France Travel Inspiration

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The Middle Ages, between the fall of the Western Roman Empire (5th century) and the Renaissance in the 15th century, were a remarkable period in Europe’s history. In France, these were the times of the expansion of royal control by the House of Capet, crusades, and wars against the English or Flanders. Also, these were the times when Romanesque and Gothic arts were born.

Want to have a travel in time? There is no lack of French medieval towns that managed to retain the charm of medieval architecture, elements, and flair. Every one of them is a photographer’s paradise of snaking alleys, frenetically stacked houses, and unique personality worth discovering.

For this article, I asked some travel experts to help me with the list of the best medieval towns in France. If you are interested in this fascinating period of history or simply wish to stroll around cobbled streets lost in time, these stunning French medieval towns might be just what you are looking for.

Best French Medieval Towns

Here’s the list of my favorite medieval towns in France, spread all over the country. Some of these French medieval towns are easy day trips from the best French cities, while others are best explored on longer French Road Trips.

Annecy, France (Rhône-Alpes)

Tucked away in southeastern France, Annecy sits at the tip of the picturesque Lake Annecy and overlooks snow-capped mountains. Here are my top things to do in the beautiful French city.

The pristine Lac d’Annecy, one of the largest lakes in France, sits among snow-capped mountains and is known as the cleanest lake in Europe. Painted by Paul Cézanne, Lake Annecy is partly ringed by a cycle path that travels past Saint-Jorioz, which is part of the UNESCO Prehistoric Pile Dwellings around the Alps.

Spend a day or two, or three, getting lost among the whimsical canals of Annecy. Dubbed the “Venice of the Alps”, the winding cobblestone streets of the Vieille Ville, or old town, are lined by pastel houses and bright flower boxes that will make you fall in love with this small French town. Stop for a croissant at a boulangerie, or sit and have ice cream at one of the town’s many gelaterias and spend the afternoon people-watching and admiring the architecture.

Angoulême, France (Nouvelle-Aquitaine)

Formerly the capital of Angoumois in the Ancien Régime, Angoulême was a fortified town for a long time, and was highly coveted due to its position at the centre of many roads important to communication, so therefore it suffered many sieges. From its tumultuous past, the city, perched on a rocky spur, inherited a large historical, religious, and urban heritage which attracts a lot of tourists.

La Rochelle, France (Charente-Maritime)

Capital of the Charente-Maritime, La Rochelle is well known for its postcard-pretty Old Port picture. Protected by the Chaîne tower and the Saint-Nicolas tower, the old port has inspired numerous artists. After a walk on the quays, the visitor is invited to go along the beautiful narrow streets of the old town. It is packed with interesting mansions, Renaissance residences, and old timber-framed houses. The numerous shops lining the pedestrian streets and under the arcades will delight shopping fans.

Rocamadour, France (Lot)

Sacred town and important pilgrimage site, the village of Rocamadour is perched on the side of a limestone cliff and towers majestically over the Alzou canyon. What a wild and unspoiled environment! Famous for its sanctuaries and more especially for its Black Virgin, Rocamadour attracts every year a large number of visitors and pilgrims. Moreover, the village of Rocamadour is the second most visited attraction in France after Mont-Saint-Michel! Having climbed 216 stairs of the main staircase leading to the church square, pilgrims and walkers discover the seven sanctuaries of Rocamadour, among which the Notre-Dame chapel, the Saint-Sauveur basilica and the Saint-Michel chapel. Unmissable, the Notre-Dame chapel or miracles chapel contains a statue of the Black Virgin dating from the 12th century. In Rocamadour, walkers can also admire beautiful mineral concretions, as well as 20,000 year-old cave drawings during the visit of the Cave of Marvels (Grotte des Merveilles).

Cordes-Sur-Ciel, France (Occitanie)

Cordes-sur-Ciel is a town that is best explored on foot in order to appreciate all the beautiful sights that you will see. Along the steep, cobbled streets, you will be instantly immersed in a medieval atmosphere: fortified doors, ramparts and carved Gothic façades, a real trip back to the Middle Ages! The upper town still has some superb Gothic residences, including the Grand Falconer's House, the Grand Squire's House, the Grand Huntsman's house, famous for its carved hunting scene, and the Prunet House. The latter houses the Museum of Sugar and Chocolate Arts created by Yves Thuriès, winner of the Meilleur Ouvrier de France craftsmen's competition. For breathtaking views, stand at the top of the ramparts and be amazed by the superb views over the Cérou Valley!

In July, for two days, the Grand Falconer's festival will sweep you away to the medieval world, with a programme including a banquet in period costume, a ball, a medieval market, parades and other activities from days gone by. Visitors with a sweet tooth will go crazy for croquants de Cordes. Made from almonds, egg whites and sugar, they are a real treat for your taste buds!

So there you have it, my list of best medieval towns in France worth visiting. Which French medieval towns would you like to explore during your next holiday in France?