Tootlafrance’s list includes a number of places that many may not yet have had the chance to visit
France abounds in pretty romantic small towns and villages. Here, we take a look at some of the most striking examples in the country. Many of them are found in areas that a lot of Irish people see as blank spaces on the map, so we’ve made a map below the slide show to make that location a bit easier and to see if it will fit into some part of your itinerary this summer. Oh, and because it’s so hard to narrow it down to 10, we’ve included 26!
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- VEULES-EN-ROSES: Alongside the smallest river in France (La Veule – 1,100m long), this is one of the prettiest villages in Normandy, sitting between the sea and the countryside. Amongst its powerful charms are its windmills, its sandy beach and its water-cress fields.
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- TOURTOUR: It’s all about arcaded streets and olive production here. As if that isn’t enough, check out the magical fountains and traditional provencal houses as well as the old olive mill.
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- SEGURET: The stunning mountainous backdrop immediately calls to mind knights of old and mediaeval mayhem, but its seductive streets are pure Provencal magic, with the archway entrances and fountains.
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- SARLAT-LA-CANEDA: It’s larger than a village, in truth, and it’s completely charming from all angles in the highly-frequented tourist destination of the Dordogne. Try coming in January when the crowds are thinner and the mists all the more mediaeval. Great views from the lift in the belfry and a superb market in a converted church and the market square.
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- SAINT-VALENTIN: The town named after the saint of love is located in the heart of the Berry department. You’ll see lots of amorous couples every 14th of February, but the place is perfect for romancing all year around, with its heart-shaped willow and garden of lovers…
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- ST-CIRQ-LAPOPIE: Situated high above the meandering River Lot, its brown tiled roofs and tiny winding streets make the climb up into this stunning village well worth the effort.
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- ROUSSILLON: It may just represent the best possible use of ochre-coloured stone in France. The layout of this warm village makes it also perfect for rambling up staircases and around little cobbled streets.
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- ROCHEFORT-EN-TERRE: Walking up and down its little streets, you’ll discover an amazing variety of architecture packed charmingly into this little village, whose residents evidently take great pride in keeping it in constant bloom.
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- RIQUEWIHR: Alsatian charm at its best – half-timbered houses and Germanic style abound in this beautiful village with paved little courtyards and overflowing window-boxes.
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- PEYRE: On the right bank of the Tarn only 7km from Millau, the cluster of houses against the rocky cliff paints a striking picture, with its semi-troglodyte church and its open square with views over the river.
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- OINGT: Set amidst the fragrant Beaujolais vineyards north of Lyon, this little jewel has heart-melting views aplenty, as well as a 15th-century church and wide paved pedestrian streets to explore.
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- NOYERS-SUR-SEREIN: Counting no fewere than 78 listed buildings, this village aways seems peaceful even in the height of summer, with its cloister-like ambiance.
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- MOUSTIERS-SAINTE-MARIE: With its star suspended across the ravine above the town, this place feels quite apart, set amidst the rocks and chriping cicadas of the Provencal countryside. Also known for its production of pottery and, of course, the lavender that carpets so many of the fields in these parts close to the Gorge du Verdon
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- MORET-SUR-LOING: Its mediaeval vestiges on the banks of the Loing are irresistible and so proved to Anglo-French impressionist artist Alfred Sisley, who moved to live here in the late 19th century
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- MONPAZIER: Another Dordogne jewel, this offers a grid-patterned layout created by a ruling English king in the 13th century. The Place des Arcahdes offers couples the chance to sit and swoon at the gorgeous surrondings.
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- MINERVE: Situated between the gorges carved out by the rivers Brian and Cesse, this gorgeous village is not far from Narbonne. It offers numerous aspects woth discovering, such as the Templare gateway, impressive viaduct and ramparts.
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- LES BAUX-DE-PROVENCE: This one is certainly a “beau” – perched on a rock, its mixture of crumbling edifices and carefully-maintained cute houses, it really has all the ingredients necessary for one of the most romantic villages in France. Must be visited outside of high season to fully appreciate ambling through its seductive tiny streets and sampling some of the local wines.
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- LAVAUDIEU: The Auvergne is a region often overlooked by Irish visitors but where this arguably the greatest number of similarities. This is such and example with its ancient abbey mixed with mediaeval magic.
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- LA ROQUE-SUR-SEZE: Its ancient 12-arched bridge is just one of the many viewing delights of this perfectly picturesque village, tiered with vines, laurels and olive trees; in short, everything you need in a romantic Languedoc village.
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- LA ROQUE-GAGEAC: The Dordogne has an abundance of stunningly atmospheric towns and villages. This one has the Dordogne river on one side and towering limestone cliffs on the other. It also features a troglodyte castle.
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- COTIGNAC: Siutated in the green heart of Provence, halfway between the Gorge du Verdon and the Mediterranean, Cotignac lies at the foot of a majestic 80m-high tuff volcanic rock. Its quiet little streets have 15th and 17th-century facades where the murmur of the fountains echoes softly
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- CASTELNAU-DE-MONTMIRAL: Its situated right next door to Gaillac and its showpiece is the Places des Arcades which lives up to its name with its covered streets inviting all visitors to amble through them.
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- CARDAILLAC: The romance of this proud little village in the Lot is created by the mixture of the ancient and mediaeval. It’s cuteness with a mysterious edge.
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- BEUVRON-EN-AUGE: Half-timbered facades, thatched roofs and flowering gardens and plants occupying the remaining spaces; this is possibly as much as you need to know about this seductive town.
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- AUVILLAR: Between Agen and Montauban, this is a jewel that many overlook. Its circular central square features a round market hall that dates from 1825. Check out the small Saint-Pierre church and the great views over the Garonne from the Place du Chateau
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- AIGUEZE: Close to the sweet town of Montelimar and near the gorges of the Ardèche, this stunning village clings to the edge of a cliff-face and is surrounded by vines on the other side.