The Most Beautiful Medieval Towns in France

Steeped in history, France is home to some of the most beautiful medieval towns. Hidden amongst vineyards, olive groves and lavender fields, these medieval towns tell tales of times gone by through their ancient architecture and historical sights. Think defensive walls, majestic castles and cathedrals with stained-glass windows. Half-timbered buildings housing boulangeries and fromageries line narrow cobblestone lanes leading you to market squares that still manage to retain that medieval charm.

If you fancy unpacking centuries-worth of history in the most stunning surroundings then here's our round-up of the most beautiful medieval towns in France, guaranteed to transport you back to the Middle Ages...

Dinan

Dinan is one of the most beautiful medieval towns in France. Perched along the riverside and surrounded by ramparts, it looks like something out of a fairytale. It's winding streets are picture-perfect with half-timbered houses housing creperies and boutiques. Rue du Jerzual is the most popular, a medieval street that transports you into Dinan’s rich past.

Have a leisurely stroll along the town’s ancient ramparts. Here you can soak up beautiful views of both the town and the surrounding area. If that wasn’t enough, Tour de l’Horloge, a historic clock tower, offers stunning views too.

One of the medieval town’s most popular sights is the Château de Dinan, a 14th century castle that’s now home to a museum. You also can’t miss a visit to Place des Merciers, a medieval square lined with ancient architecture – it’s the perfect place to grab a coffee and watch the world go by.

Mont Saint-Michel

Our round-up of the best medieval towns in France wouldn’t be complete without Mont Saint-Michel. In fact, it’s probably one of the most breathtaking sights in the whole of France. Its tidal island setting, encased by deep blue waters with an abbey piercing the skies above, is pretty spectacular. But don’t just admire it from afar – Mont Saint-Michel is just as impressive up close. 

What was one a pilgrimage site is now a fairytale-like village with flocks of tourists admiring its spires, defensive walls and stopping off in the quaint cafes that spill out onto its cobbled lanes. 

Just wandering through the medieval streets with the historic architecture towering above will give you a glimpse into the town's rich past. Sights-wise, the abbey tends to steal the show. Sitting at the very top of the hill, this Gothic-Benedictine abbey was built between the 11th and 16th centuries. But there’s also the Bay of Mont Saint-Michel, a mix of sand, sea and salt marches that creates a breathtaking view. La Grande Rue, the main street in the village is also a must, a charming street packed with souvenir shops, cafes and restaurants.

Carcassonne

Step back in time with a trip to the hilltop town of Carcassonne. Located in the Occitanie region of southwest France, Carcassonne is one of Frances’s most famous medieval towns. It's a well-preserved town with centuries-old sights comprising of churches, watchtowers and defensive ramparts that make it a dream for history lovers.

Cité de Carcassonne is the main sight, a medieval fortress with 52 towers and double walls. But there’s plenty of other sights to fill up your itinerary with too such as Comtal Castle, a medieval castle dating back to the 12th century. There's also the Basilica of Saint-Nazaire. It's got an amazing Gothic Romanesque design with intricate stained-glass windows.

For a picture-perfect view, check out The Old Bridge. Also known as Pont Vieux, this stone bridge dates back to the 14th century and divides the town. From here, you can soak up beautiful views of the city.

Sarlat-la-Canéda

Sarlat-la-Canéda is located in the Dordogne in southwestern France and is said to be one of the best-preserved medieval towns in France. It’s home to countless protected buildings dating back centuries.

Just wandering through the centre is a sight in itself with its limestone buildings and cobblestone lanes that lead you to ancient sights. Place de la Liberté is the town’s main central square, lined with beautiful architecture. Here you’ll find the town hall which dates back to the 17th century. With many cafes spilling out onto the square, it’s also the perfect place to grab a coffee and soak up the medieval atmosphere.

Whilst you're here, you also can't miss a visit to the Saint Sacerdos Cathedral. This Romanesque-Gothic cathedral sits in the heart of the Old Town and was originally built in the 9th century.

Foodies will also be in heaven here. As well as its medieval side, Sarlat-la-Canéda is also known for its culinary scene with amazing food markets such as Sarlat Market where you can taste the delicious local produce!

Provins

Back in the 12th and 13th centuries, this beautiful French medieval town was an important trading hub between northern Europe and the Mediterranean, playing host to many annual trade fairs. Nowadays, the fortified town, which is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is famous for its medieval architecture and vibrant festivals. The town's convenient location, around 90km southeast of Paris and just over an hour away by train, makes it a popular spot with tourists.

Make sure you head to Grange aux Dîmes, a 13th century building where the trade fairs took place. Place du Châtel, the town square, with its timber buildings is also a must-visit. Then there’s also Caesar Tower, an incredible 12th century tower that dominates the town’s skyline. Climb up it for the most beautiful views of the countryside below!

Time your visit to Provins right and you’ll also get to experience the town’s lively festivals. The Medieval Festival takes place during the second weekend in June. Everyone dresses up and the town comes alive with performers, market stalls and parades. You’ll literally feel like you’re in the Middle Ages!

Eze

Medieval towns might not be the first thing that springs to mind when it comes to the French Riviera. However, nestled along the south of France’s picture-perfect coastline is the just as picture-perfect town of Eze.

This medieval town in France sits upon a cliff overlooking the glistening waters of the Med. As you can imagine, the views here are pretty special. The best place to see them? At the Exotic Garden of Eze. These beautiful botanical gardens are situated on the site of the original medieval fortress of Château d’Èze and offer the most stunning coastal vistas. You can still see the remains of the castle walls too.

The town itself is a medieval maze of charming cobblestone alleys draped with colourful flowers. The streets are lined with historical buildings that house quaint cafes, French restaurants and souvenir shops. 

Bayeux

Bayeux is another one of France’s most beautiful medieval towns. It's located in northwestern France in the Normandy region and it's bursting with history. Its historical centre will take you back to the Middle Ages with its well-preserved architecture. Half-timbered houses that have been transformed into artisanal shops, galleries and quaint cafes, line its medieval cobbled streets.

The most famous sight in Bayeux and one that attracts so many tourists from all over the world is The Bayeux Tapestry. It tells the story of the conquest of England by the Duke of Normandy in 1066 and you can view it at the Bayeux Museum 

The cathedral, Notre-Dame de Bayeux, is another must-visit. It lies in the heart of Bayeux’s medieval old town and dominates the skyline. With its Gothic-Romanesque style, it's another example of the town’s incredible medieval architecture.

Ready to discover some of the most beautiful medieval towns in France? Just book your ferry to France today at Direct Ferries.