It’s not all about the bright lights and big cities. France boasts some of the most picturesque and delightful small towns anywhere on earth. Here are just a few examples:
Roussillon
Some destinations are well-known for their connection to something and Roussillon is known for the fact that it sits on top of the world’s biggest deposits of ochre. The mineral has a distinctive reddish shade which is seen in the nearby cliffs and in the materials used to make the buildings there.
Amiens
Around an hour north of Paris, here you’ll find an awe-inspiring Gothic cathedral. The architecture is well-worth a visit on its own, but another big draw is the floating gardens that you can visit on small boats that travel the canals surrounding the town.
Cluny
A major attraction of Cluny is the monastery that dates back to the 10th century. The town is named after this monastery, the Cluny Abbey and it sits among the beautiful green farmland of the attractive countryside of the Burgundy region. Find your own slice of French living with Property for sale in France at http://www.frenchpropertysearch.com/
Chamonix
You don’t just need to head here in winter, it’s beautiful even without the snow. It is close to Mont Blanc thus making it a well-known skiing resort and climbing centre. You’ll discover incredible panoramic views of the mountain and quaint slant-roofed chalets.
Annecy
Often referred to as the ‘Venice’ of the region, this Alpine lakeside town offers picture-postcard beauty with its hillsides and canals that wind their way through the streets of the town, complete with adorable stone bridges.
Vouvant
Situated on the edge of a forest, the town has a fairy tale atmosphere that makes you feel as if you’ve gone back in time. The small town still has some original fortified walls and a bridge that dates back to the 1300s crossing the Loire River as it cuts through the town.
Bayeux
Famed for the tapestry that shares its name, Bayeux has a claim to fame from more recent history too. Bayeux was the first liberated town after the Allies landed on Normandy Beach in 1944. Here you’ll find both a Norman-Gothic Cathedral and a minimalist, sombre but respectful cemetery to those who dies in WWII.
Eze
If you crave the Riviera but don’t want the crowds, head to Eze for some of the most jaw-droppingly beautiful views across the Mediterranean from the hillside location of the town, some 1,400 feet above sea level.
Porquerolles
A lesser-known gem on the Cote d’Azur, the Ile de Porquerolles is an island paradise where cars aren’t allowed, only blissful peace and relaxation.
Colmar
Another destination known as ‘Little Venice’ thanks to its myriad of small canals that meander past pastel-coloured homes. It is so stunning that it people believe it served as the model and inspiration for Belle’s village in the Disney movie Beauty and the Beast.
