ré, Charente-Maritime

If Barfleur is unusual for being beside the sea, Ars-en-Ré is not only by the sea but also one of just four Plus Beaux Villages located on an island. Piana and Sant’Antonino stand on the rugged Mediterranean island of Corsica whilst Ars-en-Ré and La Flotte lie amongst the salt marshes of Ile de Ré, a holiday paradise just off the Atlantic coast near La Rochelle.

One of the island’s oldest parishes, Ars-en-Ré is famous for the black and white spire of St Etienne church that served as a landmark for seafarers. The picturesque whitewashed village with its green and blue shutters was once a thriving salt port, but whilst salt is still harvested here, the harbour is now a favourite berth for leisure craft. Stroll the narrow streets lined with colourful hollyhocks and hire a bike to cycle the level trails between ocean and salt marsh.

Charroux, Allier

Charroux France — *Charroux © Jeremy Flint*

Located at the junction of Roman roads crossing the Auvergne, Charroux became an important Medieval village that continued to flourish through the Renaissance, thanks to an advantageous trading charter, regular markets and thriving industries in tanning and wine production. Soak up the atmosphere of the bijou central square, the Cours des Dames, surrounded by a semi-circle of stone houses.

Wander the historic streets through past bell towers and city gates, half-timbered houses and ancient wells. And enjoy the view from the belvedere over the Peyrou plateau. Popular purchases from the many craft studios and independent boutiques include edible oils and local mustard, scented candles, jewellery, ceramics, and art. Discover the historical background to this thriving community at the village museum.

Roussillon, Vaucluse

Few of France’s Most Beautiful Villages can match Roussillon for its vibrant colour palette. One of the famous perched villages of the Luberon, 50km east of Avignon, this technicolour gem is guaranteed to dazzle in any season with its narrow streets of tightly packed houses in brilliant shades of red and yellow, orange and pink. A natural pigment once used in paints, ochre was extracted in the late 18^th century from the local quarry, one of the world’s most significant deposits.

Today, there is little demand for this natural colouring so visitors can follow the Ochre Trail through the disused quarry to see where wind and water have sculpted the soft rock into extraordinary shapes. Visit the Ochre Conservatory too for the lowdown on this natural pigment as well as traditional plant dyes.

Pérouges, Ain

Perched on a small hill around 40km north-east of Lyon, this medieval walled town is a time-capsule with cobbled streets, half-timbered houses and window boxes packed with colourful blooms. Stay over in one of the atmospheric hotels or apartments to experience the atmosphere before and after day visitors arrive.

Just 80 people live within the ramparts, with a further 1200 beyond the fortifications. As you browse the small boutiques or soak up the atmosphere from a café table, you half expect to see people in medieval dress come round the corner. And during the second weekend in June, that is exactly what you will see as Pérouges celebrates its Medieval Festival with knights and camp followers, nobles, peasants and tradesmen, all dressed in period costume.

Lyons-la-Forêt, Eure

Deep in the heart of a huge beech forest, 40km east of Rouen, Lyons-la-Forêt is an enchanting mix of red brick buildings and half-timbered houses, typical of the 17^th and 18^th century Norman style. At its heart inPlace Benserade, an 18^th century covered market on wooden pillars still hosts a variety of stalls each week. Henry I of England died at the castle that once stood here on an old feudal mound, and composer Maurice Ravel frequently stayed here, writing some of his most beautiful music at a house called La Fresne. Today there are tearooms, restaurants, and antique shops to help visitors while away a few hours. Or maybe stroll down beside the Lieure river to visit the church of Saint-Denis.

Bruniquel, Tarn-et-Garonne

High above the confluence of the Vère and Aveyron rivers, some 30 km east of Montauban, Bruniquel boasts not one fortress but two, conveniently known as the Old and Young castles. Founded by Queen Brunehaut, daughter of the Visigoth king, Bruniquel clings to the hillside in tiers. Expect steep cobbled streets, limestone houses adorned with climbing roses and lilacs, and period properties with mullioned windows dating back to the 15^th century.

Visit the partially restored rooms of the Young Castle and take in the panorama across the Aveyron Gorges from the open Renaissance-style gallery of the Old Castle, built on the ramparts. Ancient stronghold of the Counts of Toulouse and an important medieval trading centre, Bruniquel still prides itself on its artisan boutiques.

By Gillian Thornton, one of the UK’s leading travel writers and a regular writer for The Good Life France Magazine and website.