There are approximately 125 towns in France that have been officially classified as Towns of Art and History - "villes d'art et histoire". These towns are each notable because they have paid particular attention to preserving the heritage and architecture of their town centres
These towns are all committed to ensuring that visitors can see, understand and learn about their heritage so as a result you can be quite confident that a town with this classification is well worth visiting as you explore France!
Note: there is also a map showing the position of these Towns of Art and History at the bottom of this page.
List of towns classified as "villes d'art et histoire" in France
Alsace
Guebwiller (Haut-Rhin)
In Guebwilller it is the part of the town along the canal and also the churches that are the highlight for visitors
Mulhouse (Haut-Rhin)
Often ignored as an 'industrial town' Mulhouse actually has an attractive centre around the Place de la Reunion and several important museums
Strasbourg (Bas-Rhin)
The city of Strasbourg is one of the most important in France, and also one of the most attractive. At least a day to explore is very recommended!
Aquitaine
Bordeaux (Gironde)
Bordeaux is an unmissable town, one of the most lively and interesting in France and with lots to see and museums to visit...
Oloron-Sainte-Marie (Pyrenees-Atlantiques)
There are several sights of interest in Oloron-Saint-Marie including a picturesque section of river
Perigueux (Dordogne)
One of our favourite towns in the Dordogne, Perigueux has an imposing byzantine cathedral and an extensive medieval old town to explore
Sarlat (Dordogne)
Sarlat is the historic capital of the region, and perhaps the most remarkable and intact historic town in France. Highly recommended!
Auvergne
Issoire (Puy-de-Dome)
Best known for its romanesque church, Issoire is a very pleasant and unspoiled town to explore
Le Puy-en-Velay (Haute-Loire)
The town of Le Puy-en-Velay is very interesting to visit and an important pilgrimage town, as seen in its many religious monuments and statues.
Montlucon (Allier)
Periods of prosperity in the 12th, 15th and 19th centuries have each contributed monuments and buildings to the centre of Montlucon
Moulins (Allier)
In the historic centre of Moulins it is the cathedral that is the most imposing monument
Mozac (Puy-de-Dome)
The interesting Abbey of Saint-Pierre in Mozac combines early roman elements and later gothic elements
Riom (Puy-de-Dome)
The quiet regional town of Riom has several monuments of historical importance to see as you explore
Brittany
Concarneau (Finistere)
Now listed as a town of art and history, you will find lots of interesting monuments in Concarneau
Dinan (Cotes-d'Armor)
The extensive medieval centre of the walled town of Dinan ensure its popularity - one of our favourite Brittany towns!
Dinard (Ille-et-Vilaine)
Dinard, estblished as a fashionable resort in the 19th century, is still one of the nicest towns in Ille-et-Vilaine
Fougeres (Ille-et-Vilaine)
The castle and historic lower town are the main attraction, but be sure to also explore the newer upper town in Fougeres
Lorient (Morbihan)
Due to the fishing industry and war time damage Lorient is not a typical Brittany destination but retains some highlights such as the Submarine Museum
Quimper (Finistere)
The important town of Quimper is also one of the most visited in Brittany, especially for the half-timbered houses and the cathedral
Rennes (Ille-et-Vilaine)
An unmissable highlight in the region, Rennes has a very picturesque medieval centre
Vannes (Morbihan)
An unmissable highlight in this region of Brittany, the half-timbered houses in the centre of Vannes make it one of our favourite French medieval towns
Vitre (Ille-et-Vilaine)
A town not be missed, Vitré has a superb historic centre with numerous fascinating medieval buildings
Burgundy
Autun (Saone-et-Loire)
After exploring Autun with its old town, cathedral and roman ruins you can visit the site of Bibracte, site of the Gauls capital city 2500 years ago
Auxerre (Yonne)
With its cathedral and churches, and extensive historic centre with half-timbered houses and an imposing belltower Auxerre is a very interesting town to visit
Chalon-sur-Saone (Saone-et-Loire)
The pedestrianised town centre and cathedral will form the centre of your visit to the Burgundy town of Chalon-sur-Saone
Dijon (Cote d'Or)
There is a remarkable range of interesting historic sites in Dijon, perhaps our favourite among the Burgundy towns
Joigny (Yonne)
In the centre of the the traditional local town of Joigny you can see some medieval houses with wood-carvings and some more substantial 17th century townhouses
Nevers (Nievre)
The ancient centre of Nevers contains several interesting monuments and houses dating from the 12th century
Paray-le-Monial (Saone-et-Loire)
The 12th century abbey and other buildings and the pretty setting make the Basilica du Sacré-Coeur at Paray-le-Monial one of the most visited sites in France
Champagne-Ardenne
Chalons-en-Champagne (Marne)
In Chalons-sur-Champagne it is the various churches that are the main highlight of a visit
Langres (Haute-Marne)
The highlight in Langres is the chance to follow the 3 kilometres of ramparts - either walking or by tram
Reims (Marne)
In the attractive and lively centre of Reims you can see three UNESCO listed world heritage sites: the Notre-Dame Cathedral, the Abbey of Saint-Remi and the Palace of Tau
Sedan (Ardennes)
Now a 'town of art and history' it is the castle and surrounding streets where your visit to Sedan will focus
Troyes (Aube)
As well as one of the most impressive medieval quarters in France, Troyes also has important renaissance buildings, a cathedral, a Museum of Modern Art and lots of other highlights
Corsica
Bastia (Haute-Corse)
At the base of Cap Corse, Bastia has something for everyone: a harbour, an old town and citadel, and broad 19th century boulevards
Sartene (Corse-du-Sud)
Probably the most authentic and traditional of the towns in Corsica, Sartene has a myriad of narrow streets to explore
Franche-Comte
Arbois (Jura)
After exploring the old town centre in Arbois you can visit the scenic Cirque de Fer à Cheval nearby
Besancon (Doubs)
The citadel, cathedral and some impressive 16th century townhouses are among the highlights to discover in Besancon
Dole (Jura)
The Collegiale Church that dominates the town skyline is the principal attraction in Dole, and a stroll along the river banks
Salins-les-Bains (Jura)
The salt mines at Salins-les-Bains operated from the 13th - 20th century and are now an important local attraction and a UNESCO world heritage site
Languedoc-Roussillon
Beaucaire (Gard)
Beaucaire is well situtaed for exploring the popular towns of Arles, Nimes and Avignon
Narbonne (Aude)
Among other highlights, the parts of Narbonne along the canal and around the cathedral are especially worth exploring
Nimes (Gard)
Nimes contains some of the most complete ancient Roman monuments to be seen anywhere in France
Perpignan (Pyrenees-Orientales)
Those looking for a traditional French town with interesting sites will be pleased to discover Perpignan
Uzes (Gard)
The medieval centre of Uzes is interesting to explore, then perhaps visit the extensive caves at nearby La Cocaliere
Limousin
Limoges (Haute-Vienne)
Limoges is not usually featured on a list of 'must be visited places' but actually has an interesting centre, well worth exploring.
Loire Valley
Blois (Loir-et-Cher)
The town of Blois, with its castle, cathedral, extensive historic centre and other monuments is one of our favourite Loire Valleyt towns
Bourges (Cher)
Although Bourges is known for its stunning cathedral, it also has a substantial medieval centre and the Palais Jacques-Coeur among its many places of interest
Chinon (Indre-et-Loire)
As well as the castle, Chinon has a very impressive medieval centre to explore and lovely river views
Loches (Indre-et-Loire)
Numerous historic monuments make the citadel in Loches a very interesting place to visit
Orleans (Loiret)
The large town of Orleans has a great deal to recommend it: a famous cathedral, an extensive old town, a riverside promenade, and some lovely gardens nearby
Tours (Indre-et-Loire)
Tours is a large important town with numerous monuments, gardens and medieval buildings, and is also well placed to explore the west of the Loire Valley
Vendome (Loir-et-Cher)
Now listed as a 'town of art and history', Vendome retains many monuments from its active past despite extensive wartime damage
Lorraine
Bar-le-Duc (Meuse)
In the upper town of Bar-le-Duc you can find good examples of both medieval and renaissance style houses
Midi-Pyrenees
Cahors (Lot)
Best known for the famous Pont Valentre bridge, Cahors is a lively town which also has a small historic centre
Figeac (Lot)
The market town of Figeac has many interesting historic buildings and streets to explore - one of our favourite towns in this region
Montauban (Tarn-et-Garonne)
The pink houses and ancient arcades ensure that the Place Nationale in Montauban is the highlight in the town
Najac (Aveyron)
The village of Najac is very pretty, and the castle and ridgetop position mean you also have lovely views
Sauveterre-de-Rouergue (Aveyron)
The highlight in Sauveterre-de-Rouergue is surely the medieval houses and arcades in the central square
Toulouse (Haute-Garonne)
Toulouse, with its famous red-brick architecture, is one of the most impressive cities in the south of France
Villefranche-de-Rouergue (Aveyron)
The 13th century bastide town of Villefranche-de-Rouergue is very much a traditional local town of the region
Nord-Pas-de-Calais
Arras (Pas-de-Calais)
The belfry and the large number of baroque style houses make the centre of Arras very appealing with little clue that most were rebuilt less than 100 years ago after WW1 damage
Boulogne-sur-Mer (Pas-de-Calais)
The old town with its ramparts, castle and ancient streets are the highlight in Boulogne itself, while nearby there are plenty of good sandy beaches
Cambrai (Nord)
Remarkably for the town that was the site of the world's first ever tank batle, Cambrai is very interesting to explore with lots of historical monuments and a high quality museum
Lille (Nord)
The renaissance of Lille over the last 20 years has transformed an industrial town into one of the most rewarding cities in northern France to vist
Roubaix (Nord)
Although its not a major tourist destination, the centre of the large town of Roubaix has several sights of interest
Saint-Omer (Pas-de-Calais)
The attractive centre of Saint-Omr is one of the best towns to see houses built in the Flemish style typical of the region
Normandy
Coutances (Manche)
Coutances is well known for its impressive cathedral, built in the 113th century
Dieppe (Seine-Maritime)
Explore the port area then head to the castle and the Museum of Dieppe to see the highlights here
Fecamp (Seine-Maritime)
An important town on the Alabaster Coast, Fecamp includes the Bishop's Palace, the Abbey Church and the Church of Saint-Etienne among its highlights
Le Havre (Seine-Maritime)
Le Havre centre is listed as a UNESCO world heritage site, for the concrete city built after the destruction of the town in WW2
Rouen (Seine-Maritime)
The cathedral and cobbled streets in the old town are just two of the many highlights in the lovely town of Rouen.
Paris region
Meaux (Seine-et-Marne)
Meaux is visited because of its episcopal city, with a cathedral, chapter house and bishops palace
Pays de la Loire
Angers (Maine-et-Loire)
Most famous for its castle, Angers also has a cathedral and many other interesting historical monuments, numerous parks and gardens...
Evron (Mayenne)
The highlight here at Evron is the Abbey of Notre Dame, in particular the very ancient abbey church
Fontenay-le-Comte (Vendee)
With some interesting 18th century townhouses to see, Fontenay-le-Comte is also home to the Chateau de Terre-Neuve
Guerande (Loire-Atlantique)
Guerande is one of the most interesting towns in Pays-de-la-Loire, with its medieval fortifications intact and an attractive historic centre
Jublains (Mayenne)
Here in Jublains you can visit the roman ruins of the ancient city that once stood here
Laval (Mayenne)
The castle, the river and the historic centre make the substantial town of Laval very interesting to visit
Le Mans (Sarthe)
Le Mans is best known for its famous car race, but also has a very lovely medieval centre to explore
Mayenne (town) (Mayenne)
Quite a small town, the highlight of a visit to Mayenne is the nearby walk along the banks of the river
Nantes (Loire-Atlantique)
One of the largest towns in France, Nantes has many monuments, museums and places of interest to discover including the famous 'elephant' on the island.
Sainte-Suzanne (Mayenne)
The medieval village and the castle in the pretty village of Sainte-Suzanne still retain much of the original town fortified walls
Saulges (Mayenne)
The principal attraction in Saulges is the caves, occupied in prehistoric times
Picardy
Amiens (Somme)
As well as the remarkabe gothic style cathedral which attracts most visitors, Amiens also has several other sites of interest and museums
Chantilly (Oise)
The town of Chantilly in the Oise department of Picardy is best known for the Chateau de Chantilly, horses and whipped cream!
Laon (Aisne)
The cathedral in Laon is an astonishing early gothic masterpiece, and the Museum of Laon is another unexpected highlight
Noyon (Oise)
The medieval centre of Noyon is dominated by its cathedral in the 'transition' style (between roman and gothic periods) and related monuments
Saint-Quentin (Aisne)
In the central square in Saint-Quentin, the 16th century town hall is a remarkable example of secular gothic style architecture
Soissons (Aisne)
In Soissons you can explore the abbey and the cathedral before taking a pleasant riverside walk
Poitou-Charentes
Angouleme (Charente)
Angouleme is one of our favourite Charente towns, with several interesting historic monuments to see and nice views
Confolens (Charente)
Confolens has several sites of interest including an ancient bridge and fountain and some medieval houses
Montmorillon (Vienne)
Although it is quite a small town, there is a lot to discover in the pretty town of Montmorillon - and bookshops!
Parthenay (Deux-Sevres)
Parthenay is a quiet town, with historic monuments that hint at its importance iver the centuries
Poitiers (Vienne)
Poitiers is a nice town with lots of interesting sites, including the 12th century cathedral
Rochefort (Charente-Maritime)
Rochefort is an attractive 18th century town with a famous corderie, where ropes and ships were made
Royan (Charente-Maritime)
At Royan you will enjoy the beaches and also the promenade along the seafront
Saintes (Charente-Maritime)
The town of Saintes is very interesting, with an extensive old-town to explore and a Roman amphitheatre
Thouars (Deux-Sevres)
Best known for its 17th century castle, in Thouars you can also see several medieval monuments
Provence
Arles (Bouches-du-Rhone)
The roman amphitheatre and the traditional pastel-painted houses in the historic centre make Arles a very pleasant town to explore
Briancon (Hautes-Alpes)
The town of Briancon is best known for its extensive Vauban fortifications, and also has lots to discover in its old town
Carpentras (Vaucluse)
Carpentras is a sizeable town, and although not always considered a 'tourist town' we found it had a good number of sites of interest
Frejus (Var)
Among other historic sites, the town of Frejus has one of the best ancient baptisteries in France
Grasse (Alpes-Maritimes)
Grasse, the perfume capital of France, also has a very extensive old town with tall pastel-painted houses to enjoy
Marseille (Bouches-du-Rhone)
Marseille is perhaps not a tourist town but is one of the most vibrant and exciting port towns in France
Menton (Alpes-Maritimes)
The beautiful town of Menton, on the slopes of a hill near the Italian border, is one of our very favourite towns in France
Vaison-la-Romaine (Vaucluse)
You are spoiled for choice in Vaison-la-Romaine, with substantial Roman remains and also a large medieval centre to explore
Rhone-Alpes
Albertville (Savoie)
Albertville is a large active town, with Conflans, a pretty village on the hill above, the highlight
Annecy (Haute-Savoie)
Annecy is a very lovely town with a great deal to enjoy, enhanced further by the mountain backdrop
Chambery (Savoie)
Chambery is a very lively university town which is very pleasant to visit and explore
Grenoble (Isere)
Known as the 'capital of the Alps', Grenoble has a great deal of interesting sights. Don't miss the cable car!
Saint-Etienne (Loire)
Originally an industrial town, regeneration of the Place Jean Jaures, the cathedral and the town centre in Saint-Etienne now make it a pleasant town to visit
Valence (Drome)
Although the famous local vineyards are the main attraction there is a great deal of interest in Valence itself
Vienne (town) (Isere)
The combination of both Roman and medieval monuments in Vienne make it one of the most interesting towns in Isere