The Most Beautiful Villages in Southwest France
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In this month’s blog, our resident friend in SW France, Beth, highlights some of the most stunning towns and villages in her beautiful region. From medieval hamlets on sunny hillsides to flower-draped squares filled with local life, these ‘Plus Beaux Villages’ and hidden gems showcase France’s timeless charm. Whether you’re dreaming of a slow-paced escape or simply enjoy soaking in cobblestone streets, Beth’s selection will transport you to the heart of Occitanie.
The Charm of French Villages
“One of the most attractive features of our corner of France is the villages. Many are old – I mean really old – some dating back to the Middle Ages and even earlier. A few cling to cliff edges, others perch on hilltops touching the sky, while most are tucked into the fertile countryside of the Tarn-et-Garonne. And some are teeny. Ours, for example, has just 125 souls – a miniature jewel sparkling in the landscape. It could never be described as a nightlife hotspot, but it’s home. And, like its bigger brothers, it shares two key features that define the typical French village.
The Typical French Village
Every village belongs to a commune. Roughly speaking, this is the French equivalent of a British parish, the smallest unit of local government. At its heart is the Mairie (town hall), run by the maire (mayor) and a small council. They receive funds from the département to manage village activities, including external care of verges, floral arrangements, borders, memorials and roadsides. The salle des fêtes (the village hall used for community events) is maintained, as are the Mairie environs.
But villages don’t look neat and pretty just because of the Mairie. Local homeowners genuinely care, possessing a French fierté communale – that deep-rooted pride in making one’s village sparkle.
Villes et Villages Fleuris de France
Such is their love of presentation that many communes participate in the Villes et Villages Fleuris (Towns and Villages in Bloom) competition. Launched in 1959 to encourage greener, prettier spaces, it’s free to enter, and more than 4,000 villages have earned recognition. Winners are entitled to display a sign with one to four flowers at the village entry points – and they do so with great pride.
Les Plus Beaux Villages de France
Among these, some villages shine even brighter. They may earn a place in the prestigious Les Plus Beaux Villages de France association, founded in 1982 by Charles Ceyrac, then mayor of Collonges-la-Rouge. His inspired idea was to help exceptional villages attract quality tourism while preserving their heritage.
To qualify, a village must have fewer than 2,000 inhabitants, at least two protected sites (historical or natural), and a charter promising to safeguard its heritage and welcome visitors. Today, 182 villages across several regions proudly bear the label, each offering a unique charm and a memorable experience.
What Sets These Villages Apart
All these Plus Beaux Villages are unique – different in style, history and character. We’re lucky enough to have several nearby.
Take Auvillar, perched above the River Garonne. Its history is tied to the river trade, with a toll recorded as early as the 13th century. Wandering its skinny cobbled lanes, medieval arcades, and marvelling at the circular grain market built in 1824 with elegant Tuscan columns, is endlessly interesting. We often visit, but my favourite time is during the Christmas night market when the medieval square comes alive with traders spreading their festive magic.
Then there’s Cordes-sur-Ciel in the Tarn department, one of the oldest bastides (fortified towns) in Occitanie. Founded in 1222 by Raymond VII, Count of Toulouse, it clings to the Puech de Mordagne ridge. Climbing from the base to the summit is quite a workout – as we discovered – but the views are utterly breathtaking. And the architecture is extraordinary. From sturdy 13th-century houses to extravagant 15th-century Gothic mansions, every turn in this remarkable village reveals a surprise. Cordes is also a place of legends carved in stone: alchemical symbols, strange beasts, scallop shells marking the St James Way, and whispers of the Cathars. It’s fascinating.
Among the many others we haven’t visited yet is the highly recommended Lagrasse, pictured. It’s another one of those gorgeous medieval stunners; this one nestling in a landscape of vineyards and hills in the Aude. Access to the village is via a bridge spanning the River Orbieu. The village features fifteen buildings listed as Historic Monuments, a magnificent 14th-century market hall and Charlemagne’s majestic abbey of Sainte Marie. With its thriving cafés and regular markets, it sounds like the perfect spot from which to enjoy a nourishing glass of Corbières wine.
The Best of the Best
In 2012, Stéphane BERN, a much-loved French-Luxembourgish television presenter, established a television programme to find the Favourite Village of the French. The idea behind his concept was for each region to enter a village that was emblematic of its culture. At the end of the presentations, the public is invited to vote online. As you’ll imagine, the programme quickly became incredibly popular. Many of the villages entered are also classified under the Plus Beaux Villages, and this year is no exception.
The winner of this year’s coveted award is Saint-Antoine-l’Abbaye, on the Isère and Drôme border. It’s one of those intriguing villages with a rich feudal and religious heritage. Its ancient, winding streets, half-timbered homes, and the old market hall are a testament to its glorious history. And at its summit is the abbey church, a Gothic jewel of the region, which has witnessed much throughout its thousand-year history.
A Long List of Places to Visit
There’s no doubt about it, each Plus Beau Village is a much-cherished treasure, preserving history, traditions, skills and stories. Together they form a living heritage at the heart of French culture. If you ever have a chance to visit one, please do. I’m sure you won’t be disappointed. We’re determined to explore them all. It’s a long list, but we’re keen to try, starting right here, in Occitanie!”
Thank you, Beth, for taking us on this journey through the most beautiful villages of southwest France. Beth’s right: each Beau Village is a treasure, a living piece of France’s unique heritage. Whether you’re planning a trip or simply dreaming from afar, we hope this article has sparked a little wanderlust.
For more stories from southwest France, check out Beth’s best-selling books and don’t forget to keep an eye on our guides and buying tips. À bientôt!
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