{"id":672,"date":"2018-11-29T09:57:35","date_gmt":"2018-11-29T09:57:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.secretescapes.com\/magazine\/?p=672"},"modified":"2021-03-03T17:12:02","modified_gmt":"2021-03-03T17:12:02","slug":"nine-charming-small-towns-you-need-to-visit-in-the-south-of-france","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/magazine.secretescapes.com\/escapist\/nine-charming-small-towns-you-need-to-visit-in-the-south-of-france\/","title":{"rendered":"Nine charming small towns you need to visit in the South of France"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

When sunshine, incredible food and compelling landscapes call your name, add these small French towns to your must-visit list: from a hilltop spot overlooking the whole of the French Riviera to the canal-filled Venice of Provence, these underrated and lesser-known destinations promise all the trimmings of a classic Southern French getaway \u2013 minus the buzzing crowds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\u00c8ze, France. Image: iStock\/efesenko<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\u00c8ze<\/h5>\n\n\n\n

For a quiet and scenic break away from Nice on the French Riviera, ascend the winding roads of the Moyenne Corniche to find \u00c8ze, a mere half-hour bus ride away. A Medieval town spilling with historic charm and cobblestone alleyways, it\u2019s home to five-star ch\u00e2teau hotels, a 12th-century Neoclassical church, the Fragonard perfume laboratory factory and exotic, cacti-filled gardens which offer sprawling views of the French Riviera.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Rocamadour, France. Image: iStock\/guy-ozenne<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
Rocamadour<\/h5>\n\n\n\n

Despite being an increasingly popular destination, Rocamadour still offers a quiet and scenic stay in the Lot. Located on a rocky clifftop, it\u2019s best known for its Cit\u00e9 R\u00e9ligieuse \u2013 a popular pilgrimage site which houses seven chapels steeped in religious history. Visit here in the summer and autumn months to discover a cheese festival (try the local Cab\u00e9cou goats\u2019 milk cheese) and a particularly memorable hot air balloon festival, known locally as Les Montgolfiades.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Saignon, France. Image: iStock\/jenifoto<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
Saignon<\/h5>\n\n\n\n

Located in the impossibly beautiful Luberon area of Provence, the village of Saignon houses a 12th-century Roman church and gorgeous small streets lined with vine-clad buildings and fountains. A must-visit for serenity-seekers, it\u2019s also the perfect starting point for a spot of hiking and mountain biking; those with a truly adventurous streak can even try climbing the larger-than-life rock that dominates the village, for fantastic views of the surrounding rural landscape.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Conques, France. Image: iStock\/Freeartist<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
Conques<\/h5>\n\n\n\n

Located on the edge of the gorge of the River Dourdou, this postcard-perfect town combines nature with history: expect incredible valley views, dense forested surroundings and old timbered buildings at this former popular stop on the pilgrimage route to Santiago de Compostela. Cross the Roman bridge before exploring the intricate carvings and impossibly high ceilings at Sainte-Foy Abbey, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Port Grimaud, France. Image: iStock\/Sabeen Armani<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
Port Grimaud<\/h5>\n\n\n\n

Known of the Venice of Provence on the French Riviera, this seaside village in southeastern France\u2019s Var department offers a unique and romantic setting of winding canals. Part of the Grimaud commune, located a 20-minute drive from Saint-Tropez, it features soft pastel-toned buildings reminiscent of the Italian city\u2019s fisherman\u2019s houses (expect colourful shutters and iron balconies), as well as a Gallo-Roman history dating back to the 11th century. Come here for water sports and boating activities, and don\u2019t leave without sampling the fantastic seafood.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Sarlat-la-Can\u00e9da, France. Image: iStock\/OSTILL<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
Sarlat-la-Can\u00e9da<\/h5>\n\n\n\n

Head into southwest France\u2019s Dordogne to discover this town\u2019s quaint Medieval appeal \u2013 from Sainte-Marie church with its bell tower and panoramic glass lift, to one of France\u2019s Lanterns of the Dead structures (which dates back to the 12th century and offers lovely views over the town\u2019s rooftops). Don\u2019t miss the year-long covered market for all the edible staples you\u2019ll want to sink your teeth into \u2013 truffles being a local speciality \u2013 and, should time allow, make a quick trip to the neighbouring V\u00e9zac to stroll through the hanging Marqueyssac gardens.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Sart\u00e8ne, Corsica, France. Image: iStock\/eugenesergeev<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
Sart\u00e8ne<\/h5>\n\n\n\n

For Southern France with a twist, try the island of Corsica \u2013 here, the town of Sart\u00e8ne impresses with its granite architecture, hilly setting and, by extension, its far-reaching views of the island\u2019s rugged mountainous landscape. Wander the cobblestone streets as you take in the tall early 16th-century buildings, before winding up on Place de la Lib\u00e9ration, a palm and elm tree-lined square where caf\u00e9s sprawl out into the sunshine \u2013 the perfect spot for people-watching and admiring the Town Hall and Sainte-Marie church.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Saint-Paul-de-Vence, France. Image: iStock\/Milena Pigdanowicz-Fidera<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
Saint-Paul-de-Vence<\/h5>\n\n\n\n

Saint-Paul-de-Vence certainly lives up to its status as one of the French Riviera\u2019s oldest Medieval destinations. Beautifully green, floral and brimming with romance, it\u2019s within easy reach of the seaside, mountains and airport, yet offers all the laid-back relaxation you\u2019d want from a sojourn in a small village. Visit its art studios and galleries, slow-sip locally-produced wines and play a game of boules, or simply take a long stroll along narrow alleyways to soak up the village\u2019s history.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Albi, France. Image: iStock\/dvoevnore<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
Albi<\/h5>\n\n\n\n

Located about an hour\u2019s drive northeast of Toulouse, Albi combines its militaristic architecture with an idyllic location on the banks of the River Tarn. Its standout features include the Old Bridge and the Gothic Cathedral Basilica of Saint Cecilia, which is beautifully ornate and impressive both inside and out. Elsewhere, art and culture vultures should visit the Palais de la Berbie for stunning manicured gardens and a museum dedicated to the works of painter Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\t\t