The perched villages of southern France combine breathtaking vistas with captivating history and a distinctive allure. Typically constructed atop cliffs or inclined terrains, these mountaintop settlements were initially positioned for defensive purposes but today offer tranquil retreats that seem far removed from bustling urban centers.
Strolling through these hamlets, you’ll encounter twisting lanes paved with cobblestones that meander among limestone structures, typically culminating in breathtaking vistas of the rural landscape.
Small yet captivating, these villages are filled with historic sites, from old castle ruins to quiet chapels. Whether it’s the art galleries, medieval gates, or hillside gardens, each perched village has something special to explore and admire.
This list includes some of the most beautiful perched villages in southern France, all offering a mix of history, scenery, and a sense of surrealness that’s hard to match.
8 Enchanting Mountain Top Villages in Southern France
1. Gordes
Gordes is one of the most emblematic perched villages in all of southern France – it’s seriously hard to believe your eyes when you see it and how just insanely picturesque it is. How can something that looks literally straight out of a fairytale be real life??
The finest activity in Gordes is undoubtedly admiring the town from just over the canyon. From this vantage point, you can marvel at how Gordes perches atop a very incline, cascading down its slopes against the backdrop of the Provençal landscape.
This vantage point is excellent throughout the day, but it becomes particularly charming during sunset.
The village is minuscule, comprising merely a handful of streets and a few designated sights. The roads are remarkably quaint—narrow, twisting lanes paved with cobbles, lined with cozy houses, arched doorways, and vines sprawled everywhere.
The stone upon which Gordes stands has been occupied since the days of the Gauls, followed by the rule of the Romans, and later during the Middle Ages, when a fortress was constructed and the town expanded around this stronghold into its present form.
In Gordes for activities, check out the castle constructed and enlarged from the 10th to the 16th centuries now serving as a mini-museum. Don’t miss Place du Castelvieilh, the delightful central plaza featuring a fountain, an enormous oak tree, and several cafés.
Ensure you visit the Saint Firmin Church, which is quite charming with its brightly colored walls and arches, as well as its decorative paintings and statues adorning both the periphery and interior chapels of the church.
And of course make sure to admire the viewpoints over the countryside, filled with olive groves and rolling hills.
In general, Gordes is among the
most stunning places to visit in Provence
.
2. Les Baux-de-Provence
Les Baux-de-Provence is a perched village set dramatically on top of sheer cliffs in the Alpilles mountains. Unlike many other hilltop villages, Les Baux is surrounded by rugged, jagged hills, with a ruined medieval fortress at the very top of the cliff.
Despite being in ruins, the castle exudes grandeur with its towering structures, ancient military gear, and cave residences, reflecting its past might. The vistas across the olive orchards and the Alpilles Mountains are breathtaking, particularly when seen from the castle’s terrace and several vantage spots throughout the town.
The village’s cobblestone thoroughfares and delightful limestone structures, adorned with fossilized seashells from old oceanic sediments, stand up against even the finest examples anywhere.
charming villages in France
.
A notable location within the village is the Chapelle des Pénitents Blancs, a quaint chapel adorned with vivid frescoes illustrating the shepherds’ arrival at the nativity scene.
A delightful destination is the Carrières des Lumières, an extensive quarry converted into an art venue featuring stunning illuminated displays cast upon the rock faces. It’s situated only a short stroll away from the village.
3. Bruniquel
Bruniquel is a picturesque hilltop village recognized as one of “The Most Beautiful Villages in France.” Its charm stems from the winding cobblestone lanes and naturally hewn stone homes adorned with abundant greenery and climbing vines.
The structures date back from the 14th to the 16th centuries and were quite impressive for their era, reflecting the town’s significant wealth.
Bruniquel Castle sits atop a steep cliff, offering views of both the Aveyron River and Valley and the Vere Valley and River below.
The medieval fortress was constructed with the purpose of overseeing the rivers and trade paths. Within its primary structure lie two distinct castles that visitors can tour, observing ancient chambers, kitchens, and hallways.
Although Bruniquel once featured city walls, these structures have largely disappeared and are now integrated into the present-day town buildings. Nonetheless, multiple city gates still stand today.
The Horlonge Place gate (Porte Méjane) is the prettiest of the remaining gates, while the Porte Neuf is the only remaining gate of the new wall and offers a scenic view of the town through the gate.
While Bruniquel is a truly tiny village (only around 8 streets in the entire town) it’s a charming little perched village to visit in the heart of southern France.
4. Cordes-sur-Ciel
Cordes-sur-Ciel is a quaint and picturesque perched village in the
Occitanie region
With winding, primarily pedestrian-only streets that ascend the hill, featuring cobblestone pathways lined with intriguing stores.
This location is perfect for boutique stores and artisans selling handcrafted goods like paintings, candies, books, antique items, woven baskets, pottery, and jewelry. The merchandise spills onto the sidewalks with displays of books, baskets, jewelry, among others, captivating passersby right at the shop entrances.
Cordes was constructed in the 1200s as a walled city with a strong defensive castle around the same time as Carcassonne.
It was one of the most active hubs of Catharism (a subset of Catholicism that sparked one of the Crusades in southern France). As such, the city revolted several times against the Inquisitors and the bishop of Albi.
In modern times, the old city walls have been converted into residential buildings; however, fragments of these ancient fortifications and several charming gateways can still be found scattered around town. It’s also worthwhile to visit the Eglise Saint Michel Church located atop the city—it boasts exquisite painted ceilings and pillars that make for an impressive sight.
Be sure to appreciate the numerous impressive Gothic structures that were built as residences for wealthy families in Cordes; these can be found all over the city, such as at the Maison du Grand Veneur, Grand Ecuyer, and Grand Fauconnier.
Lastly, Cordes offers an essential vantage point atop a hill situated slightly to the east of the town. From here, one can marvel at the idyllic village nestled on the hilltop and cascading down the slope beneath it.
5. Eze
Eze
is a hilltop
hamlet on the French Riviera
famous for its twisting medieval lanes, blossoming hideaways, and panoramic vistas of the Mediterranean Sea.
Referred to as “The Eagle’s Nest” because of its elevated location overlooking the coast, Eze boasts a blend of historical sites, art studios, galleries, and local shops, making it a favored destination along the Riviera.
Walking through Eze on foot is essential, thanks to its pedestrian-friendly cobblestone streets. The slender alleyways resemble secret passages, flanked by ivy-coated stone walls adorned with vibrant potted plants and intricate wrought-iron signage that evoke a traditional, historic ambiance.
Don’t skip a visit to the Notre Dame de l’Assomption Church, a beautiful building with marble pillars, painted ceilings, and intricate murals. Just beside the church, a small cemetery includes a WWI monument honoring local soldiers fallen in the Great War.
At its peak, the Jardin Exotique d’Eze showcases cacti, succulents, and Provençal flora amidst the ruins of an ancient fortress.
This garden offers vistas across the sea and the nearby hills, enhanced by statues and flora that lend a special character to the scenery, making it one of the most distinct locations in the village.
6. Roussillon
Roussillon is an impressive hilltop village located in the Luberon region, famous for its striking shades of red and orange that echo the colors of the nearby ochre-clad cliffs.
The distinctive coloring originates from the local ochre deposits, which have been utilized to paint the town’s structures in hues of red, orange, and pink, endowing Roussillon with a warm, sun-drenched appearance that becomes particularly captivating during dawn and dusk.
While exploring the village’s winding pathways, you will come across delightful little stores, art galleries, and ceramic shops offering handcrafted local products.
To enjoy vistas of the vibrant cliffs and the nearby landscape, make a stop here.
Place de la Forge
, a beautiful viewpoint that once held an ancient Roman fort.
If you wish to have an intimate encounter with the crimson cliffs, follow the path.
Sentier des Ocres
path right beyond the village, allowing you to stroll across the reddish terrain and closely witness the striking natural hues.
7. Saint-Paul-de-Vence
Saint-Paul-de-Vence
It’s a hilltop village blending medieval allure with a dynamic arts culture. Previously a medieval stronghold, this community has drawn many artists over time, such as Matisse and Chagall, and continues to be an active center for painters, sculptors, and various galleries.
Strolling through its winding, stone-paved lanes, you’ll encounter countless forged iron signage and art pieces scattered across almost every route.
When you enter via the 14th-century Porte de Vence, you’ll walk beneath ancient stone archways into the heart of the village. Here, you can explore charming ivy-draped limestone facades, floral-filled niches, and countless picture-perfect scenes at every twist and turn.
At the core of the town lies Place de la Grande Fontaine, featuring an iconic historical fountain which was previously the site for weekly markets and continues to be a favored meeting point right at the center of the community.
The Chapelle des Pénitents Blancs, featuring wall paintings by Jean-Michel Folon, is a must-visit attraction, known for its vibrant mosaics and stained glass.
On the outskirts of town, the Porte de Nice leads to the western ramparts. What makes Saint Paul de Vence special is that its ramparts (or city walls) remain standing and untouched.
You can indeed stroll atop the walls and relish the sweeping vistas of the surrounding landscape – one of my most cherished aspects of visiting Saint-Paul-de-Vence!
At the opposite end of the city walls, beyond the town limits, lies the Saint-Paul-de-Vence cemetery, where one can pay respects at the gravesite of renowned artist Marc Chagall.
8. Rocamadour
Rocamadour stands out as one of France’s most extraordinary villages, famed for its cliff-hanging Notre Dame Sanctuary, a well-known pilgrimage destination constructed directly within the limestone cliffs.
Rocamadour is included on this list not due to the village’s position alone, but because both the sanctuary complex and the castle are perched there — which sets it apart as uniquely distinctive among French villages.
To get to the sanctuary, begin at the town’s principal thoroughfare and make your way up the Grand Staircase. In earlier times, pilgrims would climb these steps on their knees as a gesture of dedication and hardship.
As you ascend, you’ll be encircled by ancient arches, historic chapels that have stood for hundreds of years, and grand stonework façades, all perched on the steep cliff wall.
At the center of the sanctuary lies the primary courtyard, which is surrounded by numerous chapels, one of them being the Chapel Notre Dame de Rocamadour. Within this chapel resides the renowned statue of the Black Madonna, thought to possess miraculous abilities, particularly aiding sailors.
Inside the chapel, there is a bell said to ring spontaneously whenever a miracle is imminent. Next to this chapel stands the Saint Sauveur Basilica, featuring a stunning design complete with a dual-arched ceiling, colored glass windows, and an organ shaped like a vessel.
Past the sanctuary stands the Saint Martial Gate, leading up a twisting route adorned with Stations of the Cross. This trail meanders through gardens, over bridges, and culminates at the summit where the Jerusalem Cross awaits, providing panoramic vistas of the landscape beneath.
This all contributes to making Rocamadour one of
France’s most stunning and distinctive places of worship.
The Wrap Up
These hilltop towns in southern France provide breathtaking vistas, picturesque lanes, and a pleasant respite from bustling urban areas. Every village boasts its distinct charm, featuring beautiful scenery and delightful hideaways to discover, appreciate, and perhaps grow even fonder of France.
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8 Charming Hillside Villages in Southern France That Feel Like Living Paintings
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