Some French hamlets are so attractive they qualify for entry into a very exclusive club. Take a tour around our pick of the prettiest villages in France
Stunning scenery
Throw a dart at a map of France and you’ll probably hit a beautiful village. Whether that particular commune is a member of the prestigious association of villages known as Les Plus Beaux Villages de France depends on a set of strict requirements. In order to gain membership, the village must have fewer than 2000 inhabitants, possess at least two protected characteristics including monuments and heritage sites, and “demonstrate collective motivation for the candidacy project”. It’s no wonder the label is only applied to the crème de la crème of destinations.
Although each of the 157 members has its own charm, you can generally expect sun-soaked, ochre-hued villages encircled with some of the most awe-inspiring French countryside. Lauze rooftops rest sleepily atop traditional stonework houses that line cobblestone streets, while rivers often run below and cliffs loom above. There is food, drink, art, hiking and more to be explored on a caravan tour to these places – so where to start?
1 Beynac-et-Cazenac
What makes it special?
Seeming to spring from the cliffs of the Dordogne Valley, this village is straight out of a fairytale. The area’s earliest settlements date back to the Bronze Age, while today, it is home to one of the best-preserved castles in the region, the Château de Beynac. Its medieval turrets and towers soar above the valley, offering views of the endless greenery and distant neighbouring villages.
In the summer months, Beynac-et-Cazenac comes alive with celebrations of music, dance and opera, while early autumn offers a cooler and more peaceful setting for exploring.
Top things to do
Visitors are ideally placed to make the most of the Dordogne river meandering past the village, with kayaks, boat tours and river cruises all available from local vendors. History buffs can step back in time in the Eglise Notre-Dame de L’Assomption and Eglise Saint-Martial de Cazenac, the village’s beautiful 12th-century churches.
Where to stay
Camping Le Capeyrou Highlights Swimming pool; view of the Château de Beynac; onsite bar Distance 10-minute walkcampinglecapeyrou.com
2 La Roque-Gageac
A beautiful setting
As well as enjoying a gorgeous location, in which it sprawls upwards from the waterfront into the cliffs of the Dordogne Valley, this Plus Beaux Village also benefits from the mighty river. Cruise the water or ramble through the maze of streets, stopping
