Luxury Travel to Historic Cities: Our Favorite Medieval Towns in France

We absolutely love planning trips inspired by specific periods, art movements, or architectural styles. In winter, there’s something magical about bundling up and wandering through towns steeped in medieval history and architecture. While medieval heritage can be found across Europe (some of our favorites include Assisi, Santiago de Compostela, Rhodes, and Bruges), in this blog post we are highlighting French medieval towns, celebrated for their unique blends of art, architecture, and rich history. As the birthplace of Gothic architecture, France offers a wide range of ways to experience medieval design, from soaring cathedrals to hilltop villages.

Mont Saint Michel, Normandy

Mont Saint Michel is one of our favorite locations in the world and a must-see for anyone who appreciates history and architecture. While you can visit as a day trip from Paris (there are near daily round-trip bus tours), the nearly 4-hour journey each way makes it much more suitable for a weekend or overnight getaway. We recommend booking a room at the luxury hotel Le Grand Hôtel Dinard and then driving about 45 minutes to Mont Saint Michel. The Benedictine abbey has drawn pilgrims since the 8th century and is a UNESCO World Heritage site. It’s an incredible and otherworldly site to approach as it rises from the landscape; it is absolutely unforgettable. Click here for abbey tour options. Stop in for a bite to eat at the historic La Mère Poulard (open since 1879) or dine at La Ferme Saint-Michel at the base of the island.

Saint-Émilion, Bordeaux Region

For those who equally appreciate fine wines and incredible architecture, Saint-Émilion is a wonderful choice. The town is located at the crossroads of Bordeaux, Saintonge, and Périgord, and was made a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999. The beautiful stone paths, ancient cloisters, historic chateaus, and the best vineyards make this a rich and unique trip. Book a room at Hotel de Pavie to enjoy luxury amenities inside a historic building with dining by Michelin-starred chef Yannick Alléno. While you’re in town, don’t miss out on the speciality macaroons (not traditional French macarons like you might think of from Ladurée, for example) made from the same recipe since the 1600s, passed down from nuns in the area; these treats are made from ground almonds, sugar, and fresh egg whites.

Amiens, Hauts-de-France (Picardy)

Amiens, just a little over two hours from Paris, is home to France’s largest Gothic Cathedral. The church was built between 1220 and 1270 and is stunning. If you visit in December (or in the summer months), you might catch a special evening where they light the exterior with colored lights to resemble the original painted façade – that’s an incredible way to see the architecture. Regardless of when you visit, the church is a spectacular example of the High Gothic period and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Much of the town is set along the water, making it especially picturesque; don’t miss

The Hortillonnages, a series of floating gardens and markets accessible only by boat. While in the area, enjoy the region’s hearty and delicious foods, including Ficelle Picarde. We love the Hotel Marotte; it is right in town and offers luxury services, including a spa.

Vézelay, Burgundy

With a history that dates back to 2300 to 2200 BC, the town is rich in history from ancient times to medieval to renaissance to present day. The town features a stunning 11th-century Romanesque Basilica of St Magdalene; both the town and the basilica are designated UNESCO World Heritage Sites. While in town, visit the Zervos Museum – it’s a collection of works collection donated to the town of Vézelay by Christian Zervos (1889-1970), including pieces by Picasso, Laurens, Calder, Miró, and Matisse. If you want to stay right in town, choose Hôtel de la Poste et du Lion d’Or, a lovely historic hotel. However, if you’ve rented a car or are willing to stay just outside the area (15-minute drive), we suggest booking a room at Château de Vault de Lugny, an award-winning luxury chateau overlooking the rolling green grounds of the area.

Annecy, Haute-Savoie

Often referred to as the “Venice of the Alps,” Annecy is set along the

Thiou River and is ripe with incredibly well-preserved historic architecture, as well as stunning views. Stay at Le Clos des Sens, a Relais & Châteaux Hotel boasting a 3 Michelin-starred restaurant. Don’t miss the Musée-Château d’Annecy, an incredibly restored castle which now is home to a fascinating museum.

Chartres, Centre-Val de Loire

The list would not be complete without mentioning Chartres, home to the famed Chartres Cathedral. The cathedral is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and has the largest collection of medieval stained glass in the world, and it is exceptionally preserved. Stay in town at the luxury boutique hotel Hôtel Jehan de Beauce. Visit before January 4 to view Chartres en Lumières, a special event the city puts on that lights up various historic landmarks around the area, including the cathedral. It is a magical time to visit.

Our Favorite Medieval Towns in France