top cx logo
cx logo
Explorearrow down
search icon

Two more villages awarded prestigious ‘most beautiful in France’ title

The Plus Beaux Villages de France judges carefully consider 32 criteria across heritage, history, architecture and the environment 

A split two-part photo showing Entrevaux on the left and Saorge on the right

Entrevaux (left) and Saorge (right) have been named among the Plus Beaux Villages De France, and were rewarded for their heritage and landscapes Pic: Steven Phraner / leoks / Shutterstock

Two new villages have been awarded the Plus Beaux Villages de France label, bringing the total number of ‘most beautiful villages’ to 176 nationwide.

The judges, who study 32 criteria, named Entrevaux (Alpes-de-Haute-Provence) and Saorge (Alpes-Maritimes) as deserving of the title when they met in September.

Entrevaux

Entrevaux boasts both historical heritage and stunning landscapes 
Mny-Jhee / Shutterstock 
A view of Entrevaux’s buildings and landscape

Located between Digne and Nice, near the border of Alpes-de-Haute-Provence and Alpes-Maritimes, the village offers both history and beautiful landscapes.

The fortified village was built at the foot of a rocky ridge, and has a clear water river flowing through it, with buildings typical in style of the Southern Alps.

The judges were particularly pleased with this mix of natural, historical, and architectural heritage.

Saorge

Saorge is built on three levels and linked by a series of steps and passages
Gabriela Insuratelu / Shutterstock
A view of a passageway to a higher level in Saorge

Set in the Roya valley, Saorge is on the border with Italy, and is nestled amongst Alpine beauty. Once considered to be an impenetrable fortress village, its buildings cling to the rocks. 

The town is so steep that it is built along three levels, linked by passages and staircases. It also has an historical church, Saint-Sauveur, which is decorated in the Baroque style.

The label judges decided that the village’s religious heritage and beautiful landscapes made it worthy of the coveted title.

Beautiful villages criteria

To be awarded the Plus Beaux Villages de France label, villages must apply to be considered, and then pass three selection stages. To be eligible, they must have fewer than 2,000 residents, and have at least two protected sites or monuments (such as one classed as an official Monument historique).

Only 25% of villages that apply then reach the final stages. There are 32 criteria detailing the quality of the heritage, architecture, and the environment; and villages must be approved by at least two-thirds of voting members to be admitted to the scheme.

The label is also not awarded for life. Each village that is given the accolade is revisited every six to nine years to check that it still deserves the title.

This year, the commission renewed the accolade for 13 villages: Ansouis, Gordes, Roussillon, Séguret, Lourmarin, Venasque and Ménerbes (Vaucluse); Baume-les-Messieurs, and Château-Chalon (Jura); Les Baux-de Provence (Bouches-du-Rhône), Lods (Doubs), Montbrun-les-Bains (Drôme), and Pesmes (Haute-Saône).

Read also

‘First Plus Beaux Villages de France needs homes not more shops’
Which village in France has been crowned the country’s favourite? 

Resident or second-home owner in France?
Benefit from our daily digest of headlines and how-to's to help you make the most of life in France
By joining the newsletter, you agree to our Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy
See more popular articles
The Connexion Help Guides
featured helpguide
Income Tax in France 2023 (for 2022 income)*
Featured Help Guide
- Primarily aimed at Britons, covers pensions, rent, ISAs, shares, savings and interest - but also contains significant general information pertinent to readers of other nationalities - Overview of online declarations + step-by-step guide to the French printed forms - Includes updates given automatically after this year's site opened
Get news, views and information from France