Rural and Small-Town France

The Other France

Beyond major destinations, rural tourism sustains thousands of communities:

Village Tourism

• Plus Beaux Villages: 159 certified beautiful villages
• Green tourism: Farm stays and nature experiences
• Cultural routes: Themed circuits (Romanesque churches, battlefields)
• Local festivals: Thousands of annual celebrations

Economic Lifeline

For many rural areas, tourism provides:

• Employment when agriculture declines
• Service maintenance (shops, restaurants)
• Property value support
• Cultural preservation funding