Fall amplifies the charm of these 10 villages in the South of France
I love fall, and there is something magical that transforms the villages in the south of France into authentic fairytale settings during this wonderful season.
A magical season in which the villages are filled with warm colors, the air becomes fresh and everything is transformed into a scene worthy of a postcard.
Over the years, I have had the good fortune to travel through every corner of this area and, without a doubt, fall is the season when these villages show their most charming side.
In France, all the little villages are charming and always worth a visit, but in this list I invite you to discover a selection of my 10 favorite villages in fall, little known. Those that stole my heart and to which I always return when I feel the need to disconnect.
Let’s walk through them together!
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Saint Guilhem le Désert, Hérault
ℹ️ Population 251 Inhabitants. Source INSEE
Located in the Occitania region, Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert is a small medieval village that looks like something out of a fairy tale, classified as one of the most beautiful in France..
I have visited it several times and it is a must when we receive visitors, but fall suits it especially well: its cobblestone streets are tinged with gold and the calm that is breathed makes it irresistible.
👉 Read my complete guide to Saint Guilhem le Desert
In the heart of the Hérault valley, this charming corner welcomes you with the majestic Abbaye de Gellone, a real jewel that rises in the center of the village. Classified as a UNESCO world heritage site, the abbey has a sacred and ancient atmosphere that takes you back centuries.
As you wander through the narrow streets, you will find craft stores where it is impossible not to stop and browse. Ceramics, lavender products and handmade soaps are some of the treasures offered by local artisans.
Step away from the village and you will discover the famous Pont du Diable. This medieval bridge over the Hérault River is said to have been built by the devil himself. Crossing it, the sight of the trees reflected in the water is a spectacle that fall makes even more magical.
👉 Click here to book an excursion to Saint Guilhem le Désert
For the adventurous, a few kilometers from the village is the Grotte de Clamouse, an incredible cave that invites you to a subway journey full of amazing formations.
But Saint-Guilhem does not stop there; around the village there are trails perfect for walking at this time of the year. It is no coincidence that this place is a paradise for hikers and history lovers.
And if you are left wanting more, there are prehistoric corners to explore, adding an extra layer of mystery and charm to the visit.
Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert is like this: a place where every step tells you a story, where time seems to have stopped and where fall brings out each of its charms.
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Sommières, Le Gard
ℹ Population 5109 Inhabitants. Source INSEE
We always love to come to Sommières, in the Gard department. This is one of those villages that grabs you as soon as you arrive. With its medieval atmosphere, the murmur of the Vidourle river and that relaxed air so characteristic of the south of France, it is a place to be enjoyed especially in fall.
Sommières is not a particularly touristy village, so here you can live and breathe the genuine atmosphere of the South of France.
👉 Read my complete guide to Sommiéres
Every corner of the village has something to tell, and if there is one thing you can not miss on your visit is to get lost in the old town. Strolling through the cobbled streets, you will discover the beauty of the Church of Saint-Pons, a jewel of the twelfth century that stands majestically among the stone houses.
We love to tour the village as a family, imagine what life was like in those days and then go up to the Castle Museum to learn a little more about the fascinating history of the region.
But what really steals the show in Sommières is its Roman Bridge, built in the 1st century no less.
The bridge, with its simple elegance and imposing presence over the Vidourle River, invites us to travel back in time. When you reach the other side, the atmosphere changes: the terraces on the banks of the river call you to sit down, relax with a coffee and enjoy the serenity of the landscape that in fall becomes even more captivating.
If you are lucky enough to visit the town on a Saturday, you will also find the local market in full action.
👉 Read my complete Guide on the 10 Wine Tours from Montpellier
The square is filled with colors and aromas, and the fresh produce tempts you to try everything.
A good plan is to go to the fresh oyster stalls, one of the specialties of the region, and taste a couple right there with a good local white wine.
Sommières is like that: a perfect blend of history, landscapes, good gastronomy and that authentic atmosphere of the South of France that is so enjoyable.
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Uzès, in Le Gard
ℹ Population in the year 2020: 8,721 inhabitants. Source INSEE
Uzès is one of our favorite villages in the south of France, and one that we always return to in fall to stroll around and do some shopping.
Selected as the most welcoming in the region and 7th in the world by the Traveller Review Awards 2024 of the Booking platform, this village is a real historical treasure, with its medieval atmosphere, cobbled streets and charming squares that seem to be taken out of a knight’s tale.
👉 Read my complete guide to Uzès
One of the must-sees is the Uzès Market, which in fall is filled with local products such as cheeses, olives and chestnuts. It is the perfect place to immerse yourself in the local culture.
History is breathed in every corner of the village, especially when touring the Saint-Théodorit Cathedral and the imposing Ducal Castle, residence of the oldest French nobility still living in their ancestral home.
Right next door, the Medieval Gardens of Uzès offer an enchanting walk, with aromatic herbs and medicinal plants that transport you to another era.
In addition, for lovers of good food, La Table d’Uzès, with its Michelin distinction, is a must stop.
👉👉 Click here to book your visit to Pont du Gard
And just a few kilometers from Uzès, stands the magnificent Pont du Gard, the best-preserved Roman aqueduct in the world, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This monument, which spans the Gardon River, is an imposing reminder of the region’s Roman heritage.
A walk in the surrounding area, especially in fall, offers unforgettable landscapes and a unique connection with history. Uzès is like this: a perfect blend of history, nature and culture, wrapped in a relaxed and authentic atmosphere.
Anduze, Le Gard
ℹ️ Population in 2020: 3374 inhabitants. Source INSEE
This is a real nugget from the south of France, especially in fall, when its serene atmosphere and warm colors become even more enchanting.
👉 Read my complete guide to Anduze
Known as “The Gateway to the Cévennes”, this picturesque village is a quiet haven where time seems to have stood still, inviting you to stroll through its cobblestone streets and enjoy its friendly, family atmosphere.
Strolling through its Historic Center, you will find several treasures. One of the most striking is the Fountain Pagoda, a colorful 17th century fountain inspired by Asian styles that has become a symbol of the town square.
Nearby, the 14th century Clock Tower towers over Anduze, offering spectacular panoramic views. Don’t miss the Parc des Cordeliers, a green oasis perfect for a leisurely stroll with the family.
And if you want to take a little piece of Anduze home with you, follow the Anduze Vase Route, where you will discover the pottery tradition that has made this village famous.
In fall, Anduze offers you an authentic experience full of history. A perfect place to disconnect, immerse yourself in its charm and enjoy the serenity that only the villages of the south of France can offer.
Gordes, In Provence
ℹ️ Population in 2020: 1700 Inhabitants. Source INSEE
With its title of one of the most beautiful villages in France, Gordes in fall welcomes you with its white stone houses and landscapes tinged with golden and reddish tones.
As you walk through its steep streets, the fresh air is filled with the scent of pine trees and dried lavender. This time of year makes it an ideal destination to enjoy a quiet and captivating getaway.
👉 Read my complete guide to Gordes
One of the great pleasures in Gordes is to stay in one of its hotels with dreamlike views.
Many offer unique experiences, such as open-air cinemas where you can enjoy a movie wrapped in blankets, magic shows that will delight young and old, or rides in vintage cars along the roads that wind through the fall landscapes.
In Gordes you can take a 2-hour carriage ride through the Luberon region.
The combination of luxury and the cozy atmosphere of this season make every corner of the village unforgettable. In the center of the village stands the majestic Château de Gordes, a 10th century castle that dominates the entire landscape.
👉 Read my guide to 5 star hotels in Gordes
From its terraces, the views of the valley are breathtaking in autumn, when the trees are dressed in warm colors and the hills are wrapped in a soft mist.
Touring its rooms and learning about its history is an experience that immerses you in the heart of Provence.
A few minutes away is the Village des Bories, a group of old dry stone buildings that transport us to the rural life of past centuries. Visiting this place in autumn, with the sound of the wind through the trees and the silence that surrounds it, is like entering another time.
👉 Check out the 30 things to see in Provence. Read my complete guide
Gordes in autumn is pure magic: its cobblestone streets, its spectacular scenery and the experiences it offers make this village a gem to enjoy at this time of year.
La Couvertoirade, in the Aveyron
ℹ️ Population in 2020 : 193 inhabitants. Source INSEE
Ah! La Couvertoirade is, I confess, one of my favorite villages. This corner of southern France transports you directly to the Middle Ages, to the time of the Knights Templar, with its houses with stone slab roofs, the fortifications of the fifteenth century and its imposing castle.
Every time I come here, I feel like I am traveling back in time, walking through narrow streets that still preserve that mysterious and legendary air.
👉 Read my complete guide to La Couvertoirade
Classified as one of “Les Plus Beaux Villages de France”, La Couvertoirade is a medieval jewel located in the heart of the Causse du Larzac, a breathtaking landscape listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Its perfectly preserved walls invite you to walk along them and imagine what life was like in this fortified village centuries ago.
The activities offered by La Couvertoirade are for all ages and tastes. From guided tours that immerse you in the fascinating history of the Templars and Hospitallers, to the exploration of local crafts, where you can find unique pieces created by the passionate locals.
The regional gastronomy is another of its charms: the cozy taverns invite you to taste the local flavors in a rustic and warm atmosphere.
👉 Read my complete guide to the 10 Best Unusual Lodgings in Occitanie
For nature lovers, the hike to the Rédounel Windmill is a perfect plan. Along the way, the views of the Causse stretch before your eyes, showing the beauty of the environment surrounding the village.
In autumn, this walk becomes even more magical, with the ocher and golden colors of the season.
La Couvertoirade is a place to fall in love with, not only for its history and architecture, but also for the energy it transmits. A medieval paradise where the magic of the Templars is still alive and where every corner has a legend to tell.
Vézenobres, Le Gard
ℹ️ Population in 2020 : 1927 inhabitants. Source INSEE
Vézénobres is one of those charming villages that are often left out of the traditional tourist circuits, becoming a real hidden treasure.
Located on a hill and with a medieval atmosphere that envelops you as soon as you arrive, this place is perfect for those looking for an authentic autumn experience in the south of France and away from mass tourism.
👉 Read my complete guide to Vézénobres
Strolling through Vézénobres is a magical adventure, especially in autumn, when its cobblestone streets are filled with that peaceful atmosphere so characteristic of the region.
Its narrow streets, lined with old stone houses, form a labyrinth where it is impossible not to get lost and discover corners full of history.
During the walk, you will come across art workshops and small local stores, adding a special touch to the tour. Among the must-sees is the Château de Fay-Perault, with its evocative medieval ruins that tell stories of the past.
👉 Read my Complete Guide to the Top 6 Luxury Hotels near Montpellier
Nearby, the Église Saint-André stands with its imposing eighteenth century fresco, a detail that you can not fail to admire.
Another of Vézénobres’ charms is its special connection with figs, one of the region’s most traditional products.
La Maison de la Figue is the perfect place to discover all the secrets of this fruit, from its history to its cultivation. You will also be able to taste local products and learn more about the village’s link to this delicacy.
Vézénobres is like this: a little known village that, without the influence of mass tourism, invites you to enjoy the tranquility and the authentic local life.
A place full of charm and surprises, ideal for a family tour and let yourself be carried away by its serene and medieval spirit.
Lussan, Gard
ℹ️ Population 506 inhabitants in 2020. Source INSEE
Lussan, classified as one of the most beautiful villages in France, is an enchanting corner that becomes even more magical in autumn.
This small and little-known town, far from the commercial development of other tourist destinations, offers an authentic experience that captivates all who visit it.
👉 Read my complete guide to Lussan
Ideal for those looking for a relaxing stop, Lussan invites you to stroll through its quiet cobblestone streets, surrounded by old stone houses and elegant medieval architectural details.
In autumn, the town is tinged with golden and ocher colors, providing a warm and welcoming landscape that makes every walk unforgettable.
In addition to its natural beauty, Lussan is the perfect place to stop and enjoy a delicious meal in one of its cozy restaurants.
The local flavors and the intimate atmosphere of the village make any meal a special moment.
Lussan is the ideal destination to unwind, let yourself be enveloped by its serenity and discover the true essence of the South of France in autumn.
Castelnau de Montmiral, Tarn
ℹ️ Population : 1046 inhabitants. Source INSEE
Castelnau-de-Montmiral in autumn is simply charming. This little village, classified as one of the most beautiful in France, welcomes you with its quiet and peaceful atmosphere that is tinged with the warm colors of the season.
When I came here for the first time, I was fascinated by its serenity and the beauty of its small streets, which look like something out of a postcard.
👉 Read my complete guide to Castelnau de Montmiral
Walking through its streets, you stop at every detail: the stone facades, the flowers that adorn the windows and the silence that envelops every corner.
The whole town seems to tell stories of the past while you let yourself be carried away by the slow rhythm of the autumn air.
The center of the village revolves around the main square, the beating heart of Castelnau-de-Montmiral. When you get there… time stands still.
The terraces of the cafes invite you to sit down, enjoy the moment and let yourself be carried away by the tranquility that fills the place.
The Place des Arcades is the perfect setting for this break, with its charming arches and half-timbered buildings with ochre bricks, so typical of the villages of the region.
From the top of the village, the views of the surrounding fields and vineyards leave you speechless.
In autumn, this landscape is transformed into a symphony of golden and reddish tones, a postcard that invites you to dream and to lose yourself in the beauty of the French southwest.
👉👉 Take a gastronomic route with tastings.
They are those movie panoramas that stick in your memory and make you want to come back again and again.
Castelnau-de-Montmiral is like this: a place where you can lose yourself in its charming little streets, admire its medieval architecture and enjoy the peace that only the villages of the south of France can offer.
Cordes sur Ciel, Tarn
ℹ️ Population 856 inhabitants in 2020. Source INSEE
Cordes-sur-Ciel in autumn is truly a fairy tale come true. I get excited just writing about this place.
This charming medieval village, located on top of a hill 300 meters above sea level, invites you to a quiet walk full of surprises.
👉 Read my complete guide to Cordes sur Ciel
At this time of the year, its alleys are dressed in warm autumn colors, while the fresh air adds a magical touch to the tour.
As you walk up its cobblestone streets, you’ll come across charming boutiques, art workshops where artisans create true masterpieces, and museums hidden in historic buildings.
Although the climb may seem challenging, the beauty of the surroundings makes you forget the effort and enjoy every step.
Without realizing it, you find yourself in the very heart of the village, surrounded by the history and the unique atmosphere that surrounds Cordes-sur-Ciel.
👉👉 Click here to book a tour of Cordes-sur-Ciel and Albi.
Among the must-see stops is the Église Saint-Michel, an architectural jewel that stands imposingly in the center of the village.
If you like art, you cannot miss the Musée d’Art Moderne et Contemporain, which surprises with its unique collections in this medieval setting.
Here you will also discover the Treboul’tout, a medieval pulley presented by an association of medieval builders.
It is also worth visiting the Sugar and Chocolate Museum, a fascinating place that dazzles young and old with sugar sculptures and delicious handmade chocolates.
👉 Read my complete guide on the 5 Best Gastronomic Tours in Toulouse.
And to end your visit, the Jardin des Paradis awaits you as an oasis of tranquility. Its exotic plants and landscaping envelop you in an atmosphere of calm, perfect for relaxing and enjoying autumn in all its splendor.
Cordes-sur-Ciel in autumn is like this: a captivating walk through history, art and dreamy landscapes. A place where every corner holds a surprise, and where the climb to the center becomes a magical experience that connects you with the very essence of the most enchanting of the South of France.
My selection of charming villages to visit in fall : The Map
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.
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