The fairest of them all

From ancient châteaux to sweeping vineyard views, Carolyn Boyd has the pick of France's most beautiful villages

- Carolyn Boyd

The cobbled lanes and timber-framed cottages of Conques.

Best for walkers—Conques

THE Santiago de Compostela pilgrimage route takes in many idyllic villages, but Conques, on the path that leads from Le Puy en-Velay, is a particular highlight. Cobbled lanes meander between peach and ochre timber-frame cottages and its crowning glory is the 11th-century Sainte-Foy abbey. Look up above its entrance to admire its incredible tympanum, which depicts the Last Judgement of Christ. Inside, the stained-glass windows by artist Pierre Soulages were added in 1990 and complement the Romanesque architecture with their modern design. The Abbey, with its enchanting cloisters, is also home to one of Europe’s greatest medieval gold artworks, a collection of reliquaries known as The Treasure of Conques.

Best for island escape—Ars-en-Ré

ONLY two of the enchanting villages on the Ile de Ré hold the prestigious title of Plus Beaux Villages de France: La Flotte and Ars-en-Ré. The latter is the more polished of the two and at its heart is a sun-drenched square and the Saint-Etienne church, with its distinctive black-and-white spire that served as a landmark for sailors. Browse the brocante boutiques and galleries before getting into the back streets, where colourful hollyhocks climb up the façades of the white-washed, green-shuttered cottages. The market takes place daily in the summer months and offers a great selection of products, such as fragrant soap and local honey.

Best for wine—Ménerbes