Annecy, often called the "Venice of the Alps," is frequently cited as one of the most charming towns in France due to its stunning turquoise lake,16th-century old town canals, and Alpine backdrop. Other top contenders include the hilltop village of Gordes in Provence, the fairytale village of Riquewihr in Alsace, and the riverside gem La Roque-Gageac.
Riquewihr. This enchanting village, among the most beautiful in France, is nicknamed the land of fairy tales and inspired Walt Disney's film Beauty and the Beast. Concealed within a double circle of walls is one of Alsace's most charming jewelled villages, Riquewihr.
It's an exceptional holiday destination worthy of spending a few days there. Between peaceful beaches and spectacular cliffs, colourful ports and lush countryside, the island offers a rich mosaic of landscapes.
10 Most Beautiful Small Towns to Visit in France 2026 🇫🇷 | France Travel Video
What is the nicest seaside town in France?
There's no single "nicest" town, as it depends on your preference, but top contenders include the glamorous Saint-Tropez, historic Antibes, elegant Biarritz, charming Cassis, and traditional Villefranche-sur-Mer, with Brittany's Saint-Malo offering a unique walled city experience, and the sunny west coast's Saint Jean de Monts great for families.
Cap d'Agde (French pronunciation: [kap daɡd]) is a seaside resort on France's Mediterranean coast. It is located in the commune of Agde, in the Hérault department within the region of Occitanie.
Brittany boasts miles of dramatic coastline marked with countless coves, rugged rocks and splendid beaches. While Normandy has is a striking and wonderfully old fashioned feel characterised by craggy granite coastline, quiet villages and unspoilt countryside.
Nestled between Lyon and Grenoble in southeastern France, Saint-Antoine-l'Abbaye is famed for its Gothic abbey, cobblestone streets, and centuries-old stone houses.
The medieval gem was recently crowned "The Favorite Village of the French."
It's home to the James Scott Memorial Fountain, the Anna Scripps Whitcomb Conservatory, the Belle Isle Aquarium, the Ralph Wilson Gateway (which serves as the official southern trailhead for Michigan's Iron Belle Trail), a golf course and many more cultural and natural attractions.
I've stayed in both and each is nice for different reasons. Beaune is smaller and closer to the vineyards, so if you will have a car and want to see the wine villages Beaune may be best. Dijon is larger and better connected to public transport so if you won't have a car that may be better.
