Village life in France is the stuff of fantasy for many people: fresh bread from the boulangerie, a lazy lunch with a bottle of wine, perhaps a game of petanque. Not all of them are like this, but there are some beautiful villages to visit in southeast France.
Roussillon comes in top of this list, as it does in many similar roundups, thanks to its unique rusty red and orange color scheme. It’s the product of ochre deposits in the surrounding land, and you can explore the former ochre mines on an easy-to-follow walking trail.
Goult is another off-the-beaten-path choice of a traditional village. Pastel-colored houses abound, and there are fantastic views of the valley from the old Jerusalem Mill.
Down by the seaside is the charming village of Cassis. It’s more commercial as it sits on the main tourist route, but it’s lovely nonetheless. Make sure you try some of the wine produced from the vines that surround the town.
For a real old-world village, try Gordes. It has cobbled lanes and narrow alleys, plus it perches on a hill so there are amazing views.
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