The Official Guide to the Most Beautiful Villages of France

Book excerpt: Discover the hidden treasures of the 153 most picturesque villages to visit in France with this fully illustrated comprehensive travel guide. From the half-timbered Alsatian houses of Eguisheim to the lavender fields of Montclus in the Languedoc-Roussillon, this fully illustrated guide unveils the beauty of rural France, providing visitor’s information for these exceptionally preserved destinations. Carefully chosen each year through a rigorous selection process, the French villages featured in this official guide are replete with historical, architectural, and natural riches. An introductory paragraph presents the location and history of each village and is accompanied by recommendations for monuments, museums, and other notable places to visit. Practical information includes accommodation options ranging from hotels to campsites, restaurants and markets, and artisanal produce and local specialties. Details on leisure activities encompass festivals and events, sports, golf, and other excursions that encourage visitors to explore the surrounding area on walks and hikes, by canoe, or on horseback. The book includes an overview map of France, and each village is featured on an easy-to-read road map, accompanied by the best way to arrive by road, train, and airplane. Suggestions for neighboring villages and sites that should not be missed, along with their proximity, simplifies itinerary planning. Cross-references and an index by region complete this practical, authoritative, and accessible guide.