France has the privilege of being one of the most visited countries in the world. It is the fault of Paris, its capital, which with the Eiffel Tower as its flag attracts those who want to take a ‘selfie’ at the foot of such a monument full of history.
Fortunately there is much more to visit. For example, the most beautiful towns in the country, which, as you can see, deserve our full attention.
1- Riquewihr
In the department of Haut-Rhin, in the Alsace region, just over 1,000 people have become used to receiving tourists who come wanting to enjoy its beauty. The Second World War did it a lot of damage, but it still stands as a walled town that does not allow the entry of cars and that invites you to see buildings such as the Dolder tower, which dates back to the 13th century and is about 25 meters high.
2- Bayeux
It is a town in the Normandy region that barely has 14,000 inhabitants. He is known for the 11th century tapestry that bears his name, but Bayeux is also spoken of as the first city liberated by the Allies after the famous Normandy landings in 1944. That makes for a mix of modern and ancient architecture that captures quickly the attention of those who visit it.
3- Cassel
It is in the Nord-Pas de Calais region and has a population of less than 2,500 inhabitants. From the top of its hill, where there is certainly a beautiful 18th century mill, it is possible to contemplate the beauty of the place. Equally recommended is to parade through the Great Cobbled Plaza and get lost among its oldest houses.
4- Ăze
When I spoke of the most beautiful villages on the CĂ´te d’Azur, I could not forget about Ăze, which can also be considered one of the most prominent in France. If you move through Cannes or Nice, you should stop and climb to the top of the town, which is 1,400 meters above sea level. That in itself is a claim, since it offers privileged views of the Mediterranean Sea .
5- Gordes
This other town is also on the CĂ´te d’Azur , although it is not bathed by the sea like Eze. It is at an altitude of 370 meters and it is romantic like few others, which is why many artists have decided to spend a season there in search of the inspiration that is so difficult to find in the big city. Its lavender fields are a gift for the sight and for the smell.
6- Dinan
Just over 10,000 people live in this town located in the Brittany region. Dinan has a lot to offer to those who visit it, such as a gastronomic offer that captivates from the first moment: crepes, white wine, oysters … After eating, nothing better than strolling through its cobbled streets and breathing the medieval atmosphere that still resides in this town considered as Ville d’art et d’histoire since 1984.
Rochefort-en-Terre
Its history as Petite CitĂŠ de CaractĂŠre dates back to the 20th century, which is when a French-born American named Alfred Klotz bought the village’s old castle. This castle is open to the public and not only serves to display his paintings, but also exhibits on rural life in Brittany, which is where Rochefort-en-Terre is based. The town does not even reach 1,000 inhabitants and its houses are a kind of architectural potpourri , as there are rustic wooden houses that are mixed with Renaissance mansions and 19th century country houses.
Cluny
It is known for the Abbey of Cluny, which is precisely what gave the town its name. Its monastery from the 10th century is a tourist attraction for those visiting the Burgundy region, although the green fields that complete an idyllic landscape are not far behind.
Vouvant
If you want to surround yourself with nature and breathe clean air, Vouvant is one of the best options in Gallic territory for the simple reason that it is located at the northern end of a forest. It is in the VendĂŠe department and its population does not reach 1,000 inhabitants, something that speaks for itself of the tranquility that is breathed there. In addition, you will also like to know that there is a 14th century bridge that crosses the Loire River and that preserves its original walls.
Porquerolles
Porquerolles is another of the jewels of the CĂ´te d’Azur. It is a town and an island located in the Ăles d’Hyères archipelago, in the Provence-Alpes-CĂ´te d’Azur region. Just over 200 inhabitants live there, so the tourists who visit it do so in search of sun, beach and relaxation.
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