If, like me, you love those cute small towns in France you are in the right place. France is one of my favorite countries and the fairytale towns in France are some of the world’s best places to visit and photograph.
Choosing which to visit can be a challenge. Some of my absolute must-visit French countryside towns are Colmar, Rocamadour, and Lacoste, although this list includes many more.
So if you are looking for quaint villages in France that give Beauty and the Beast vibes to cute towns near Paris, I’ve got you covered.
So grab a glass of wine, take a seat, and let me walk you through my pics of the very best rural French towns.
Colmar
I love Colmar, if you are looking for somewhere that looks like Belle’s village in Beauty and the Beast this is it. Colmar is located in Alsace and is one of the most picturesque small towns in France.
I feel what makes Colmar such a unique French town to visit is that it was not always French. The town is located less than 25 km away from the German border and has switched ownership between the two countries many times. This has influenced both the architecture and food.
Make sure you visit Petite Venise or ‘Little Venice’ when here. I found this place stunning all candy-colored houses divided by canals. The old town is also fabulous and the 13th-century Dominican convent is a must-see.
It is one of the most beautiful towns in France to visit whatever the season. Whenever you go it always looks stunning.
Colmar Hotel is an affordable conveniently located and stylish hotel that is perfect for exploring.
Mont Saint Michel
Mont Saint Michel is one of the best French towns to visit if you are looking for something a little different. It is one of the most visited towns in France welcoming over 2.5 million people every year. It is truly one of the best old towns in Europe!
I love a good historic town and this one has buckets full of history. Walking down the La Grande Rue I felt like I was in my very own fairytale. Get there early or late though as it gets crowded.
Mont Saint Michel’s most popular attraction is the Abbaye du Mont-Saint-Michel, which houses the island’s 44 inhabitants. I also recommended exploring La-Chapelle-Saint-Aubert it’s a charming little chapel that is hidden along the beach, just make sure you are aware when the tide is in and out.
Auberge Saint Pierre is a wonderful place to stay on the island. It’s a 14th-century half-timbered house with all the period charm you could ask for.
Riquewihr
If you are looking for old towns in France with historic architecture this is the place for you. It’s also known for its great wines which is a bonus.
This is one of the small French villages that makes a great base for exploring the great outdoors as it’s surrounded by forests and mountains. One day you can explore the 16th-century meandering paths lined with colourful buildings and the next a vineyard or a picturesque hike.
For hiking the the Sentier Viticole des Grands Crus path takes in six surrounding villages and for wineries Hugel et Fils founded in 1639 is a must. .
This is one of the best small villages in France to visit for a little bit of everything.
Hôtel le Saint Nicolas is incredibly affordable, and it has the perfect location! It also looks like it’s stepped out of its very own fairytale.
Lacoste
Sitting on top of a hill in the Luberon region I adore this place. It’s a gorgeous medieval town with a difference.
The difference? Weill unlike most of the other small French villages this one hasn’t restored any of its buildings meaning it’s not overly fancy and no cars are allowed. For this reason, it also tends to not be as busy.
It’s historically untouched which for me adds such magic and mystery to it. The walls date from the 12th century and the castle ruins go back to the 16th century. Just outside the walls is Sainte Trophime, which is a historic church, and there is also a beautiful square tower.
This is one of the best towns to visit in France if you are looking for something a little different.
Le Clos des Lavandes is the only bed in breakfast in Lacoste. However, it’s affordable and has incredible views.
Villefranche Sur Mer
Coming from Florida I do love a good oceanfront village and Villefranche Sur Mer is one of them. It’s one of the best towns in France to visit if you love the beach.
The harbor here is one of the deepest natural harbors in the Mediterranean Sea. It’s the perfect place to swim, paddleboard, or just soak up the sun.
Villefranche also offers a beautiful Old Town, that is perfect for exploring. The 18th-century baroque-style St. Michel Church and Saint Elme Citadel, a stone fortress from the 16th century are my must-sees here.
Welcome Hotel has stunning views and an incredible wine bar. It’s a perfect location.
Rocamadour
Small French towns do not come any quirkier and picturesque in my opinion than Rocamadour. Why, you may ask? Oh, it’s only caved into a cliff!!!! Yep, that’s right, towers, churches, and oratories rise up the side of a cliff in stages, and it’s amazing.
I’d love to join the 600 people who call this place home even with all the steps ( there is an elevator if you need one). It gives Rivendale, Lord of the Rings vibes, and every time I go I half expect something magical to happen.
A UNESCO World Heritage Site it attracts over 1 million visitors a year it can get really busy during peak season. Places you must see include Grand Escalier, a series of 216 monumental steps that pilgrims would once climb on their knees, and the statue of the Black Madonna.
In the 13th century, Rocamadou was one of the most famous pilgrimage sites for Christians, and many still flock here.
I feel everyone needs to see this old village in France.Logis Hôtel Le Belvédère has a perfect location to explore the town and has an outdoor pool.
Honfleur
Located in the north of France, Honfleur is bursting with over 1,000 years of history. It is also one of the three small towns in France on this list that are by the ocean.
It’s one of those beautiful places full of cobbled streets and half-timbered houses. It’s also home to Saint Catherine’s Church the largest wooden church in France which is impressive when you think it was built in the 15th century.
My list of things to do here includes visiting the Naturospace, The Jardin des Personnalités, The Satie House and Museum, and The Eugène Boudin Museum.
One of the best small cities in France.
Ibis Styles Honfleur Centre Historique is a stylish and unique hotel in Honfleur located only 300 feet away from the port.
Carcassonne
Carcassonne is famous for the walls that surround it then what lies within it but in my opinion both are worth visiting. If there was even a place that looked like it stepped out of a fairy tale it would be this place.
Its famous walls have surrounded the citadel for centuries and have since been restored during the 19th century. Within the walls, the town is filled with winding alleys and romantic streets, that are perfect for strolling down.
Château Comtal and Ramparts are the centerpieces of Carcassonne. The walls and 52 towers go on for three kilometers around the town, take a tour if you can it’s amazing. Also visit the Basilica of Saints Nazarius and Celsus, which are both so unique.
I find this place so unique and mesmerizing and I’m sure you will too.
Located only 100 feet from the entrance to Carcassonne is Hôtel Montmorency & Spa. It has spectral views of the walls and towers and is modern and comfortable with an outdoor pool.
Annecy
This lake-side medieval town deserves to be on your list. The combination of lakes and mountains makes this one of the most stunning places to visit.
You will find pastel-colored houses, flower-lined winding canals, and cobbled streets all utterly charming. There are also 21 historic monuments in the town which will keep you exploring for a while.
This is one of the most romantic cute French towns. It is said that if a couple kiss on the Pont des Amours they will be together for life.
Atipik Hotel Alexandra is right at the entrance to the town and is reasonably priced and has a unique individual feel about it.
Roussillon
Thousands of visitors travel to Roussillon every year to see the unique red buildings which are made out of ochre. It’s an impressive site and well worth a visit.
What I love most about Roussillon is that it has an artsy and creative vibe, there are at least eight galleries within the center. It feels very freeing and joyous.
Bring your camera here believe me you will need it. You can also visit the nearby quarries on some trails that take between 30 -60 mins to get to. I didn’t do this but Ive heard it’s worth it.
Stay in one of these awesome red buildings at Hotel La Maison des Ocres. The hotel itself is very beautiful, and the rooms are all very stylish and comfortable.
Ribeauvillé
There are few places as photogenic as Ribeauvillé. It has a very Swiss/German feel to it with brightly colored painted timber houses, the most famous being the Elephant Inn with an elephant painted on it.
In the center of the town, right by Town Hall is the Winegrowers’ fountain, which was built in 1909 to show the importance of winegrowing in the town.
It’s one of the oldest medieval towns in the Alsace region and right in the middle of the wine region.
Hôtel De La Tour is the perfect base for exploring the surrounding town and is set in a former winery. It’s also in an incredibly picturesque location.
Bayeux
Located in the heartland of Normandy, Bayeux is one of the most beautiful small towns in northern France and carries a rich historical and cultural heritage. Known for its medieval architecture and the world-famous Bayeux Tapestry, this town is more than just a pretty face.
While the Bayeux tapestry might be the main attraction, there’s a lot more to this picturesque town. The Gothic-style Bayeux Cathedral, the Bayeux War Cemetery, and the Botanical Gardens are well worth a visit.
Hôtel De Brunville & Spa is just 400 meters from Bayeux Cathedral and has an outdoor pool, it is modern and has all the amenities you will need.
Here are some more things to do in Northern France while you are there.
Saumur
Saumur is one of the best small towns in the south of France. In the Loire Valley, I think it’s an absolute must-visit place. It’s famous for its delicious wines, fairy-tale châteaux, and astonishing natural beauty.
It is full of history, surrounded by nature, and also has a great arts and culture center. My must-sees in Samur are the iconic Saumur Château and the Musée des Blindés and if you can do a winery tour do so the caves of Saumur are known for the storage and maturation of exquisite wines.
I also highly recommend a boat trip along the Loire River its honestly wonderful
The Hôtel Anne d’Anjou overlooks the river and has a view of the chateaux. It is close to the center and is simply stunning.
Sceaux
If you are looking for small towns near Paris then may I suggest Sceaux. It has all the ambiance and charm you could ask for and is just 10 km away from the capital.Here are some more beautiful places to visit in Paris while you are in the area.
It is best known for its 17th-century chateaux Château de Sceaux which you absolutely must visit. The Parc de Sceaux that surrounds the chateaus is so impressive. Bring your camera here you will need it.
Sceaux also has a buzzing market which if you can I highly suggest you visit. The arts scene here is also pretty impressive with theatre and musical festivals.
Ibis Styles Sceaux is surrounded by a 180-hectare park and is just 20 minutes away from the capital.
If you love castles and chateaux here are some of the best castles in France.
When deciding which French towns to travel to, all of the options can be overwhelming. They are all so beautiful, and unique, and all look like they belong in a fairytale.
I hope this list has helped you decide which to visit. I hope you have an amazing time and come back and tell me about it.
Wondering when is the best time to visit, Paris I’ve got you.
