The 11 Most Picturesque Villages in the French Countryside

The French take their contests seriously. From the annual baguette competition in Paris to the cow beauty pageant at the Salon de l’Agriculture, the matchups are endless. Even the countryside villages compete in Le village préféré des Français, an annual TV show hosted by journalist Stéphane Bern, also known as Monsieur Patrimoine.

Out of 14 candidates, each representing a different French region, the public casts their votes for their favorite. In a country celebrated for its cinematic and breathtaking villages, this is no small task. The winner enjoys a significant boost in tourism, although it can sometimes lead to unwanted consequences. (Tip: To escape the crowds, consider visiting during the off-season rather than in summer or on May holiday weekends.)

Let’s take a look at the captivating winners from the past 11 years.

1. Saint-Cirq-Lapopie

• Region: Occitanie; 30 minutes from Cahors
• Winner of 2012

Perched dramatically on a rugged cliff, this honey-hued village is mirrored in the tranquil waters of the Lot River below. A maze of medieval streets cascades down the hillside, dominated by a stunning 16th-century Gothic church. Much of the village has preserved its medieval charm, housing 13 classified historic monuments, including the 14th-century Maison Bordes and an ancient hospital dating back to the 13th century. It has long been a haven for artists and writers since the early 20th century, notably attracting surrealist poet André Breton, who spent his summers among the vibrant hollyhocks.

2. Eguisheim

• Region: Alsace; 15 minutes from Colmar
• 2013 champion

With traditional roots as deep as its vineyards, this village seems to come straight from a fairy tale. Adorned with half-timbered houses bursting with geraniums, Eguisheim lies on Alsace's renowned Route des Vins (Wine Route), celebrating its 70th anniversary this year. Local vintners have cultivated the land for generations: Domaine Paul Schneider, an independent family-run winery, operates from a 17th-century tithe barn, while Domaine Emile Beyer has passed down its winemaking expertise since 1580 (spanning 14 generations).

3. Cordes-sur-Ciel

• Region: Occitanie; 75 minutes from Toulouse
• Winner of 2014

To call this place photogenic would be an understatement. Perched high above the sun-kissed valleys of Occitan, this 13th-century hilltop village touches the clouds, inspiring the phrase “sur ciel” (“in heaven”) which was added to its official name in 1993. From the fortified entrance, steep cobblestone streets ascend towards breathtaking views. Artists and writers are drawn here (Albert Camus was a notable admirer), and you’ll find a variety of artisan shops nestled among the Gothic houses made from ochre sandstone.

4. Ploumanac’h

• Region: Brittany; two hours from Rennes
• Winner of 2015

For generations, visitors have been enchanted by the allure of Brittany’s Pink Granite Coast. The shoreline, shaped by dramatic tides, is dotted with stunning boulders and rock formations alongside sandy beaches. At the heart of this picturesque landscape lies the port village of Ploumanac’h. Notable landmarks include the iconic lighthouse, a historic tide-operated mill, and the legendary island oratory dedicated to Saint-Guirec, a Welsh monk who evangelized the area in the 7th century and was later canonized. From this point, boat trips set sail for the Sept-Îles, an archipelago that serves as a vital sanctuary for migratory birds like puffins and northern gannets. Spring and summer are the prime seasons for birdwatching.

5. Rochefort-en-Terre

• Region: Brittany; 80 minutes from Rennes
• Winner of 2016

Situated about 20 miles from the coast, this quaint village of 700 residents showcases a different facet of Brittany. While the village itself dates back to the 12th century, a new legacy began in the early 20th century when American artist Alfred Klots fell in love with Rochefort and made it his home, restoring a dilapidated castle. In 1907, he initiated an annual window box competition, transforming Rochefort into a vibrant city of geraniums, with the granite facades of Renaissance homes adorned in brilliant colors. A key event on the cultural calendar is the annual Christmas lighting display, attracting visitors from across France.

6. Kaysersberg

• Region: Alsace; 1 hour from Strasbourg
• Winner of 2017

With stork nests, vine-covered hills, and vibrant half-timbered houses lining the River Weiss, Kaysersberg presents the classic image of Alsace, also located on the Route des Vins. Dominated by the ruins of a strategic 13th-century castle, Kaysersberg is home to the renowned hotel-restaurant Le Chambard, where the beloved TV host Anthony Bourdain passed away. Here, chef Olivier Nasti runs a Michelin two-star restaurant alongside a cozy winstub, a traditional brasserie.

7. Cassel

• Region: Hauts-de-France; 1 hour from Lille
• Winner of 2018

Tracing its roots back to the Iron Age, this fortified hilltop village has weathered centuries of geopolitical conflict. Located at the junction of ancient Roman roads in Gaul, Cassel was plundered by Vikings in 880 and later became a valuable prize in the 17th-century wars between France and Spain. Today, Cassel offers a deep dive into Flemish culture, situated near the Belgian border. The Grand’Place is lined with brick gabled houses, estaminets serve traditional dishes like carbonnade flamande (a beer-infused beef stew), and the carnival features spectacular street parades of “giants” crafted from papier-mâché, wood, and fabric.

8. Saint-Vaast-la-Hougue

• Region: Normandy; 30 minutes from Cherbourg
• Winner of 2019

Often compared to Ireland, the rugged Cotentin Peninsula features wind-swept moors cascading down rocky cliffs into the English Channel. This coastal fishing village, home to 2,000 residents, boasts one of the largest yacht marinas in Normandy. Known for its oyster farming and 17th-century towers, which are part of the UNESCO-listed fortifications designed by Vauban, the military engineer of Louis XIV. At low tide, you can walk across the oyster beds to reach Tatihou Island just offshore.

9. Hunspach

• Region: Alsace; 45 minutes from Strasbourg
• 2020 winner

The enchanting region of Alsace secured its third title of 'favorite village' when Hunspach was honored during the peak of the COVID pandemic. Nestled near the German border and the scenic Vosges regional natural park, Hunspach radiates authenticity, with its central area recognized as a historic monument by the French government. Since the Middle Ages, the color of the shutters on the half-timbered houses has signified the type of artisan residing within. Don’t miss exploring Kelsch’ Idée boutique for kelsch, the traditional linen and cotton fabric.

10. Sancerre

• Location: Centre-Val de Loire; 90 minutes from Orléans
• 2021 winner

For many, Sancerre embodies the crisp white wine of the Loire Valley. This medieval town, perched on a rocky promontory overlooking the Loire River, provides stunning views of endless vineyards. (The sight from the top of the Tour des Fiefs is breathtaking.) Be sure to visit the 15th-century Maison Jacques Cœur, the village’s oldest residence, which was once the home of King Charles VII’s royal advisor.

11. Bergheim

• Location: Alsace; 40 minutes from Strasbourg
• 2022 winner

The vibrant window boxes brimming with flowers and the softly colored houses may seem like a scene from a fairy tale, but Bergheim's history is far darker. Between 1582 and 1630, 40 women were accused of witchcraft and executed by fire—this chilling past is recounted at the Maison des Sorcières (Witches’ House). Today, this picturesque Alsatian village resembles a film set, surrounded by medieval walls. You can traverse the outer path on the one-hour walking trail known as the “Circuit des remparts,” linking the nine towers of Bergheim. Another trail, enriched with informative signs, invites you to explore the surrounding vineyards.