For a vacation, head to the most beautiful medieval towns in France

On the Way of St. James, whether for pilgrimage or vacation, all roads seem to lead to Lectoure. This charming medieval village reveals its rich heritage at every corner. Known for its architectural treasures like the Saint-Gervais-Saint-Protais Church, featuring pointed arches and sculpted capitals typical of the era, Lectoure was once protected by surrounding ramparts. Founded by the Romans, it gained significance in the Middle Ages as both a religious and commercial hub. A stronghold of the Cathar movement, the village has long served as a stopover for pilgrims, a tradition that lives on today. Visitors can explore historic monuments and museums that tell the story of its past, from art objects to manuscripts and ancient artifacts.

A once-thriving medieval town, Lectoure was conquered by the Counts of Armagnac, and later by Louis XI, before being ravaged by the Wars of Religion. Though some monuments were destroyed, many remain, showcasing the town’s former strategic importance. Its maze of cobblestone streets is a testament to medieval urban planning, where half-timbered houses and stone façades still stand proudly. History enthusiasts will revel in tracing its past through this picturesque village, while others may choose to relax at the thermal baths or explore the former castle of the Counts of Armagnac—now a bustling hub of antique shops. In this postcard-perfect setting, the essence of vacation truly comes alive!

Perched on a rocky outcrop at the entrance to the Monts de Vaucluse, Saumane-de-Vaucluse overlooks the Sorgue region, offering breathtaking views of the Luberon and the Alpilles. This picturesque village bears traces of Roman presence, with its history deeply rooted in the feudal era.

Located in the Comtat Venaissin, Saumane was initially under the jurisdiction of the Counts of Toulouse until the 13th century, before becoming part of the papal enclave until the French Revolution. The de Sade family—of which the infamous Marquis de Sade is a member—resided there for four centuries.

Starting in the 12th century, dry-stone terraces with olive groves began to take shape on the slopes of the two valleys. Here, you’ll find “bories”—small, stone huts used as agricultural shelters—as well as larger structures for sheepfolds. The cliffs have been shaped by erosion into “baumes,” natural caves inhabited since the Neolithic era, later transformed into troglodyte homes. From its elevated position, Saumane offers sweeping views of the valley, where olive trees and Mediterranean vegetation blanket the landscape.

The highest point of this quaint village is ‘Le Mourre de la Belle Étoile,’ a historic area known for its truffle oak and olive cultivation. Today, Saumane-de-Vaucluse is home to 954 residents, where life flows at the leisurely pace of the South. During your stay, be sure to stop by Isle-sur-la-Sorgue—the renowned antiques capital—just ten minutes away. Another must-see is Gordes, a breathtaking hilltop village, where you can visit the magnificent Abbey of Notre-Dame de Sénanque nearby. It’s a perfect blend of history, nature, and Provençal charm!

Although Saumane-de-Vaucluse may not be as famous as other medieval towns, its rich history makes it well worth a visit. As you wander through the cobblestone streets, you’ll come across ancient stone houses, often adorned with beautiful arches and mullioned windows, characteristic of the medieval period. A highlight of your stay should include the Château de Saumane, one of Provence’s most impressive examples of defensive architecture, and the Church of Saint-Trophime, a 12th-century Provençal Romanesque masterpiece.

Classified as one of the Most Beautiful Villages of France, the breathtaking fortified town of Les Baux-de-Provence enchants every traveler who steps foot there. With a history that stretches back to the Middle Ages, the village was first mentioned in the 10th century and became a significant stronghold under the rule of the powerful Lords of Baux, an influential noble family who controlled the region for centuries.

The village has remarkably preserved many medieval elements, the most iconic being the Château des Baux, a fortress perched atop a rocky promontory with sweeping views over Provence. Built in the 11th century, the château served both as a military defense and a noble residence. Even in its current ruinous state, the fortress continues to showcase the strategic importance it held in times past.

In the Drôme, welcome to Nyons, the capital of black olives! Known for its well-preserved medieval buildings—particularly its stone houses and half-timbered facades—Nyons is a haven for lovers of Provence and history. The old town’s narrow streets offer a journey back in time, revealing the urban planning of the past.

The Château de Nyons, dating back to the 12th century, was once a key fortification. While not fully intact, its towers and walls stand as a reminder of the village’s medieval importance. Don’t miss the Notre-Dame de Nyons Church, which holds period artworks and decorative elements, or the Chapel of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception, featuring beautiful Romanesque and Gothic details.

Nyons was a key commercial hub in the Middle Ages, known for its market, which continues to thrive today. A must-do while in town is to wander among the market stalls, mingling with locals and filling your basket with regional specialties like olive oil and wine. Historically, Nyons served as a crossroads for trade routes between Provence and northern France. Even now, the town keeps its traditions alive through festivals, celebrations, and fairs that showcase its rich heritage, inviting visitors to explore its captivating history.

Saint-Paul-de-Vence, a fortified town in the Alpes-Maritimes, draws countless tourists each year, eager to explore its rich heritage. Enclosed by 16th-century ramparts, which highlight its strategic significance, the village charms with its winding cobblestone streets, a hallmark of medieval towns.

The stone houses, ancient doors, and mullioned windows showcase the medieval architecture that defines Saint-Paul-de-Vence. One notable landmark is the Church of the Conversion of Saint Paul, built in the 12th century, a remarkable example of medieval religious architecture.

Saint-Paul-de-Vence boasts a rich history, with roots dating back to antiquity. Its strategic location between the Mediterranean Sea and inland regions made it a key crossroads for trade during the Middle Ages. While the village later flourished into an artistic hub in the 20th century—now home to numerous galleries and art foundations—it still preserves traditions that reflect its medieval heritage. Throughout the year, cultural and artistic events celebrate its storied past. And the cherry on top? The village’s elevated position offers breathtaking views of Provence.

While the south of France is celebrated for its picturesque villages, the rest of the country holds treasures worth exploring as well! Take Thouars, a charming town in the Deux-Sèvres region, awarded the prestigious ‘4 Flowers’ label for its beautiful parks and gardens, and recognized as a Town of Art and History.

Thouars boasts plenty of must-see monuments: the impressive Château des Ducs de La Trémoille, the Pont des Chouans (best appreciated during a guided tour), and the Hôtel Tyndo, a late-15th-century masterpiece that belonged to Louis Tyndo, seneschal of the Viscountcy and a friend of King Louis XI of France. Another gem is the Chapelle Notre Dame du Château, also known as the Collégiale Sainte Chapelle Notre-Dame, associated with the Château des Ducs de La Trémoille.

Dating back to the early 16th century, this collegiate church features a stunning Italian Renaissance-style loggia. And let’s not forget the Tour Porte au Prévost, built in the 12th century by the viscounts of Thouars. With its powerful walls and deep moat, this tower once served as the main northern entrance to the city and played a vital defensive role during times of war.

In addition to its historic monuments, Thouars’ rich past is reflected in the town’s very streets: timber-framed houses, private mansions, and stone façades all serve as reminders of its architectural legacy. Even today, the town keeps medieval traditions alive through cultural events and festivals that showcase its heritage, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in its history. In short, Thouars masterfully combines historical architecture, cultural heritage, and a deep-rooted history, offering a captivating journey back in time for anyone who visits.