Almost every traveler correlates France with big cities like Lyon, and destinations like ''Eiffel Tower'' and Notre Dame'' come to mind first. But getting a little far from everyday city life would be an amazing way of exploring France from a different perspective, and what's a better way than its enchanting small towns? There is more to this country than its world-famous cities and attractions. The small towns in France boast incredible hilltop views, an admirable culture, gorgeous canals lined with flowers, and more! Skip the long queues in Louvre, and experience the charm of these small towns, where crowds are fewer, and the atmosphere is relaxing.

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10 Saint-Émilion, Bordeaux

Bordeaux is recognized for being one of the largest wine producers in the world, and while the place is filled with vineyards, Saint Emilion’s picturesque nature is notable, thanks to its magnificent attractions and historical sites. Named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999, the town boasts beautiful limestone buildings, charming hotels, and hilly streets that make it an exceptional tourist destination with a lot more to offer than just its wine varieties. If a small town full of charm is what one is looking for, visiting Saint Emilion will never disappoint!

9 Peillon, French Riviera

Nestled on the French Riviera, about 18 kilometers north of Nice, on a gorgeous cliff, Peillon is a small town in France full of charm and is worth exploring. Travelers won't be able to access this gorgeous place in a car, as it is pedestrian only. Plus, there are no everyday amenities, like restaurants or beautiful shops found in most places, except a few at the town's entrance. When visiting Peillon, one must be prepared well, and that includes packing comfortable shoes for easy navigation of the village. The views from here are breathtaking and worth every struggle to navigate some of the village’s narrow pathways. There are some accommodation options to choose from in Peillon.

8 Annecy, Haute-Savoie

Annecy attracts visitors with its beautiful hillsides and magnificent canals connecting to the main streets in town. When strolling through the canals, vacationers will note small stone bridges that are photo-worthy and would make awesome pictures for Instagram. Annecy's population is a bit higher than most of the other small towns, but its atmosphere is definitely that of a charming small village. The town boasts cobblestone streets, beautiful hotels, and incredible views not found almost anywhere else.

7 Eze, French Riviera

Cities like Nice are known to be the best destinations in the French Riviera, but for a more enchanting experience with no crowds to interfere, try visiting Eze. Nestled in a magnificent area on the hillside, Eze allows for breathtaking views of the Mediterranean. Hiking is the best way to experience the small town’s charm, and getting to the summit is always delightful. The hike is easy, and even the less experienced would find it exhilarating. There are many accommodation options to choose from in Eze.

6 Etretat, Normandy

Located on Normandy Coast, the northwest side of France, Etretat is a charming resort town with a lot to offer. The town boasts gorgeous three incredible natural arches and dramatic cliffs – and is one of the most famous tourist destinations in Upper Normandy. There is a picture-perfect gravel beach that would make a perfect spot to relax and take in the sun. This town is one of the most serene places and attracts visitors because of its quiet and relaxing scenery.

5 Gaillac, Tarn

Nestled on the Tarn River, about 50 km northeast of Toulouse and 25 km west of Albi, Gaillac Tarn is a spectacular small town that originated about 1000 years ago. The town boasts enchanting small streets, beautiful vineyards, and some of the tastiest wines – and is known for producing them in wide varieties. Some of the town’s most impressive attractions include Peter’s Church, Castle Foucaud, Abbey Museum, and Palmata 13th round. Most of its attractions are packed in a small area, but travelers will also find beautiful parks, historical buildings, charming hotels, and other museums spread throughout the town.

4 Villefranche-sur-Mer, Provence

Villefranche-sur-Mer is a perfect summer destination, thanks to its location along the French Riviera, closer to the Mediterranean. The seaside town is known for fishing, but it's full of charm in every spot and boasts cobbled stairways, gorgeous dense lush hills, colorful houses, beautiful hotels, and a breathtaking view of the sea. This town is probably one of the smallest, but its beauty is unmatched, and a day trip from Nice would be a perfect way to explore its stunning attractions.

3 Giverny, Normandy

Located on the border of Normandy, Giverny is a small town in Italy full of charm and is recognized for hosting Claude Monet's beautiful house and garden on the riverside, where she lived and died. The house and the garden are some of the most iconic tourist attractions, the second most visited in the town, and are well worth a visit. Giverny boasts beautiful art galleries, restaurants, hotels, and cafes – visitors can best explore during the early evening when crowds thin out.

Related: 10 Most Beautiful Places To Visit In Normandy, France

2 Colmar, Alsace

Also known as ''Little Venice,'' Colmar is one of the most charming small towns in France, boasting gorgeous canals and colorful houses. While the town is lesser-known, the capital of Alsatian wines is bound to charm tourists of all interests. The town is easy to access, as it is well-served by the train system, and travelers can reach it from anywhere in the country. There is not much to explore, but the little it has is delightful, especially the area around its Old Town. It's possible to book many hotels in town.

1 Amiens, Picardy

With a population of 132,874, Amiens sounds bigger, but it definitely boasts an incredible charm of a small town. Travelers can reach the town on a car drive from the north of France, which takes around two hours. The town is largely recognized for its Gothic cathedral, but its stunning gardens (les hortillonnages) are delightful to explore on small boats through the beautiful canals. The town is also rich in cultural heritage, museums, hotels, and monuments.