These 5 Villages in France Are the Favourites According to French TV Competition

It’s hard to know where to start when deciding which villages in France should win an award for the most beautiful. So the French have taken a different approach and created a TV program for the viewers to vote for their favourite.

Table of Contents

Le village préféré des Français, the favourite village of the French, is the French version of a reality TV show.

Making its debut in 2012 and hosted by famous journalist, radio host and television presenter Stéphane Bern, it quickly became an audience favourite.

Evening view of a quaint street with half-timbered houses, lit lamps, and a water canal.

I mean, who wouldn’t want to look at all those gorgeous little French villages with their beautiful streets, stunning architecture and historic market squares? They really are like something off a Hollywood film set.

In total, fourteen villages take part, each representing a different region in France, and the public vote for their favourite. From gastronomy and regional traditions to bridges, fountains and monuments, these villages work hard to showcase their heritage and show the French public why they should win the coveted award.

And, of course, the winners get to display their award, which helps boost tourism to the region.

What does it take to be named winner in 2024? Take a look at the previous five winners to find out.

2019 Winner – Saint-Vaast-la-Hougue

Saint-Vaast-la-Hougue in the Manche department on the northeast coast of the Cotentin Peninsula, Normandy, has a population of approximately 2,000.

Known for its oyster farming, Saint-Vaast-la-Hougue is a vibrant fishing and sailing community. The oyster beds at low tide create a natural link to Tatihou Island, and you can walk across them to reach the island.

The local marina, with 700 berths, is one of Normandy’s largest, and the Vauban towers, constructed in 1694 after the naval Battle of La Hougue, are a famous landmark.

Historic coastal fortification with path alongside the sea under an overcast sky.

These fortifications, designed by Benjamin de Combe, a student of the famed military engineer Vauban under Louis XIV, are recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Situated on La Hougue and Tatihou Island, they were erected to defend the bay and are a testament to the village’s rich historical tapestry.

The Cotentin Peninsula, with its rugged cliffs and diverse landscapes, has a wildness similar to the dramatic windswept coasts of Ireland.

202 Winner – Hunspach

The Alsace region is like something out of a Disney fairytale, and Hunspach is the third village in this region to be the “favourite village” award.

Known for its pristine white half-timbered houses, Hunspach reflects a rich architectural tradition that dates back to the Middle Ages. The village’s layout and structure, characterised by its striking white façades, offer a glimpse into the area’s artisanal heritage.

Traditionally, the colours of the shutters on these houses could indicate an artisan’s dwelling, but now they are mainly filled with windowboxes of blooming geraniums.

The village has a significant military heritage, including the Fort of Schoenenbourg. Part of the Maginot Line, this fortification represents one of the largest structures open to the public in Alsace, illustrating the region’s strategic importance during the Second World War.

Traditional half-timbered houses adorned with red flowers, under a clear sky.

Despite also receiving an award for Les Plus Beaux Villages de France, it’s remained relatively quiet compared to the other more touristy villages in this area.

The village is halfway between Haguenau and Wissembourg, giving visitors a good excuse to delve into the history of Alsace through its architecture, costumes, and traditions.

Its proximity to the German border adds another layer to its intriguing past, with influences seen in the local dialect, cuisine, and customs that blend French and German cultures seamlessly.

2021 Winner – Sancerre

Sancerre is a hilltop town in the Cher department of the Centre-Val de Loire region with picturesque views over the Loire Valley.

The town’s history is deeply intertwined with viticulture, transitioning from primarily Pinot noir grapes to the now-famous Sauvignon Blanc after the phylloxera epidemic in the late 19th century.

The Sancerre appellation, recognised since 1936, encompasses several communes known for producing white, red, and rosé wines alongside the celebrated Crottin de Chavignol goat cheese.

La Maison des Sancerre has an interactive museum experience with a 4D cinema and wine tastings. Visitors can also enjoy the local goat’s cheese, which pairs excellently with Sancerre wine.

Narrow cobbled street flanked by classical European buildings and greenery in sunlight.

As you walk through the village, look out for Maison Jacques Cœu, the oldest house in Sancerre, which once belonged to Jacques Cœur, the royal advisor to King Charles VII.

His influence and contributions to the French economy and his pioneering role in promoting trade with the Levant during the 15th century made him a notable historical figure.

The village was the site of the infamous ‘Siege of Sancerre’ from 3 January to 19 August 1573. This event was a pivotal moment during the Wars of Religion, where the town, adhering to Protestant beliefs, endured a prolonged siege by Catholic forces.

And it was also the main stronghold for the French resistance in this region during WW2.

2022 Winner – Bergheim

Bergheim is in the Alsace’s vineyards and full of medieval charm and history with nearly intact 14th-century fortifications, including a double defensive wall, nine towers, and the iconic High Tower gate.

The village is encased in two kilometres of ramparts that provide stunning views of the surrounding landscape, including the vineyards of the Altenberg and Kanzlerberg, known for their exceptional Gewurztraminer wines.

The history of Bergheim is intertwined with that of the Habsburgs, who repeatedly mortgaged the town for funds throughout the Middle Ages. Despite this, the resilient inhabitants consistently bought back their freedom, underlining their strong sense of community and independence.

Notably, in the 16th and 17th centuries, Bergheim was known for granting asylum to hundreds seeking refuge, including those accused of serious crimes.

Cobblestoned street lined with colorful half-timbered houses and blooming flowers under a cloudy sky.

It’s easy to see why it was a winner with its gorgeous colourful half-timbered houses and cobblestone streets, particularly the Grand Rue, which leads to the picturesque Place du Marché.

The Church of the Assumption dates back to the 14th century, and the small Town Museum, which delves into the region’s witchcraft history in the 16th century, are among the key attractions.

But Bergheim’s story is also intertwined with the darker history of witch trials in the 16th and 17th centuries, where many women were accused and executed for witchcraft. This period is remembered at the Maison des Sorcières (Witches’ House), highlighting the trials and the lives of those deemed “witches”.

2023 Winner – Esquelbecq

Esquelbecq, near the Belgian border, is in the Hauts-de-France region with plenty of Flemish architecture to enjoy. The 17th-century red brick castle, Château d’Esquelbecq, is at the centre surrounded by a moat and gardens with eight round towers.

Unfortunately, access to the castle itself isn’t possible, but you still get a good view from the outside. The tower within the grounds of the castle was a colombier where pigeons were bred and is a listed monument dated 1606.

The village played a significant part in World War II history, where the massacre of 100 British soldiers who were captured and imprisoned in a barn on the outskirts of the town took place.

Aerial view of a medieval moated castle surrounded by lush greenery and a bridge over water.

They were murdered by the SS and very few escaped and the Site Mémoire de la Plaine au Bois commemorates what happened, including a reconstruction of the barn.

There is also Esquelbecq Military Cemetery, where the bodies of some 600 soldiers, mostly from the Commonwealth, are buried who died in the First World War.

On a happier note, the village also has the nickname “the town of books”. On the third Sunday of every month, the village hosts a book market in the Maison du Westhoek. Book lovers from across France and Belgium come to buy and exchange books on the lookout for something rare.

Final thoughts on the winning French villages of Le village préféré des Français

There are so many lovely villages in France, all deserving of an award, but these villages were voted for by the French public.

They are all worth visiting if you’re up for a road trip through France.