Ah, France! The land of baguettes, berets, and… hidden gems? That’s right! While Paris and the French Riviera steal the spotlight, the heart of authentic France beats quietly in its hidden villages. Did you know that France has over 30,000 villages, each with its own unique charm? It’s time to ditch the tourist traps and dive into the real France! In this article, I’ll take you on a journey through the 7 best hidden villages that promise truly authentic French experiences in 2024. Get ready to fall in love with France all over again!
Why Choose Hidden Villages for Authentic French Experiences?
Have you ever been to Paris and waited in line 2 hours to be able to admire the city from the top of the Eiffel Tower? I did! And it was great! But I found that escaping the crowds and the tourists traps in Paris, while immersing yourseld in the geniune French culture and traditions hits different! I moved to France 10 years ago. I first came with an Erasmus scholarship in a city called Clermont-Ferrand of which I have never heard a word before! I was young, I did not even search it on google before coming! (… yup!) But you know what? I found such a warmth and local hospitality! This is the beauty of “la region” (the part of France which is not Paris, as the parisians call it). You get to discover untouched natural beauty and historic architecure, savor authentic regional cuisines and wines and be part of the French life.
If you feel like reading more, I completly recommend you the Rick Steves France guide ! It has a really large range of travel hacks and hidden gems, local tips and does a really good job in helping you how to make the most of your time and money while travelling in France. You can find it here. And of course another great one, you might know is Lonely Planet! I just absolutely love it !
To help you make the most of your journey, I’ve included a few affiliate links to products I personally recommend. If you choose to purchase through these links, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. It’s a win-win – you get the best gear for your trip, and I get to keep sharing travel stories and tips! Let’s get started on this French adventure.
Top 7 Hidden Villages in France for 2024
I have selected 7 of the best villages in central and southern France based on their location, architecture, activities to do in and around, facility to access and of course, personal preference. France has so many beautiful places, you would need a lifetime to be able to see them all. That said, obviously there are many other great villages, but from my point of view, these are the best !
Visiting these would mean not only taking part of the cultural experience that France offers, while taking a peak back in the past, but also indulging in the local cuisine, getting lost on the tiny streets or within medieval castles. All of these have what it takes to transport you right into a fairy tale ! Wheter you are searching for fancy dining, a local hike or a kayaking experience on the “valley of the five castles”, I got you covered! Let’s dive in !
Collioure, Occitanie: Where the Pyrenees Meet the Mediterranean
I bet you heard about Nice, Ville-Franche or Menton. But have you heard about Collioure? This picturesque harbour has inspired famous artists with its colorful houses and incredibly beautiful stone architecture. The old town of Collioure, dating back to medieval times, charms visitors with its colorful streets and historic buildings, offering stunning views of the Mediterranean, with the best part being its vibrant atmosphere and the iconic Château Royal, built in the 13th century.
Being close to the Spain border, this place it’s special as you get to experience a mix of french and catalan culture and traditions. Along with the local anchovy industry and seafood specialities, wine tasting in Collioure is a real treat! The Collioure AOC wines, made from vineyards clinging to sun-drenched hillsides, pack bold flavors with reds full of fruity spice and crisp, refreshing whites and rosés. It’s like sipping the Mediterranean sunshine in every glass!
The not to miss experience here is the walk of the “Sentier du litoral”, a beautiful coastal trail that connects Collioure to Argelès-sur-Mer, offering stunning views of the sea, cliffs, and hidden beaches along the way. It’s the perfect route for a peaceful walk with plenty of spots to stop and take in the incredible Mediterranean scenery.
Rocamadour, Occitanie: Clinging to Cliffs and Tradition
Rocamadour is an architectural and historical masterpiece. This whole village was built on a cliff! The views change with each step, and you discover narrow streets, stone houses, and impressive sanctuaries that seem to cascade down the cliff, giving the village a fairytale-like appearance. It’s a unique fusion of history and nature, with a breathtaking view at every turn.
The most important tip here is to start the walk from the upper side and go down. There is an elevator for those in need, it saves time and energy, BUT if you are able to do the walk, I wouldn’t miss it for anything in the world !
Rocamadour is filled with local artisans, there are a lot of boutiques and galleries to discover, different churches to visit, natural places (such as the “Steps of the cross” to discover). Rocamadour has been a key pilgrimage site since the 12th century, drawing visitors for its religious significance and the famous Black Madonna, believed to have healing powers. Perched on cliffs, the village’s chapels and the Basilica of Saint-Sauveur are part of the Way of St. James. For centuries, pilgrims have come here seeking spiritual solace, miracles, and blessings, making it a place rich in faith and history.
While you visit Rocamadour, be sure not to miss the Monkey Forest ! Just like Bali’s Monkey Forest, Rocamadour has its own chimpanzee sanctuary. Visiting Rocamadour is full of surprises! Who would have thought you’d find a monkey forest right in the heart of the Lot region?
Gordes, Provence: A Stone Jewel in Lavender Fields
If hilltop villages are your thing, you are in the right place! Gordes really is the type of village you would imagine when you read a book about traditional France. This place is the heaven of local markets and artisanal crafts. A great base to visit the neaby lavender fields and the “Notre-Dame de Sénanque” Abbey. The views are amazing, as the accomodation options. Best tip for the accomodation? Do not take a hotel within the village if you want THAT view from your room. You should rent a room facing Gordes. Check out Rue de Cavallion for the best location. Mas de la Baume is a really great recommendation in this area.
Once you are all set you can start exploring one of the best photography spots in France !
Carcassonne, Occitanie: A Fortified Fairy Tale
Carcassonne is an impressive fortress, a labyrinth of stone houses, cute shops and incredible artisan workshops. This medieval UNESCO World Heritage site has double walls and 53 towers! Walking around it you can feel it’s rich Cathar history and medieval warfare stories. As you well know, each region in France has it’s own cuisine and wine specialities. Here is my favourite ! (as I live here): the Occitan kitchen!
Here are some must-try dishes:
Cassoulet – A rich, slow-cooked casserole of white beans, duck, pork, and sausage.
Duck confit – A crispy, flavorful duck dish popular in Toulouse.The gâteau à la broche, a unique and delicious cake from the Pyrenees region of Occitanie. Traditionally cooked over an open flame, it’s made by pouring layers of batter onto a rotating cone-shaped spit, creating a cake with a spiky, tree-like appearance. The result is a sweet, buttery treat with a slightly crispy exterior and soft, moist layers inside. It’s often served at celebrations and is a true taste of the local tradition, combining both craftsmanship and flavor in every bite!Don’t forget to pair them with local wines like Gaillac or Corbières! And if you want to take the wine home with you, here’s a trick ! I found these bottle protection that are worth every penny ! Because after a long trip to the French countryside, your wine deserves to travel first-class too. It’s the only kind of baggage that gets home safely and still ages well!
If you are comming in summer you can envoy the sound and light shows that usually take place in July and August.
- Don’t miss the “Remparts and Lumieres” event, it’s a must! They do a great job to combine modern light art work with this incredible historical place. Check it out!
And least but not last, while in the Carcassonne area, be sure to take a boat trip on the Canal du Midi!
Cordes-sur-Ciel, Occitanie: A Village Touching the Sky
After Gordes, you might have fallen in love with villages that try to touch the sky. I understand, me too! So here is another one, and, the good news is you can visit it just after Carcassonne ! Cordes-sur-Ciel is a stunning hilltop location with beautiful panoramic views. I honestly can compare it to the italian country side, but here you speak and eat french! It has a well-preserved Gothic architecture and medieval history and lots of local artisanal crafts and artist workshops. The most beautiful part of this village is that it’s still inhabited all year long, so you can feel it’s life. The best time to come is in May, as all the roses are in bloom and the weather will be just perfect to make this climb. (Don’t worry, this is a small climb and if you need, there is a train to take you on the top!)
Cordes-sur-Ciel is surrounded by beautiful vineyards, especially from the Gaillac wine region, one of France’s oldest wine-producing areas. Just a short drive from the town, you’ll find family-run wineries offering tastings of their unique blends. Gaillac wines are known for their variety, including fruity reds, crisp whites, and the region’s famous sparkling wines (Gaillac Perlé). Many vineyards offer tours, giving visitors the chance to taste wines right at the source while learning about the region’s rich winemaking history and scenic landscapes.
Beynac-et-Cazenac, Dordogne: Castle Views and River Adventures
We are finally talking about my favourite! THIS is France, really. If you have never been to the Dordogne Valley, you need to pack your bags! Beynac-et-Cazenac has an imposing clifftop castle that overlooks the Dordogne River. We call this valley “La vallée des 5 châteaux” (The valley of the 5 castles) because there are 5 castles facing each other!! You heard me well, when you visit one of them you can see another.
This place is worth staying for a whole week, even more, there is SO much to see. (In fact I will make a post about it! be sure to subscribe to my emails or pinterest to be sure not to miss it!)
The best things to do in Beynac-et-Cazenac are
(of course) visiting the castle(s)enjoying the périgord cuisine and truffle experiencesslide down the Dordogne River in kayak or a boat tour (the best way to see the castles, in my opinion!). I selected the best here.
visit the nearby prehistoric caves and attractions, like the famous Lascaux IV cave. Lascaux IV brings to life the incredible story of the original Lascaux caves, accidentally discovered by four teenagers in 1940. The caves are filled with prehistoric paintings, dating back over 17,000 years, giving us a rare glimpse into the art and life of our ancient ancestors.You can buy your tickets here.
If you are looking for a great hotel stay, this one is incredible ! You get to stay at only from 5 minutes from the village, in a castle !! It has two gorgeous pools (one is adult only), amazing breakfast served inside of the castle or on the terrasse when the sun is up, and a excuisite restaurant on site. This is really a great spot to feel frenchy while in France! Reserve in advance for great price offers. This is the Domaine the Monrecour !
Saint-Cirq-Lapopie, Lot: A Medieval Gem on the Cliffs
Changing the river but not the ambiance! Saint-Cirq-Lapopie is an incredible perched village with views over the Lot River. It was voted “the most beautiful village in France” (so it’s not that hidden for the french!). It has, ofcourse, a rich medieval history and charming stone-built houses. Stroll around it’s artist studios and galleries, its local markets and tiny cobbled streets.
The best tip here is to make the short hike called “Chemin de halage” that starts at the parking Bouziès. From there you walk along the river through a path carved into the cliffs. Historically, it was used for towing boats upstream, with horses or people pulling barges along the river. Today, it’s a popular walking and cycling route, offering stunning views of the river, limestone cliffs, and surrounding nature. You will arrive in the village from the bottom, taking the views in, one by one!
Conclusion:
There you have it, fellow Francophiles! Our whirlwind tour of France’s best hidden villages for 2024 comes to an end, but your adventure is just beginning. From the fairytale streets of Gordes to the rugged beauty of Beynac-et-Cazenac, these hidden gems offer a slice of authentic French life that’s increasingly rare in our globalized world. So, pack your bags, brush up on your French, and prepare to fall head over heels for the real France. Who knows? You might just find yourself trading your beret for a set of village keys! Remember, the best experiences often lie off the beaten path – and in France, that path is paved with centuries of charm, culture, and joie de vivre. Bon voyage!
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What a great list of hidden villages, I have only visited Carcassonne! Would be great to check out Cordes-sur-Ciel on my next trip to France!
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