Mythical France: villages in the south of France, full of legends to visit with the family
The south of France is full of magical corners, where history is intertwined with legend and the landscape looks like something out of a fairy tale. From ancient Templar castles to miraculous virgins and enigmatic prophets, these enchanting villages offer a wealth of tales that spark the imagination of children and adults alike.
Every corner of these places holds mysteries that have endured over the centuries, feeding myths that are still alive today.
When we travel through these charming villages in the south of France, we not only discover their beauty and charm, but we also immerse ourselves in stories and legends that add depth and meaning to our visits.
Knowing the myths surrounding these places not only enriches our experience, but allows us to connect with the essence of the people, their history and culture. From hidden treasures of the Templars to villages that seem to float in the clouds, these legends transform tourism into an adventure full of mystery, where every corner comes to life through ancient tales.
Each of these villages not only invites you to discover their rich history, but also to let yourself be enveloped by the magical and mysterious atmosphere that surrounds them. Come with your family and let yourself be carried away by the legends that have nourished the imagination of generations, while exploring the landscapes of the south of France that seem to have come out of a dream.
Transparency : some of the links below are affiliate links, which means that when you sign up for the service, the company you sign up with compensates me at no additional cost to you, which helps me maintain, grow this blog and offer all my detailed content for free to readers (like you). And I only recommend sites that I have personally visited and love.
Aigues Mortes and the Crusades of Saint Louis
The legend of Aigues-Mortes is linked to the figure of King Louis IX of France, better known as Saint Louis, and the Crusades. This fortified town, located in the department of Gard, Occitanie, has a fascinating history that mixes reality and history with a halo of legend.
The Legend of Saint Louis and the Crusades
Aigues-Mortes was the starting point of two crusades led by King Louis IX. It is said that it was from this city where, in 1248, he left with his army for the Seventh Crusade, and then, in 1270, for the Eighth Crusade, which would be the last of his life, as he died in it.
▶️ Book your Safari 4 x 4 in the Camargue 👉 CLICK HERE
According to legend, Louis IX was a divine king, touched by grace, and his departure from Aigues-Mortes was not simply a military expedition, but a religious mission blessed by God. It is said that, before leaving for the Holy Land, the king was visited by visions and divine signs, which inspired him to lead his army against the infidels. This figure of Louis as a warrior saint who fought for Christianity is still part of the popular imagination of the city.
Another aspect of the legend says that the salt mines of Aigues-Mortes, which are still active today, are a divine gift bestowed on the town by the devotion and sacrifice of Saint Louis. These salt pans produce the famous “Fleur de Sel”, and the pink colors of the saline waters surrounding the town evoke a magical, almost unreal landscape.
In addition, the walls surrounding the city are imbued with stories that mix the real and the mythical. It is said that they were built by divine inspiration to protect not only the crusaders, but also the town from pirate attacks and other maritime threats.
👉 Read my Guide to the Top 10 Wine Tours in Montpellier
A Protection Myth
Over time, Aigues-Mortes was seen as a city protected by Saint Louis, even after his death. The inhabitants believed that the king’s spirit continued to watch over them from beyond, and stories tell that, in times of need, his presence is still felt on the ramparts and in the salt marshes.
Today, the figure of Saint Louis is still alive in Aigues-Mortes, and every year a festival is held in his honor, recreating his departure for the Crusades and attracting numerous tourists and devotees.
👉 Descubre más fotos y contenido exclusivo. Unete en mi grupo Facebook
This mix of history, religiosity and legend makes Aigues-Mortes a fascinating destination for lovers of medieval myths.
📍 Aigues-Mortes is 35 km from Montpellier
✴️ What we love : The walks along the ramparts and canals.
👉 Read my complete guide on what to do in Aigues Mortes
Saint Guilhem le Désert and the legend of the pact with the devil
The legend of the Pont du Diable, in Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert, is one of the most fascinating and well-known stories of the Occitanie region. This bridge, which crosses the Hérault river and connects to the village, is surrounded by myths that mix the supernatural and the religious, very common characteristics in medieval legends.
The Construction of the Bridge and the Pact with the Devil
Legend has it that, many centuries ago, the monks of Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert decided to build a bridge over the Hérault River to facilitate the crossing for pilgrims and inhabitants of the area. However, every time they tried to raise it, the waters of the river destroyed the foundations and caused the structure to collapse. This led to great frustration among the monks, who did not know how to solve the problem.
▶️ Take a Wine Tasting Tour in Saint Guilhem le Desert
👉 CLICK HERE TO BOOK IT
It was then that the Devil appeared to them, offering a deal. He promised to build the bridge in a single night, without any problems, in exchange for taking the first soul to cross it. Desperate, the monks accepted the pact, though not without some trepidation.
As promised, the Devil built the bridge in a single night. It was a sturdy and majestic structure, and the monks were impressed. But then came the dilemma: who would be the first to cross it? They knew that person’s soul would be given to the Devil.
The Monks’ Mill
This is where the ingenuity of the monks came into play. To prevent the Devil from claiming a human life, they decided to trick him. Instead of sending a person across the bridge, they released a dog to be the first to cross.
The Devil, furious at having been tricked, is said to have tried to destroy the bridge in a fit of rage. But, having built the structure himself, he was unable to crumble it. Enraged, he threw himself into the Hérault River and disappeared into its waters, leaving the bridge intact.
Le Pont du Diable Today
Today, the Pont du Diable is still standing, and is one of the oldest bridges in France, with a structure dating back to the 11th century. Although the bridge has been reinforced and restored over the centuries, it still retains its medieval essence and is surrounded by the mystical atmosphere of this legend.
The site is not only important for its historical value, but also attracts many visitors for the beauty of its natural environment, in the heart of the Gorges de l’Hérault, and for the attraction of the legend that is still alive in popular memory. Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert, which is part of the Way of St. James, is a perfect destination for those in search of history, nature and a touch of mystery.
👉 Descubre más fotos y contenido exclusivo. Unete en mi grupo Facebook
The legend of the Pont du Diable is a classic example of how medieval stories often involved pacts with the Devil, and how human intelligence and cunning, with the help of faith, could overcome even the darkest forces.
📍 Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert is 45 km from Montpellier
✴️ What we love : The Monastery of Gellone and the Grotte de Clamouse
👉 Read my complete guide to Saint Guilhem le Désert
Les Baux de Provence and the Three Wise Men
Were the lords of the village descendants of the Three Wise Men?
The legend of Les Baux de Provence and its relationship with the Magi is a fascinating story that combines mysticism, religion and medieval heritage. This picturesque village, located in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region, not only stands out for its beauty and imposing ruins, but also for a tradition that links it directly to the most magical royalty of all: the Three Wise Men.
The Lords of Les Baux and their Royal Ancestry
According to legend, the lords of Les Baux, a powerful noble family that dominated this region during the Middle Ages, claimed to be direct descendants of one of the Magi, in particular Balthazar. This belief was based on an ancient myth linking the Baussenque family to a noble oriental ancestry, suggesting that their lineage went back to biblical times.
The proof of this illustrious origin, according to tradition, was represented in the coat of arms of the family of Les Baux, which shows a sixteen-pointed star, the symbol that would have guided the Magi to the manger in Bethlehem. This star, known as the “Star of Bethlehem”, became the emblem of the Lords of Les Baux, recalling their supposed link with Balthasar, one of the wise men who traveled from the East to adore the Baby Jesus.
The Power and Magic of the Star
Legend has it that the sixteen-pointed star that adorned the family crest was not only a symbol of power, but also of protection and magic. It was said that as long as the lords of Les Baux kept this shield and honored their supposed royal lineage, their lands and their fortress would be protected by a kind of divine blessing.
This belief in the connection with the Magi reinforced the idea that the lords of Les Baux were destined to rule and to be a family blessed by God. The nobility of the family came not only from their military and political power, but also from this sacred connection to one of the most important figures in Christianity.
Decadence and Myth
Despite this glorious legend, over time the lords of Les Baux lost their power and the lands they once controlled. However, the legend of their royal descent and their link to the Magi continued to live on in popular tradition, even after the fall of their dynasty. The fortress of Les Baux, now in ruins, remains a place steeped in history and mysticism, where echoes of the past and legends still resonate.
Every year at Christmas, Les Baux de Provence celebrates this connection with the Magi, and many of the region’s traditions revolve around the worship of these biblical characters, with processions and ceremonies honoring their legacy.
Les Baux Today: Between History and Legend
Although the story of the ancestry of the lords of Les Baux is more of a myth than a historical reality, the village has been able to take advantage of this legend to attract visitors from all over the world. Tourists visit Les Baux not only for its breathtaking views and architectural heritage, but also for the magical atmosphere that envelops the place, an atmosphere that continues to evoke the image of the Magi and their shining star.
👉 Descubre más fotos y contenido exclusivo. Unete en mi grupo Facebook
The shield with the sixteen-pointed star is still visible in some corners of the village, and serves as a reminder of the ancient belief that the lords of these lands descended from a figure as emblematic and magical as one of the Magi.
📍 Les Baux de Provence is 38 km from Avignon
✴️ What we love : Le Château and Les Carrières des Lumières
👉 Read my complete guide on what to do in Les Baux de Provence
Fontaine-de-Vaucluse and the legend of the nymphs
The legend of the Nymphs on the Sorgue River
Fontaine-de-Vaucluse is known for its imposing fountain, which rises deep in a cliff and is one of the largest in Europe. The Sorgue river emerges from this source with an impressive power, especially in spring, when the thaw increases its flow.
The source has been a mystery to explorers and scientists, as despite multiple attempts, its full depth remains an enigma. The crystal clear waters, surrounded by a majestic landscape, have inspired many to imagine what is hidden in its depths.
The legend of Basile and the guardian nymph
According to an ancient legend, the musician Basile, after falling asleep near the fountain on a hot summer day, was visited by a nymph who led him to the depths of the river. There, in a subway meadow adorned with supernatural flowers, the nymph revealed to him the secret of the Sorgue River: the water was controlled by seven large diamonds. Every time the nymph removed one of them, the water gushed forth with force.
When the seventh diamond was removed, the water reached a fig tree that only drank once a year. The legend, collected by writers such as Frédéric Mistral, reflects the symbolic relationship between the inhabitants of the region and the sacred waters of the spring.
Archaeological discoveries: a site of offerings
It is not only the myth that makes Fontaine-de-Vaucluse a special place. During underwater explorations, more than 400 ancient coins and other objects of great archaeological value have been found. These discoveries suggest that the fountain was used as a site of worship and offerings since Roman antiquity.
👉 Read my Luxury Guide: The Top 5 Star Hotels in Gordes
The amount of treasures found in the depths reinforces the idea that this place has been considered sacred for centuries. Today’s visitors can imagine how ancient civilizations venerated the waters and offered tributes to their aquatic divinities.
The poetic and artistic legacy of Fontaine-de-Vaucluse
The charm of the fountain has not only inspired legends, but also great poets and artists. The Italian poet Petrarch spent much of his life at Fontaine-de-Vaucluse, marveling at the beauty of the place, which was the setting for many of his writings.
Over the centuries, artists and writers such as Frédéric Mistral, Chateaubriand, and others have continued the legacy of this site as a source of artistic inspiration. The mixture of wild nature and mysticism that surrounds the fountain has left a deep imprint on Provençal culture.
📍 Fontaine-de-Vaucluse falls 33 km from Avignon
✴️ One of its main attractions : The source of the Sorgue river.
👉 Read my complete guide to L’Isle sur la Sorgue
Rocamadour and the Mystery of the Black Madonna
The history of the Black Madonna of Rocamadour dates back to the Middle Ages, and is closely linked to the religious pilgrimage and miracles attributed to this sacred figure. Legend has it that the statue, sculpted in dark wood, was discovered by Saint Amador, a hermit who lived in this place in the 1st century A.D. According to the story, Saint Amador, after living a life of penance in the solitude of the mountains, carved this image of the Virgin as a symbol of his devotion and faith.
Over time, Rocamadour became one of the most important pilgrimage points in Europe, attracting thousands of people who came to ask the Black Madonna to intercede for them. Over the centuries, the Black Madonna has been credited with numerous miracles, from curing illnesses to protecting sailors and travelers in distress.
👉 Descubre más fotos y contenido exclusivo. Unete en mi grupo Facebook
The most famous of these miracles is the one that relates how sailors in the midst of a storm invoked her help, and the Virgin guided them back to safe harbor, which reinforced her fame as a protector of those facing the dangers of the sea.
The mysterious figure of the Black Madonna
Credit : La Maison des 4 chemins
One of the most intriguing aspects of the Virgin of Rocamadour is its black color, which has given rise to many interpretations and theories. While some scholars believe that the dark hue is due to the effects of the passage of time on the wood, others insist that the choice of color is symbolic, representing the mystery, humility and power of the Virgin Mary. In addition, the symbolism of the Black Virgins is a recurring phenomenon in various parts of Europe, where these images are linked to fertility, rebirth and protective energies.
In the small chapel of Notre-Dame in Rocamadour, the statue of the Black Madonna is placed in a place of honor, and remains the main point of devotion for pilgrims visiting the sanctuary. The bells of the chapel, according to legend, have rung spontaneously on several occasions, as a sign of the miracles performed by the Virgin, further increasing its sacred status.
A destination of pilgrimage and miracles
During the Middle Ages, Rocamadour rivaled such important places as Santiago de Compostela in terms of the number of pilgrims it attracted. The path leading up to the sanctuary is a real challenge of devotion: pilgrims climb the 216 steps of the “Grand Escalier” on their knees, praying as they ascend to the chapel. The faith of the pilgrims is rewarded when they reach the sanctuary, where they hope to receive a miracle or the protection of the Black Madonna.
👉 Read my complete guide on what to do in Rocamadour
Today, Rocamadour remains a major pilgrimage site, with millions of visitors arriving each year to venerate the Virgin and explore this magnificent village carved out of the rock. Although faith in miracles has evolved, devotion to the Black Madonna remains intact, and Rocamadour remains a key point on the route of the Way of St. James.
📍 Rocamadour is 160 km from Toulouse
✴️ Some of its main attractions : Notre-Dame de Rocamadour Sanctuary
This is a town you must visit if you are nearby. Not only is it unique, but the region is beautiful and offers countless activities to live in the middle of nature.
▶️Take a day tour of Rocamadour plus two other charming villages.
👉 CLICK HERE TO RESERVE IT
Salon de Provence and the predictions of Nostradamus
In 1503, in the quiet village of Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, Michel de Nostredame, better known as Nostradamus, was born. Although he was a physician and astrologer, his fame is due to his enigmatic “Prophecies”, later written in Salon-de-Provence, where he lived most of his life. There, his quatrains, full of mystery, gave him a reputation for predicting future events, such as the Great Fire of London or the French Revolution.
Mystery and reality: the legacy of Nostradamus
In Salon-de-Provence, the figure of Nostradamus is deeply rooted. Although many of the details about his visions have been amplified by the passage of time, the reality is that Nostradamus was a man ahead of his time. He worked as a physician during the plague epidemics, and this, along with his astrological knowledge, made him a key figure for both the scientific community and those seeking answers in the supernatural.
The interesting thing about his figure is how his texts, full of cryptic and sometimes obscure references, gave way to a myth that still attracts visitors from all over. In Salon de Provence, you can walk the streets he walked as a young man and visit the house where he spent his last years, now converted into a museum dedicated to his life and work. This museum not only explores his history, but also the legends surrounding him, offering a unique experience for those interested in the connection between history and myth.
Salon de Provence as a mystical destination
Salon-de-Provence was the place where Nostradamus consolidated his legacy, writing his prophecies and living until his death in 1566. His tomb, in the chapel of Saint-Roch, and his former house, now a museum, attract thousands of visitors.
To explore Salon-de-Provence today is to enter the universe of Nostradamus, a world where reality and myth coexist. His cryptic writings have generated multiple interpretations over the centuries, reinforcing the image of Nostradamus as a visionary.
👉 Read my guide to the Top 5 Unusual Accommodations near Aix en Provence
Conclusion: Nostradamus and his legacy in Salon-de-Provence
In Salon-de-Provence, Nostradamus left a deep mark. He wrote his Prophecies there and lived there until his death, establishing himself as one of the most enigmatic figures in Western history. For visitors, Salon remains an essential destination to explore his life and the legends surrounding him.
📍 Salon de Provence is 35 km from Aix en Provence
✴️ One of its main attractions : The house museum of Nostradamus
👉 Read my complete guide to Saint Rémy de Provence
The Couvertoirade and the legends of the Templars
La Couvertoirade, a small picturesque fortified village in the Aveyron region of Occitanie, is home to a unique historical jewel: the only castle built by the Templars in France. This place was one of the key fortifications of the order, and the mystical atmosphere that surrounds it is deeply linked to its Templar past and the legends that have emerged over the centuries.
One of the most enduring myths in La Couvertoirade is related to the supposed treasure of the Templars. According to legend, when the order was dissolved in the 14th century by King Philip IV, the Knights Templar hid their fabulous riches in different strategic points, and one of those places is said to be La Couvertoirade. The fortress, with its imposing walls and inaccessibility, would have been the perfect hiding place to protect their treasures from royal and ecclesiastical persecutors.
👉 Descubre más fotos y contenido exclusivo. Unete en mi grupo Facebook
Over the centuries, it has been speculated that the Templars’ riches were never found, and that they remain hidden somewhere in the town or in the surrounding lands. Although there is no concrete evidence of the existence of this treasure, the legend lives on among locals and visitors, who are attracted by the mystery of the Templars and the idea that a great treasure could be hidden under the stones of this ancient bastion.
The ghosts of the Templars
Another legend that circulates in La Couvertoirade is related to the ghosts of the Templars. It is said that, on certain nights of full moon, the spirits of the knights who defended the fortress return to guard its ancient ramparts and protect the secrets they still hide. The ghost knights, according to the myth, walk silently through the cobblestone streets and towers of the fortress, watching over the place that was once their home.
This legend has endured in the imagination of visitors who, as they walk through the narrow streets of La Couvertoirade at dusk, feel that the atmosphere of the village is imbued with a mysterious energy, almost as if the Templar spirits still guard its secrets.
Conclusion: A town full of history and mysticism.
The Couvertoirade is much more than a testimony to France’s medieval and Templar past; it is a place shrouded in mystery and legends that have captured the imagination of generations. The history of the Templars, the myths of hidden treasure and tales of the ghosts of the knights make this village a unique and fascinating destination for those seeking to explore both the history and the magic of the place.
In our tour of the villages of France with legends, La Couvertoirade stands out for the depth of its Templar past and the stories that have arisen around it.
📍 La Couvertoirade is 75 km from Montpellier
✴️ What we love : Visiting its ramparts
👉 Read my complete guide to La Couvertoirade
Saintes Maries de la Mer and The Holy Marys
The legend of Saints Mary Jacobé, Mary Salome and Sarah the Black
The origin of the name Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer is deeply linked to both history and legend, creating a tale that blends the sacred with the mythical. This village, located in the heart of the Camargue, takes its name from an event that, according to tradition, occurred in the early years of Christianity and which has given rise to one of the most important pilgrimages in the south of France.
👉 Descubre más fotos y contenido exclusivo. Unete en mi grupo Facebook
According to legend, after Jesus’ crucifixion, several key figures of early Christianity were expelled from the Holy Land in a boat without rudder or sails. Among them were Mary Jacob and Mary Salome, who according to the scriptures were two of the women present at Jesus’ tomb after his resurrection. Alongside them were other figures such as Martha, Mary Magdalene, Lazarus and Sarah the Black (a more mythical figure). According to tradition, this miraculous boat reached the shores of today’s Camargue, landing in what we know today as Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer.
▶️ Book your Safari 4 x 4 in the Camargue 👉 CLICK HERE
Hence the name of the village, in honor of the two Marys who, according to legend, were instrumental in the spread of Christianity in southern France. Sara la Negra, on the other hand, has been venerated for centuries as the patron saint of gypsies, who make a large annual pilgrimage to the village to honor her.
The story behind the myth
Although tradition is powerful, some historians see this story as more legend than reality. There is no concrete evidence that these historical figures physically arrived in the Camargue, and the story may have been largely a religious construct to strengthen popular devotion in the region. However, devotion to the holy Marys has been maintained over the centuries, and the site is considered sacred by both Christians and the gypsy community, who feel a deep connection to Sara la Negra.
Throughout history, the figures of Mary Jacobé and Mary Salome were elevated to an almost mythical status, and the church built in their honor in Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer remains an important center of pilgrimage. The mixture of the divine and the human, the mythical and the religious, has made this village a key spiritual point in the south of France.
El peregrinaje en Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer
Every year in May, Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer becomes the center of one of the most colorful and exciting pilgrimages in Europe, when thousands of gypsies and devotees gather to honor Sara the Black and the holy Marys. The event is a vibrant spectacle of faith and tradition, with processions carrying the statues of the saints to the sea, recreating their supposedly miraculous landing.
This event, a mixture of history, legend and popular devotion, keeps alive the connection between Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer and its fascinating origins, uniting the present with ancient Christian traditions and gypsy legends.
Conclusion: History or legend?
The name Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer is a reflection of how history and legend can coexist in perfect harmony. Although there is no concrete evidence that the Saintes-Maries arrived on this coast, the legend has forged the town’s identity and left an indelible mark on the region’s culture. For believers, the story is real; for scholars, it is a legend that has shaped tradition. Either way, Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer remains a place where myth and faith meet, creating a unique spiritual destination in Provence.
📍 Saintes Maries de la Mer is 62 km away from Nîmes.
✴️ What we love : The view from the roof of Notre-Dame-de-la-Mer church
👉 Read my complete guide to Saintes Maries de la Mer
Cordes sur Ciel and The Legend of the Origin of its Name
The name of Cordes-sur-Ciel is deeply linked to one of its most fascinating legends. This beautiful medieval village, perched atop a hill, seems to float in the clouds on foggy days. According to legend, on those misty days, Cordes disappears from sight, suspended like a mystical place between heaven and earth. The view from afar, with the village shrouded in clouds, has for centuries led people to believe that Cordes is touched by the divine, a place outside of time that connects the two worlds.
▶️ Book your excursion in Cordes sur Ciel and Albi 👉 CLICK HERE
The name “sur Ciel”, added in 1947, reinforces this dreamlike vision, creating the image of a village that, at certain times of the year, seems to float in the air, suspended in the sky. This visual particularity has nourished the mysticism of Cordes, a place that seems beyond the earthly. The experience of travelers, who describe it as an almost ethereal destination, makes it a place where reality and myth intertwine.
Today, the legend of the floating Cordes is still alive, inviting those seeking an almost magical experience to explore its streets, where history and fantasy converge in this enchanting landscape.
📍 Cordes sur Ciel is 89 km from Toulouse.
✴️ What we love : La Église Saint-Michel and Le Musée d’Art Moderne et Contemporain
👉 Read my complete guide to Cordes sur Ciel
Legends and mysteries of villages in the South of France : The Map
Conclusion: A journey through the legends of the South of France
In conclusion, touring the villages of southern France is not only an opportunity to enjoy unique landscapes and architecture, but also to immerse yourself in a world of legends and mysteries that have been passed down from generation to generation. Stories such as the Templar treasure at La Couvertoirade, the miraculous apparitions in Rocamadour or the enigmatic prophecies of Nostradamus in Salon-de-Provence allow us to explore these places from a new perspective, enriching our visits with meaning and depth.
Discovering these myths not only adds a magical touch to our travels, but also connects us with the cultural and historical roots of each town, transforming a simple getaway into an unforgettable experience. Whether with the family or alone, each legend invites us to explore beyond the visible, awakening our imagination and making us feel part of a larger story.
Dear reader,
This article has been written by me, Diego, who has been living in France for a few years and traveling this beautiful country for many more! And it is inspired by my experiences and the tastes of me and my family.
I love to show you the charming villages of France and all there is to do here and I know that many times the organization of a trip can be complicated. That’s why, through my guides, I try to inspire you and help you in your planning.
I hope you have enjoyed reading this article and, above all, that it has been useful.
If you found this travel guide useful and want to thank me, you can now invite me to a virtual coffee!
What do you think of my article ?
