10 fairytale cities in France that seem straight out of a children's fairy tale

Royal castles, medieval fortresses and a village in the clouds – these 10 French towns will enchant you.

Photo: f11photo / Shutterstock

France's fairytale landscapes—majestic Alpine peaks, hilltop castles with towers, and half-timbered medieval towns entwined with vineyards—have inspired everyone from Walt Disney to Van Gogh. Wherever you go in this country, you'll find French villages and towns imbued with a fairytale atmosphere.

So, immersed in the magic of Disneyland Paris , enchanted by the Palace of Versailles After watching the galloping white horses of the Camargue, it's time to explore the rest of France's fairytale destinations. We present 10 of France's most memorable, magical towns and villages, from the countryside to the coast—all real places that feel like a fairytale.

1. Colmar

The canals of Colmar become especially magical during Christmas time. Photo courtesy of Fokke Baarssen / Shutterstock

A medieval town straight out of a Brothers Grimm fairy tale.

Nestled between the vineyards and forested mountains of Alsace, near the German border,Colmar — One of the most fairytale-like places in France. If it looks familiar, it's because it's said to be the inspiration for Belle's hometown in Beauty and the Beast, and it's certainly one of the most Disney-esque towns worth visiting.

Unleash your inner prince or princess as you stroll the cobbled streets past colorful shopfronts and half-timbered townhouses, or take a boat ride

along the flower-lined canals of Little Venice

or stroll through the seasonal Christmas market , for an extra dose of holiday magic.

2. Rocamadour

The towers of Rocamadour Castle rise from the mist below. Photo: duchy / Shutterstock

This medieval cliffside village seems to defy gravity.

Nestled on the vertiginous slopes of the Alzou River canyon, the medieval town of Rocamadour lays claim to being the most captivating place in the Dordogne. Ancient church spires, castle turrets, and dizzying ramparts seem to hang over the cliff edge, while weathered steps lead to the mountaintop. (You'll be happy to know there's also a funicular.) This vantage point offers stunning views of the French countryside.

In the summer, armored knights and stunt riders compete in the shadow of the castle. Join modern-day pilgrims on a tour of the seven rock sanctuaries, see the sacred Black Madonna, or soak up the magical romance of a hot air balloon ride over the valley.

3. Dinan

The modest houses of Dinan seem as if they were made for a fairy tale. Photo: Boris Stroiko / Shutterstock

Medieval charm and river views await you on the coast of Brittany.

Surrounded by a fairytale landscape of dense forests and nestled along the mouth of the River Rance, Dinan is imbued with medieval charm and Breton culture. Climb the old ramparts to admire the half-timbered houses with their corbels and steps, typical of a coastal town, and then admire the 14th-century keep of Dinan Castle, where the Celtic flag still flies.

Then enjoy a scenic bike ride

along the Ile-et-Rance Canal or combine your visit with a tour of the Loire Valley castles and D-Day beaches.

4. Saumur

The hilltop castle in Saumur looks like it came straight out of a fairy tale. Photo: KingQoala / Shutterstock

Castles, caves, and dancing horses in shining armor.

Loire Valley is replete with Disney-style castles, rural villages, and romantic vineyards, and the town of Saumur in the western Loire is the embodiment of a true fairy tale. Climb to the top of the hill, to the Château de Saumur,from where there is a view of the Loire, Stroll through the half-timbered Old Town and stop for a croissant at one of the cafés with a flower-adorned terrace.

Let your imagination run wild as you explore the Saumur caves and discover the history of the region's cavemen, then head to the Cadre Noir to watch a thrilling performance of elite French dressage.

5. Carcassonne

The sun sets over the Citadel of Carcassonne. Photo: Armando Oliveira / Shutterstock

Europe's largest citadel is associated with Disney and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Carcassonne – a medieval wonderland with towering ramparts, ancient drawbridges, and more than 50 towers – is the hilltop Citadel of Carcassonne – Europe's largest and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it's more than just a hidden gem; it's one of France's best fairytale towns to visit, making it a must-see for many travelers.

Follow the footsteps of the Cathars on a walking tour Explore the city of Carcassonne, venture to the Museum of Medieval Torture Instruments, or take a horse-drawn carriage ride to the Château Comtal , which is said to have inspired Walt Disney's Sleeping Beauty Castle.

Insider tip: the most magical time to visit? July 14th, when you can see the spectacular Bastille Day fireworks display.

6. Cordes-sur-Ciel

The medieval town of Cordes-sur-Ciel lives up to its name. Photo: FredP / Shutterstock

A fairytale village floating in the clouds.

Rising from the clouds on a mountaintop, it's easy to see why the French village of Cordes-sur-Ciel It has earned its nickname "in the sky." Arrive early to admire the magnificent views from afar, as the morning fog gives the city an ethereal quality, then climb to the top of the hill and explore the maze of steep streets.

You can easily spend an entire day wandering through the art studios, handicraft shops, and artisan bakeries. Be sure to pick up a bag of Croquants de Cordes (almond meringue cookies), a local delicacy.

7. Annecy

Annecy combines mountains, lakes, and charming houses. Photo courtesy: Inna Vlasyuk / Shutterstock

An Alpine fairytale of mountains, lakes, and a French chateau.

With a picturesque backdrop of snow-capped peaks and sparkling blue canals, the romantic fairytale town of Annecy is a postcard-perfect star of the French Alps—and just a few steps from borders with Switzerland.

Discover the atmospheric Old Town, picturesque canals, and lakeside gardens on a walking tour

Explore the Alpine town and take a cruise on Lake Annecy

on a traditional rowing boat or admire the views from the Château de Annecy.

8. Mont Saint-Michel

Mont Saint-Michel has that fairytale "je ne sais qua." Photo: milosk50 / Shutterstock

This sacred monastery is perhaps the most magical place in France.

There is no more enchanting view than Mont Saint-Michel – half medieval monastery, half fairytale castle, located on a wave-washed island off the coast of Normandy. This UNESCO World Heritage site is not only one of the most photographed landmarks in France, and also served as the inspiration for Rapunzel's castle in the Disney film Tangled.

It's one of the most beautiful villages in France, especially when viewed from afar to appreciate its pyramidal shape. But don't miss the opportunity to explore Mont Saint-Michel up close. Get lost in its cobbled streets on a walking tour , climb up to the abbey on the top of the hill and stroll along the ramparts to admire the breathtaking views of the Bay of Mont Saint-Michel.

9. Ez

The romantic streets of Eze will enchant you. Photo: Balate Dorin / Shutterstock

Charming viewpoints and perfume shops worthy of 21st-century royalty.

Forget fictional heroes and heroines – the golden sands and sparkling turquoise waters of the French Riviera have long been a favorite vacation spot for true royalty.

The labyrinth of streets and houses of Eze , Hidden on the hilltops, this small village is one of the most charming places on the Côte d'Azur. Here you can stroll through idyllic cactus gardens, visit a historic perfume factory and admire the Mediterranean coastline.

While Èze may not be the traditional enchanted forest town of children's fairy tales, the French Riviera has its own fairytale atmosphere.

10. Albi

Albi is an underrated gem in the south of France. Photo: FredP / Shutterstock

This ancient city offers adventurers UNESCO treasures and artistic gems.

The Episcopal City of Albi With its UNESCO World Heritage-listed monuments, impressive 13th-century cathedral and ancient bridges carved from pink stone, it is a fairytale setting for the Cathar Crusades in France.

Immerse yourself in the city's fascinating history on a guided tour , Take a cruise along the River Tarn on a traditional gabarre (barge), then admire the landscaped gardens and paintings of Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec at the majestic Palais de Berbie.