France, the land of romance and sophistication, is not only famous for its magnificent Paris or grand cities but also hides countless fascinating things in its charming small villages. Every year, the “Favorite Village of the French” (Le village préféré des français) competition organized by France 3 television channel, attracting millions of viewers, has helped introduce these hidden gems to the world. Join “Du lịch khắp thế gian” (Travel Around the World) to discover the hidden beauty and special charm of the small but famous villages in France.
Hérisson – Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes: A Historical Imprint
Nestled deep within the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, Hérisson is a village steeped in history. Visitors can explore the ruins of a 10th-century castle, admire ancient Roman relics, and village houses dating back to the 13th century.
Ruins of an ancient castle in Hérisson, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes
Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes is lesser-known to tourists, but it is a treasure trove of majestic natural landscapes and exquisite cheeses. Don’t miss the opportunity to savor local cuisine when visiting Hérisson.
Châteauneuf – Bourgogne-Franche-Comté: Medieval Beauty
Châteauneuf, a medieval village, frequently ranks among the most beautiful villages in France. Stone houses perched below a 12th-century castle create a scene that is both majestic and poetic.
Ancient castle viewed from the village of Châteauneuf, Bourgogne-Franche-Comté
Located in the renowned Burgundy wine region, Châteauneuf is also close to the beautiful Morvan Natural Park. This is an ideal destination for those who love exploring nature and enjoying fine wines.
Sancerre – Centre-Val-de-Loire: Kingdom of Wine
Sancerre is the heart of a world-famous wine region. The village sits on a hilltop, surrounded by 3,000 hectares of vineyards, and near the ruins of a medieval castle. Sancerre is famous for its white wine of the same name, with a distinctive regional flavor.
Expansive vineyards in Sancerre, Centre-Val-de-Loire, creating a picturesque landscape
Don’t forget to visit the House of Sancerre, a visitor center, to learn more about the wine-making process and taste local goat cheese, a perfect pairing with Sancerre wine.
Rocroi – Grand Est: Unique Star-Shaped Architecture
Rocroi, located right on the border with Belgium, stands out with its unique star-shaped architecture around a 17th-century fortress. It is one of the few villages in the world with such well-preserved star-shaped layout and fortifications.
Panoramic view of Rocroi village, Grand Est, showcasing its unique star-shaped architecture
Located in the Ardennes National Park, Rocroi is also very close to Belgium. Visitors can easily combine a trip to Rocroi with exploring Belgium and enjoying its famous beer and chocolate.
Long – Hauts de France: Fisherman’s Paradise
Long, a village in northern France, located by marshes, is known as a “fisherman’s paradise”. It is not only famous for its beautiful natural scenery but also home to one of France’s first hydroelectric plants.
Peaceful scenery in Long, Hauts de France
Samois-sur-Seine – Île-de-France: Romantic Getaway Near Paris
Samois-sur-Seine is an ideal option for a day trip from Paris. This village borders the Fontainebleau forest and was once home to famous writers such as Châteaubriant, Alfred de Musset, and George Sand.
Samois-sur-Seine, a romantic village along the Seine River
Located on the banks of the Seine, Samois-sur-Seine offers visitors the opportunity to enjoy beautiful natural scenery with a glass of wine.
Villerville – Normandy: Seaside Charm
Villerville, a small fishing village perched on cliffs in Normandy, has a unique and captivating charm. Although not as famous as neighboring towns like Deauville and Honfleur, Villerville still attracts visitors with its tranquility and stunning landscapes.
Villerville, a charming small village by the Normandy coast
Villerville was once a favorite destination for many artists, including musician Gabriel Fauré, singer Mistinguett, and playwright Georges Feydeau. If you are a fan of classic French films, you might recognize Villerville as the setting for the movie “Un Singe en hiver” (A Monkey in Winter).
Domme – Nouvelle Aquitaine: Fortified Village with Magnificent Caves
Domme, a 13th-century fortified village on the Dordogne River, not only boasts well-preserved fortifications but also the largest caves in the region with an impressive collection of stalactites and stalagmites.
Domme, an ancient village with sturdy fortifications
Auvillar – Occitanie: River Trade Heritage
Auvillar, in the 19th century, was an important river trading post. The village boasts many impressive historical buildings, including the houses of ship captains in the village center.
Auvillar, a village with a river trade heritage
Auvillar is also a stop on the Santiago de Compostella pilgrimage route. Visitors can see pilgrims passing through the village on their way to Spain.
Fresnay-sur-Sarthe – Pays de la Loire: Gateway to Natural Park
Fresnay-sur-Sarthe forms one of the “gateways” to the Normandie-Maine Natural Park. It is an ancient fortified village, originally a town built on hemp trading. It also has a 9th-century castle.
Fresnay-sur-Sarthe, the gateway to Normandie-Maine Natural Park
Small but famous villages in France are not only attractive tourist destinations but also cultural and historical treasures. Each village has its own beauty, its own story, waiting for visitors to discover. Let “Du lịch khắp thế gian” (Travel Around the World) accompany you on your journey to explore the hidden beauty of France!
Whether you are a lover of history, culture, cuisine, or simply want to find a peaceful place to relax, the charming small villages of France will surely not disappoint you. So what are you waiting for? Plan your trip today and discover these hidden gems!