Plus Beaux Villages de France facts

Plus Beaux Villages de France’s origin

“Les Plus Beaux Villages de France” translates to “The Most Beautiful Villages in France”.

Plus beaux villages de France - Limeuil in the Dordogne — Limeuil – Dordogne

As you journey through the picturesque regions of France, you may encounter villages marked with two distinct road signs.

The first sign is the standard village entrance marker.

The second sign bears the emblem of a stylized grey-ish shadow of a village set against a red and white background.

“Les Plus Beaux Villages de France” is a prestigious designation awarded by a private association established on March 6, 1982, by Charles Ceyrac. At the time, Ceyrac served as the mayor of Collonges la Rouge in the department of Corrèze.

The primary aim of this association is to promote and safeguard the architectural, cultural, and historical heritage of the finest villages in France.

Plus Beaux Villages de France, a prestigious label

Plus beaux villages de France - - Brousse-le-Chateau in Aveyron — Brousse-le-Chateau – Aveyron

Indeed, 155 villages spread across 21 French regions and 69 departments have been granted the prestigious label “Les Plus Beaux Villages de France”.

These villages encompass a diverse range of landscapes, including picturesque mountain hamlets, charming coastal towns, and idyllic countryside retreats.

Many of these villages are perched atop rocky promontories, offering stunning panoramic views of their surroundings.

Most of them boast a rich history dating back to the Middle Ages, characterized by their well-preserved architecture, cultural heritage, and sense of tradition.

Selection for inclusion in the association is based on rigorous criteria to maintain the high standards of the label.

Villages must have fewer than 2,000 inhabitants and be situated in rural areas. Additionally, they must possess at least two classified Historical Monuments.

Once selected, villages pay an annual membership fee and undergo a review every six years to ensure they continue to meet the association’s standards.

The “Les Plus Beaux Villages de France” label significantly boosts local tourism, attracting between 10% and 50% more visitors to these charming locales.