After discovering the village where Belle lives in Beauty and the Beast was a film set and not an actual place, I was left pretty disappointed. But worry not, these picturesque villages in France will fulfil all your fairytale wants!
Conques
Located in the Aveyron department, the charming village of Conques is perched above a river gorge surrounded by mountains and forests. The original town walls survive in the centre of the town, closing in the cobbled streets and medieval housing, 3000 people lived here in the 13th century!
Eguisheim
Situated on a wine trail, there are many good reasons to add Eguisheim on your bucket list. This pretty Alsace village is close to the French/German border and is built with streets arranged in concentric circles all around its castle. Visitors can lose themselves in narrow streets lined with colourful half timbered houses before sitting down for a bite to eat in the central square, complete with majestic fountain and Saint-Léon-IX chapel.
Najac
A beautiful village surrounded by green forests, you would be forgiven if you thought Najac was just a painting in a Disney movie, but I’m pleased to say this place really does exist!
Boasting a 14th century fountain, plenty of ancient housing and of course a once royal castle, Najac is set along a ridge above a bend in the Aveyron River where you can enjoy swimming and canoeing.
Annecy
Built right on the shores of Europe’s cleanest lake, the small town of Annecy is an explosion of colour and charm. Walking around the old town is a delightful experience before taking a boat trip on Lac d’Annecy.
Locronan
It might not be brimming in multicoloured buildings but that doesn’t make Locronan in Brittany any less spectacular. Nestled in the Breton countryside, the village is exceptionally handsome and offers views across the verdant landscape all the way to the sea!
Colmar
Even more colourful than nearby Strasbourg, Colmar in Alsace is one of the most beautiful towns in Europe. Cobblestone streets run between half timbered houses and the canal, with each house blooming in floral delight in summer, then becoming a Christmas wonderland in winter!
Turenne
Boasting a rich Medieval past, the village of Turenne is officially listed as one of the most beautiful villages in France. Built around an elegant castle the village lays bear remarkable evidences of its historic background.
Saint-Paul-de-Vence
Occupying a very enviable corner of Provence, Saint-Paul-De-Vence looks like it’s been plucked straight out of a storybook. Set above the surrounding landscape, the village is the perfect getaway for a romantic weekend.
Mont-Saint-Michel
Mont Saint Michel is no secret in the UK, situated in the England Channel just off the north coast of France, most British school kids will have visited on a school trip. On the border of Brittany and Normandy, Mont Saint Michel is sometimes an island and sometimes connected to the mainland, dependent on the tide. At the top of the island sits and ancient monastery, making this a site of pilgrimage for many centuries.
Montrésor
The Loire Valley is famous for its historic French chateaus and the village of Montrésor is no different. Revolving around the Château de Montrésor, the village has a real air of magic about it.
