After the French Revolution France Was Left

Due eastveryone should see Paris at least once in their life, merely as French tourism goes, information technology’s only the kickoff. I of the fundamental sins of travel is limiting your itinerary to capital cities lone, and in that location’s no amend identify to venture out into the countryside than French republic, home to villages so quaint they wait like they were ripped straight out of a fairytale. From medieval towns to artisan communities, these adorable French villages will have you itching to travel to France — without feeling the need to terminate in Paris.

one. Eguisheim, Alsace

Eguisheim, a stop on the Alsatian wine route, is the perfect choice for anyone with a weakness for Riesling or a soft spot for enchanting scenery. The hamlet itself has all the storybook charms yous’d expect of a pocket-size French boondocks: narrow streets lined with half-timbered houses grown over by vines; a few shops and restaurants offering meats, cheeses, and other local goods; and a thousand-year-old history represented in its many celebrated sites. Of course, we’re not the start to dub this village i of French republic’s finest: In 2013, it was voted the Favorite French Village by the French themselves, so you know it’due south pretty spectacular.

two. Saint-cirq Lapopie, Lot

A member of Les Plus Beaux Villages de France, an association dedicated to recognizing the most beautiful villages in the country, Saint-cirq Lapopie has a dramatic cliffside location overlooking the Lot river and a rich history tracing dorsum to the Middle Ages. If you similar to walk long distances, you tin visit Saint-cirq Lapopie every bit part of the Santiago de Compostela pilgrimage route that passes through France. But exist sure to spend at least plenty time in town to take in the views from the castle.

three. Kerhinet, Loire-Atlantique

There’due south null more endearing than a thatched-roof cottage except an unabridged village comprised of thatched-roofed cottages with a strict no-cars-immune policy. That’south exactly what you’ll find in Kerhinet, an adorable village and open-air museum in the Loire Valley. Restored by the Brière Regional Nature Park, this tiny town hosts a full of 18 rock cottages, including the Chaumiere des Saveurs et Artisanat (Season and Craft House), which is run by local craftsmen selling everything from artwork and jewelry to locally harvested salt, cider, and other artisan goods. If you visit during the summer, don’t miss out on sampling the regional cuisine at the weekly Thursday market.

4. Assignan, Hérault

If in that location’s anywhere in France that gets equally much press as Paris, information technology has to be the s. Certain, ritzy cities like Cannes and Saint-Tropez become most of the attention, merely the entire southern coast is brimful in natural beauty, historical value, and food and wine scenes well worth checking out. Assignan is no exception, especially since Village Castigno fix and turned the village into a colorful retreat for gourmands and vino lovers. Nearby, yous’ll notice vineyards spread across the countryside connected by clay roads you lot can meander down via scooter or wheel while taking in eyefuls of greenery. Wine tasting is an obvious draw to the area, but you’ll also find traditional bistros and subcontract-to-table restaurants in town where you tin pair delectable recipes with some of the finest vintages in all of France.

5. Noyers sur Serein, Bourgogne

Noyers sur Serein is a cluster of medieval architecture, one-half-timbered houses, and cobblestone streets. The hamlet hosts renowned truffle fairs every November, during which the locally sourced delicacies draw buyers from all over the country. Situated on the River Serein not far from white-wine-hub Chablis, the village’south city middle dates back to the 15th century and has hardly been updated since, so wandering around feels a piffling bit like traveling back to a simpler time. There are more than 50 historic sites in boondocks, and y’all’ll likewise discover notable landmarks like the Abbey of Fontenay just outside the village.

6. Estaing, Aveyron

If postcard-worthy villages tucked away at the base of operations of Gothic fortresses amidst rolling hills aren’t your thing, stay far, far abroad from Estaing. And if the idea of filling your days with castle views, bridge walks, and riverside picnics sounds tedious to you lot, avoid this village at all costs. The iconic stone span with its wrought-iron detailing was designated a UNESCO Globe Heritage Site in 1998 for its historic value as office of the Santiago de Compostela route. Other notable sites in Estaing include the 15th-century castle overlooking the village, the Renaissance-style houses peppering the city middle, and the Church of Saint-Fleuret, which features intricate stonework, stained-glass, and houses a handful of impressive artwork.

7. Rochefort-en-Terre, Bretagne

This village in northwestern France is 1 of the most pop spots in Brittany, which comes as little surprise given how pretty it is. Granite houses dressed in geraniums and other bright flowers can be found around every corner, so it often looks like the unabridged village is in blossom. Beyond touring the Château de Rochefort-en-Terre, y’all’ll as well savor the cute cardinal square, 16th-century Church building of Notre-Matriarch-de-la-Tronchaye, and the Naia Museum, which is located on the castle grounds and hosts more than 200 pieces of mostly modern art.