What is a Plus Beau Village? The Labelled Towns of France

Discover southwest France’s most charming labelled towns and villages – and what they offer, with Saskia Vasklamp…

France has a knack for celebrating the finer things in life and its towns and villages are no exception. Beyond the picture-perfect shutters and café terraces, there exists a whole lexicon of labels that distinguish the country’s most beautiful and character-rich places. For anyone considering a move to the southwest of France or if you simply want to indulge in the dream -these labels can be an excellent guide to finding somewhere special to call home. Let’s unpick a few of the best-known (and a couple of the lesser known) labels and spotlight just a small selection of the delightful villages that proudly wear them.

Plus Beaux Villages de France

This label needs no grand introduction. Established in 1982, Les Plus Beaux Villages de France (the most beautiful villages of France) is perhaps the most iconic of them all, awarding its coveted seal to communes with exceptional heritage, beauty and preservation efforts. Living in one of these villages means stepping into a storybook-only with better cheese. Here are just a few examples.

Monpazier (Dordogne)

A bastide jewel in the Périgord, Monpazier ticks every box: medieval arcades, honey-coloured stone houses, and a calendar packed with brocante fairs and summer festivals. It’s postcard-perfect without being a museum piece, and yes, you can still buy your morning baguette from the boulangerie near the square.

Cordes-sur-Ciel (Tarn)

One of the oldest bastides in Occitanie and a masterpiece of Gothic architecture. Its name comes from the imagination of a poet who described the sight of fog covering the Cérou valley, with only this medieval town emerging from the clouds.

Auvillar (Tarn-et-Garonne)

Perched above the Garonne river, Auvillar charms with its round market hall and red-brick Renaissance facades. Artists have long been drawn to its peaceful vibe, and the slower pace of life here is almost an art form in itself.

les-plus-beaux-villages-de-france.org

Villes et Villages Fleuris

Since 1959, this colourful label has been awarded to towns and villages that put real effort into landscaping and sustainable green spaces. It’s about more than just aesthetics; it’s about quality of life and a visible pride in place. Here are a few of my favourites.

Fourcès (Gers)

A circular medieval village straight out of a dream, Fourcès is as green as it is pretty. Flower boxes spill over balconies and the central square, ringed with timber-framed houses, is always in bloom. It’s not just for show: the local mairie coordinates community gardening events and eco-friendly practices.

Villeréal (Lot-et-Garonne)

Another bastide beauty, Villeréal takes its flower game seriously. Awarded multiple fleurs by the national body, its manicured public spaces create a fresh and inviting setting for markets, concerts and casual strolls.

Jonzac (Charente-Maritime)

Jonzac’s setting is its most natural asset, along with its thermal spring water. Built along both sides of the River Seugne, which flows between two hills, the local white stone used for its construction is the perfect backdrop for the colourful floral displays. If you like your charm with a dash of geranium and a hint of honeysuckle, look for the little red flower symbols at the entrance to the village.

villes-et-villages-fleuris.com

Petites Cités de Caractère

These are small towns of character with a rich heritage that might not make the international guidebooks, but have nonetheless invested heavily in preserving and sharing their architectural and cultural legacy. For buyers who want something authentic but not overrun, these villages strike the perfect balance.

La Sauve-Majeure (Gironde)

With the ruins of an imposing Benedictine abbey at its heart, La Sauve-Majeure has a quiet magnetism. The village offers a mix of history and rural calm, with a strong local community that enjoys a glass of wine as much as a guided tour.

Martel (Lot)

Known as the town of seven towers, Martel is all cobbled lanes and hidden courtyards. It has managed to maintain a genuine lived-in feel, while at
the same time honouring its past through cultural events and careful conservation.

Aubeterre-sur-Dronne (Charente)

A town on the pilgrimage route to Santiago de Compostela. History buffs and leisure enthusiasts head here to enjoy its rich heritage of buildings and quiet alleyways, the beauty of its hilly landscapes in all seasons and its river beaches in the summer.

petitescitesdecaractere.com

Villes et Pays d’Art et d’Histoire

Managed by France’s Ministry of Culture, this label highlights towns and territories committed to promoting their architectural and historical heritage. These places often have strong local engagement, guided tours, educational programmes, and a thriving cultural calendar. For those seeking a blend of culture and community, these towns are fertile hunting ground.

Lectoure (Gers)

Lectoure combines a rich Roman past with a bohemian present. You’ll find artist studios, antiques galore, and festivals all year round, all set against a backdrop of pale limestone and sweeping views of the Gascon hills.

Moissac (Tarn-et-Garonne)

Home to one of the finest Romanesque cloisters in Europe, Moissac is a town that embraces its past, while making space for contemporary art and open-air concerts. It feels alive – and proud of it.

Sarlat (Dordogne)

Yes, we’ve all seen this one on the TV – and apparently in famous films since 1928! Medieval Sarlat offers you art and history, and the perfect backdrop for your Instagram photos. And, apparently, Sarlat has the highest density of listed historical buildings per square foot in the whole of the country.

culture.gouv.fr/aides-demarches/protections-labels-et-appellations/label-ville-et-pays-d-art-et-d-histoire

Grands Sites de France

Awarded by the government minister for ecology, this label recognises landscapes of exceptional beauty and cultural significance that are managed with a focus on sustainability. It’s less about the village and more about its surroundings.

St-Cirq-Lapopie (Lot)

Overlooking a dramatic bend in the Lot river, St-Cirq-Lapopie has inspired poets and painters for decades. Its clifftop setting, medieval houses and car-free centre make it one of the most atmospheric spots in the whole of the southwest.

La Roque-Gageac (Dordogne)

Wedged between the river and steep limestone cliffs, La Roque-Gageac is a showstopper with canoeing, markets, châteaux and exotic gardens all within strolling distance. And yes, you can actually live here -some lucky people do.

grandsitedefrance.com

Stations Vertes

Celebrating its 60th anniversary this year, this green label is awarded to tourist destinations in an unspoilt environment in the countryside, mountains or on the coast. A Station Verte is an area in the heart of the terroir, recognised at national level as a town or resort favouring environmentally friendly, nature-focused tourism. If you are looking to buy a property in France that could also provide some tourism-related income, look out for the signs!

Châlus (Haute-Vienne)

Châlus witnessed the death of Richard the Lionheart at the Château de Châlus-Chabrol in 1199. Apart from enjoying the area’s rich history, trout fishing in the local rivers and lakes is a must, and the Voie Verte, a 13km trail along the old railway line, is open to rollerbladers, cyclists and walkers.

Quillan (Aude)

At an altitude of 300m, this small town is the ideal place to enjoy outdoor sports and discover the amazing Cathar heritage. Visit castle ruins, walk along the Aude river, hike on the footpaths or mountain bike trails, try your hand at white water sports, go fishing, go climbing… There’s something for everyone: young and old, sporty or not.

stationverte.com

While labels aren’t everything, they can be a helpful compass when you’re househunting or dreaming of a new life in France. These distinctions signal a village that not only has charm and history in abundance, but also a sense of community and a commitment to quality of life. And honestly, who wouldn’t want to live in a place that goes the extra mile with its flower boxes and squares? If you’re looking for more than just a pretty view – a place where tradition meets thoughtful living – then following the labels might just lead you home.

OTHER TOURISM-FOCUSED LABELS:

Les Plus Beaux Détours, Famille Plus, Pavillion Bleu, Les Villages Étapes, Parc National, Station Pêche, Parc Naturel Régional, Village de Neige.

Saskia Vlaskamp is the Marketing Director at Beaux Villages Immobilier

Tel: 0033 (0)8 05 69 23 23 (Free from France); 0800 270 0101 (Free from the UK)

beauxvillages.com

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