10 Amazing French Walled Cities Frozen in Time

Located in the southwest of France, between the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea, the medieval citadel of Carcassonne is one of the most visited walled cities in France. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997, the city erected its fortifications between the 5th and 17th centuries, and then renovated them mid-19th century.

Take a walk through the winding narrow lanes of Carcassonne Old Town. You'll find plenty of small boutiques and eateries perfectly matching with the timeless atmosphere of the area. Old Town hotels offer serene and peaceful ambience.

Avignon has its roots in the antiquity, but its famous ramparts and most of its historical buildings, including the Palace of the Popes, were built during the 14th century. Established on the south bank of the Rhône River, the entire Avignon Old Town is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

If you’re a history buff, this well-preserved walled city is a must-visit, and you’ll appreciate the talent and skill of bygone artisans and builders. To rest your feet after a busy day of sightseeing, head to the restaurants in the picturesque historical center serving mouthwatering Provençal food and wines.

Nicknamed the ‘City of Corsairs’, Saint-Malo sits on the rocky coastline of Brittany, 44 miles north of Rennes. Sheltered behind tall ramparts, the Old Town is a lively witness of the past eminence of a port city which gave birth to famous seafarers such as Jacques Cartier, the man who discovered Canada.

Amble through the cobblestoned alleyways of the pedestrian Old Saint-Malo center, walk on the ramparts, indulge yourself with fresh seafood at one of the many restaurants at hand, Saint-Malo offers you a pleasant journey back to the 15th century.

In Aigues-Mortes, you’re welcomed by a well-preserved medieval town dating back to the 13th century. You’ll find this charming town tucked away behind its imposing 36-ft stone walls and surrounded by the beautiful marshes of the Camargues.

During your meander through the narrow alleys of the Old Town, do not miss the opportunity to sample nougat, one of the local specialties. For hotels in the area, you'll find an offering of accommodations in Aigues-Mortes. Aigues-Mortes is located a short distance from some of the most attractive beaches on the southern coast of France, so make sure to pack your beach essentials.

Located in the picturesque southern Brittany, the versatile town of Guérande is primming with intriguing history and local delicacies to make your mouth water. Guérande is surrounded by thick stone walls erected during the 14th century. It’s famous for the Salt Marshes that lie just south of the town, and for the Brière Regional Natural Park that stretches out to the northeast.

Lined with arts and crafts galleries, quaint bars and crêperies (restaurants serving local thin pancakes), the cobbled narrow streets of this quaint medieval town create an exciting gateway to the history of the area.

The little-known town of Besançon boasts fortifications and a citadel built by Vauban, a famous French military engineer during the 18th century. This beautiful capital city of Franche-Comté in the east of France, invites you to explore its tranquil streets, nooks and crannies far away from the more popular and crowded walled towns in France.

Nestled in a sharp curve of the Doubs River, Besançon is home to Saint-Jean Cathedral and Victor Hugo’s birthplace. It offers a great array of dining and accommodation options in the Old Town.

The intriguing town of Laon is famed for the 4.5 miles of ramparts that flank it and its stunning Gothic Cathedral. Built between the 12th and 18th centuries, Laon Old Town boasts many buildings and monument listed as historical monuments.

For history buffs, the best time to travel to Laon is in June when the annual Medieval Festival takes place. If you’re a cheese lover, make sure you sample the maroilles, a strong and tasty local cheese. Laon is situated in the northeast of France, about 37 miles from the Belgian border.

Viewed from above, Neuf-Brisach Old Town is shaped like a perfect octagon crisscrossed by perpendicular streets. The impressive geometrical design of this fortified town near the border with Germany dates back to the 18th century.

The fortification was designed by Vauban, a French military engineer, and is considered to be his masterpiece. Despite the fact it’s listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Neuf-Brisach has a quiet, uncrowded atmosphere and you’ll have the charming streets of this fortified town almost all to yourself.

Sitting between Rennes and Saint-Malo, Dinan is often considered one of the most charming small towns in Brittany. From the Old Port on the Rance River to the spectacular 131-ft-high viaduct and the ramparts that run for several miles, Dinan retains its medieval vibes.

The cobblestoned alleyways teem with half-timbered houses, arts and crafts boutiques, and quaint venues offering hearty French food and drinks. Stay overnight and book a room in one of the lovely hotels in Dinan Old Town. Climb to the top of the Tour de l’Horloge (the Clock Tower) to take in a great view of Dinan and the surrounding area. On clear days, you can even spot the Mont Saint-Michel in the distance.

Langres has sometimes been called the prettiest French town you never heard of. This charming town situated off the beaten track in eastern France is a stronghold of significant historical importance. Here you’ll discover elements from antiquity to Middle Ages and from Renaissance to the Industrial Revolution, all in one town.

You can take a stroll along the 2.2-miles-long fortified wall that encloses the picturesque Old Town. Saint-Mammès Cathedral is home to some the most magnificent tapestries in the country and the Museum of Art and History boasts a 12th-century chapel. Langres located 56 miles northwest of Besançon, a one-hour’s drive from the Swiss and German borders.