7 Flower Filled Towns in France So Picturesque It’s Like Stepping Into a Storybook

France is home to countless flower-filled towns, each with its own unique character and natural beauty.
From villages in Alsace with ivy-draped homes and vineyards to coastal gems on the French Riviera lined with lemon trees, these towns burst with color and life in every season. Some villages are famous for roses spilling over cobblestone streets while others showcase lush gardens.
These are 7 of my favorite flower-filled towns that offer a serene escape into what are undoubtedly some of France’s most picturesque spots.
7 Picturesque Flower Filled Towns in France
1. Gerberoy

Gerberoy, known as the Village of Roses is a picturesque town located in northern France’s Hauts-de-France region, just over an hour’s drive from Paris.
Despite its small size, Gerberoy overflows with charm and has a fascinating history dating back to the Middle Ages. In the 10th century, the town held strategic importance as a fortified defense against Viking incursions up the Seine River.
Gerberoy’s transformation into a flower-filled haven began in the early 20th century when the painter Henri le Sidaner purchased a home in town. He started cultivating a garden reminiscent of Monet’s famous Giverny.

Sidaner encouraged the villagers to plant flowers, especially roses, creating the vibrant displays that earned Gerberoy its title as the village of roses.
To this day, roses (and a variety of flowers) bloom abundantly around every corner, framing the town’s half-timbered houses and cobblestone lanes.

Visitors can explore Jardin Henri le Sidaner, the artist’s original garden, which includes winding paths, trellises, archways, and cozy nooks overflowing with roses and hydrangeas.

Another notable spot is the Jardin des Ifs, an 18th-century garden featuring intricate yew and boxwood topiaries. It’s one of the few gardens from the era designed purely for aesthetics rather than food production and offers a peaceful spot with a terrace restaurant to enjoy the views.

2. Veules-les-Roses

Veules-les-Roses is a charming seaside town in Normandy that bears the designation of being among “the most beautiful villages in France.” This cute little village is filled with a variety of flowers and roses that fill yards, crawl up homes, and line the rivebanks.

And speaking of which, the Veules River, for which the town is named, is the main attraction in town. A quaint promenade follows the river, which is only 1 km long – the shortest seabound river in France.
You can actually follow the entire river from the source to the sea, admiring the picturesque views, flowering bushes, and old world scenery along its banks.

Beyond the river, Veules-les-Roses gas a vibrant beach, beautiful vistas (it was frequented by Victor Hugo who drew inspiration from the area), and towering cliffs.
3. Menton

Located on the French Riviera near the Italian border, Menton is famous for its lemon and orange trees. Menton’s warm, sunny climate is ideal for citrus, and you’ll spot the trees throughout town—in parks, along streets, and even in private gardens.
Every February, Menton celebrates its lemon heritage with the annual Fête du Citron (Lemon Festival), where you can see giant, elaborate sculptures made entirely from citrus.

The town is also known for its beautiful gardens, each with its own character. Jardin du Palais Carnolès has one of Europe’s largest citrus collections, showcasing dozens of orange, lemon, and lime varieties, along with other Mediterranean plants.

Jardin Botanique Val Rahmeh is another favorite, with tropical plants and winding paths leading through exotic greenery. It’s a peaceful spot for a leisurely walk and a bit of shade.

Serre de la Madone is a more secluded garden filled with rare plants and quiet corners, while the Fontana Rosa Garden is a bit quirky with its Spanish-inspired tiles and colorful mosaics—a little off the beaten path but worth a visit.

Beyond the gardens and citrus trees, Menton’s Old Town is full of pastel buildings and narrow streets, leading up to Basilique Saint-Michel for views over the town and the Mediterranean.

Down by the water, Les Sablettes Beach is one of the best beaches on the French Riviera, lined with palm trees, and protected from the ocean waves.
Overall, Menton has a unique, laid-back charm that combines Riviera beauty with a love for gardens and greenery—ideal for anyone looking to enjoy a relaxed, flower-filled corner of France.
4. Eguisheim

Eguisheim is a colorful, medieval village in the heart of Alsace, just a 15-minute drive from more well-known Colmar. Famous for its half-timbered houses, narrow cobblestone streets, and blooming flowers, Eguisheim has a storybook charm that draws visitors from all over.
The village’s main street, Rue de Remparts, encircles the town’s original medieval fortifications. Lined with charming, colorful houses spilling over with flowers, this street is especially picturesque in summer.

It’s the kind of place where you’ll want to stop for a photo every few steps (I speak from experience!)
In the center of town, Place de Saint Léon is a lovely square featuring a flower-lined fountain with a statue of Pope Leo IX, who was born in Eguisheim in 1002.

Eguisheim’s connection to flowers is undeniable, with blooms lining every lane and filling its town squares. But beyond flowers, Eguisheim is in the heart of Alsace’s wine country.

Vineyards surround the village, and you’ll find numerous wine shops where tastings are encouraged. Look for signs with “dégustation” to sample local Alsatian wines, particularly the notable Eichberg and Pfersigberg varieties, which are unique to the region.
5. Riquewihr

Riquewihr is also located in the heart of Alsace less than 30 minutes from Eguisheim, and while it has a similar vibe, Riquewihr is so charming I wholeheartedly think it deserves its own spot on this list.
Like Eguisheim, Riquewihr is a feast for the eyes with colorful half-timbered houses and cobblestone lanes. Flowers spilling out of every window box and ivy and greenery climb the walls of the old world stone buildings.

One of the things that sets Riquewihr apart is the view of vineyard-covered hills that you can spot from town—those glimpses add to its idyllic atmosphere.
Strolling along Rue du General de Gaulle, the pedestrian-friendly main street, you’ll find historic homes, many with ornate facades and decorations that reflect the town’s prosperous wine-making heritage.

Riquewihr’s wine trade dates back to the 8th century, and the surrounding vineyards have produced award-winning wines for centuries. The village is full of wine cellars (caves), where you can sample and purchase local varieties.
One of Riquewihr’s landmarks is the Dolder Tower at the town’s west end, a 25-meter tall structure that served as both a watchtower and gatehouse. Today, it houses a small museum about the town’s history and fortifications.

Want to immerse yourself more in nature? Biking on countryside paths through the endless vineyards is a popular activity in Alsace, and one of the most scenic routes starts in Riquewihr.
6. Annecy

Annecy is a stunning lakeside town in the Haute-Savoie region, nestled in the foothills of the Alps and close to the Swiss border.
Often called the “Venice of France,” Annecy charms visitors with its winding canals, colorful medieval buildings, and the breathtaking Lake Annecy—a glacial lake framed by mountains.

In summer, flower boxes line the canals and lakefront promenades, adding even more beauty to this idyllic setting.
The most iconic spot here is Palais de l’Ile, a small island castle in the middle of the Thiou Canal. The building has served various roles over the centuries, including as a prison and a mint, but the view of this castle framed by the canal, flowers, and colorful buildings makes it iconic in Annecy.

A walk along the lakeside Quai Napoleon III and through the Jardins de l’Europe offers some of the best views over Lake Annecy, with mountains rising in the background.

Just next to these gardens is Pont des Amours, a scenic metal footbridge that crosses over the Vassé Canal. Locals say that couples who kiss on the bridge will stay together forever.

Plus, Lake Annecy is a great spot for nature and adventure lovers. You can cruise, paddleboat, kayak, boat, or swim on the lake, bike around the perimeter, or even go paragliding above the water.
Annecy is a perfect destination for those looking to experience both beautiful landscapes and French village charm.
7. Chateau de Villandry

The Château de Villandry, located in the Loire Valley of central France, isn’t a town, but its gardens of this castle are so famous and flower-filled that it definitely deserves a spot on this list.
Built in the early 16th century, Villandry is surrounded by some of the most carefully designed and colorful gardens in France, making it a favorite for anyone interested in flowers and landscape design.

The gardens are organized into several distinct areas, each with its own style. The Ornamental Garden is known for its intricate, decorative patterns, while the Water Garden offers a peaceful space with reflective pools and shaded walkways.
The Sun Garden is filled with bright, sun-loving flowers, but perhaps the most famous is the Ornamental Kitchen Garden, which artfully combines vegetables and flowers in colorful, tapestry-like designs with the backdrop of the castle behind.

Villandry’s gardens have been carefully restored to reflect the Renaissance style. Today, visitors can enjoy these gardens much as they were centuries ago, with their detailed layouts and thoughtful design.
Inside, the château itself offers a look at Renaissance architecture, with elegant rooms and exhibits that help visitors feel like they’re stepping into the past.
Overall, Villandry is a beautiful stop for anyone exploring the Loire Valley, tory for a memorable visit.
The Wrap Up
France’s flower-filled towns are like stepping into a storybook, with cobblestone streets, medieval charm, and colorful blooms around every corner.
From vibrant rose-lined lanes to towns filled with citrus and lavender, each village offers its own unique beauty and story. These are perfect places to slow down, soak in the scenery, and experience a colorful slice of France’s countryside.