France has always been known for a wealth of culture, artistic ingenuity, and a rich history.
(And the wine. Let’s not forget about the wine.)
But more than anything, France is known for it's small, romantic towns. These small villages, communes, and towns are the heart of France, and where some of the most beautiful and magical things can be found.
Here are some small towns in France to experience authentic French life.
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Dômme, Dordogne
Domme is a picturesque village in the south of France, just above the Dordogne River. The village has warm and welcoming locals, beautifully lined streets, and incredible views of natural landscapes.
However, beyond the beautiful surface, Domme also has a fascinating cave system that lies just under the main square. The caves were used as a means of providing shelter to citizens of the village during wars, but it has since been converted to a tourist attraction, the Domme caves.
Chartres, Loire Valley
Towards the east of Loire Valley is where you’ll see Chartres, a town which has been famed for a massive cathedral. The Chartres Cathedral, which looks like something out of The Hunchback of Notre Dame, has gorgeous arches decorated with ornate carvings, with artistic ingenuity in every nook and cranny.
When you’re done at the Cathedral, take a stroll down the Eyre River, grab lunch at Le Café Serpente, or check out a show at the South Gate Theater. You can take a train from Paris and arrive in Chartres within an hour.
Grasse, Cannes
Known by many as the world’s capital of perfume, Grasse, is located a little north of the glamorous Cannes. The town is home to perfume makers like Parfumerie Galimard and Parfumerie Fragonard. You can take a tour, create your own perfume, and learn about the town's rich, sweet smelling history at Musée International de la Parfumerie.
If you're not into perfume, visit the Grasse Cathedral, go to Theatre of Grasse for a performance, or get dinner at the cozy, intimate La Fleur de Lys Debray Sylvain. The sweet, melodic smell (and memories) of the town will stay with you long after you leave.
Perros-Guirec, Brittany
Aspiring photographers who appreciate a little natural scenery should head to Perros-Guirec,, a town filled with sights hardly seen anywhere else in the world. The quaint seaside town is the definition of tranquility. With a vast amounts of beaches, beautiful coastal walkways and bird watching, this is definitely one of the best small towns in France to explore.
You can wander around the Ploumanac'h Lighthouse, visit the Marine Aquarium Trégastel, or take pictures at Parc des sculptures Christian Gad et Daniel Chhé, a local sculpture park featuring abstract and unique statues and designs.
Riquewihr, Ribeauvillé
If you're looking for wine, look no further than Riquewihr. Located on the Alsace Wine Route in eastern France, Riquewihr is perfect for a quiet weekend away. You can explore the cobbled streets, pop in and out of little shops, and drink at multiple wineries like Dopff et Irion, Armbruster Vignes Sarl, and Domaine Trapet Alsace.
You better spend the night.
Riquewihr, Riquewihr, Eastern France
Flavigny-sur-Ozerain, Côte-d'Or
When in France, don't forget to visit Flavigny-sur-Ozerain, the location for the 2000 film Chocolat. Explore the same streets as Vivianne and her daughter, walk down the Brenne River, or even the Crypt of the Abbey of Flavigny, if you're brave enough.
There's even a candy store, Anis de Flavigny, if you want to get some chocolates. Too on the nose?
Flavigny-sur-Ozerain, Côte-d'Or, Eastern France
Honfleur, Normandy
The small town of Honfleur offers color and vibrancy. Built originally as a trading town, this little area has undergone some transformation in the past century. It's known as a haven for impressionist painters. The art is visible among modern galleries and museums, such as the Eugene Boudin Museum.
It is a tourist town, so you will find a vast selection of little shops, cozy restaurants, artistic hotels and much more.
Honfleur, Normandy, Northern France
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