Occitanie: the region with 51 villages awarded the Plus beaux villages de France label, 28% of the total

Every year, millions of travelers set off in search of villages of unspoiled charm. The Plus Beaux Villages de France (Most Beautiful Villages of France) label attracts visitors in search of preserved rural heritage. But one region stands out from the rest in 2026.

Occitanie tops the list of France’s most beautiful villages

Saint-Cirq-Lapopie, Conques, Minerve, Cordes-sur-Ciel… These names evoke cobbled streets and bucolic landscapes. And they all have one thing in common: they’re all in the Occitanie region. This south-western region is home to 51 certified villages, representing around 28% of the national total.

The label was created in 1982 to highlight France’s rural heritage. It now covers 184 villages in mainland France and the French overseas territories. Each selected village sees its daily life transformed by the influx of visitors.

“Occitanie alone is home to 51 villages with the label, representing around 28% of the total.

Aveyron, the label’s champion department

Within the Occitanie region, Aveyron is beating all records. This département is home to 11 certified towns, including Conques and Belcastel. Conques-en-Rouergue, a stopover village on the pilgrimage route to Santiago de Compostela, welcomes over 20,000 pilgrims every year.

Nouvelle-Aquitaine comes second with 35 villages. The gap between the top two regions remains significant. As a result, lovers of picturesque villages often prefer the south-west for their getaways.

• Occitanie boasts 51 villages awarded the Plus beaux villages de France label
• Nouvelle-Aquitaine has 35
• Aveyron has 11 communes with the label
• Conques welcomes over 20,000 pilgrims a year
• The label has existed since 1982

Strict criteria for obtaining the label

Achieving this distinction remains difficult. Applicants must have a population of no more than 2,000. In addition, they must have at least one or two protected sites.

Maintenance of architecture, the environment and town planning are among the requirements. Only towns truly committed to preserving their heritage can claim the label. This guarantee of quality then attracts travelers in search of authenticity.

As a result, the selected villages see an increase in visitor numbers. However, they must maintain their efforts to retain their status. On the other hand, some regions struggle to meet these strict criteria.

A symbol of French rural heritage

This label represents much more than a simple tourist distinction. It is a true symbol of preserved heritage. The French love to stroll here on vacation or during the May long weekends.

These villages offer an exceptional living environment. Visitors are seduced by their flower-filled lanes, stone houses and panoramic views. As a result, the list of France’s most beautiful villages is growing steadily.

The complete ranking of French regions

Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes and PACA complete the podium. They have 26 and 24 communes respectively. So there’s no shortage of choice for travelers in these two regions.

Burgundy-Franche-Comté has just under ten distinguished villages. Centre-Val de Loire and Grand Est have 9 each. Normandy follows closely behind with 7 villages.

Brittany and Pays de la Loire have 4 each. Corsica and Hauts-de-France are among the least represented regions, with just 2 villages. Île-de-France has just one.

Overseas, Réunion is the only region represented. The village of Hell-Bourg is the most beautiful village in France.

• Most Beautiful Villages in France