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