10 TOP BEAUTIFUL VILLAGES

Les Plus Beaux Villages de France

There are thousands of villages of varying sizes in France. Some you drive through and leave with the impression that no-one lives there. Others compel you to stop by their undeniable beauty and charm; they may not be large or even on the tourist trail, but each has a hallmark of something – often intangible – that makes them irresistible.

The French are aware of this, too. So, not wishing to miss a marketing opportunity, they fashioned the title 'Most Beautiful Villages in France' (Les Plus Beaux Villages de France), highlighting villages with populations of less than 2,000 people that boast at least two historic monuments or sites of architectural merit, unique culture or natural beauty.

Dotted throughout France, there are now more than 150 of them and every one certain to delight. Here are 10 personal favourites from those that I have visited over the years - which is most of them.

But don't take my word for it; go and see for yourself. And let me know what you think (using the contact form); I'd be more than happy to include your thoughts here.

Collonges-la-Rouge (Corrèze)

Saint-Bertrand-de-Comminges (Haute-Garonne)

Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert (Hérault)

Séguret (Vaucluse)

Tournemire (Cantal)

Villefranche-de-Conflent (Pyrénées-Orientales)