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 eating places perfectly in phase with the timeless atmosphere of the area. Accommodation wise, Old Town hotels offer a more peaceful ambience. 

The city of Avignon dates back to 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. The pedestrian historic centre hosts a great choice of restaurants serving Provençal food and wines. The excellent preservation of Avignon makes it a must-visit if you’re passionate about history and appreciate the talent and skill of bygone artisans.

Nicknamed the ‘City of Corsairs’, Saint-Malo sits on the rocky coastline of Brittany, 70 km 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 centre, 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.

A holiday in Aigues-Mortes allows you to stay in a well-preserved Medieval town dating back to the 13th century, a short distance from some of the most attractive beaches on the southern coast of France. Surrounded by the marshes of the Camargues, Aigues-Mortes Old Town covers an area of 160,000 sq m hidden behind imposing 11-metre-high stone walls. During your meander through the Old Town, do not miss the opportunity to sample nougat, one of the local specialities. For hotels in the area, you'll find an offering of chic accommodation in Aigues-Mortes.

Located in the south of Brittany, Guérande is a multi-faceted attractive city. Surrounded by thick stone walls erected during the 14th century, this small town is famous for the Salt Marshes that lie just south, 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 crepes, a local speciality), the paved narrow streets of the Medieval town are really pleasant to explore.

Besançon is the capital city of Franche-Comté in the east of France, near the borders with Switzerland and Germany. Nestled in a sharp curve of the Doubs River, the city features fortifications and a citadel conceived by Vauban, a well-known French military engineer during the 18th century. Curiously, Besançon is often overlooked by tourists, giving you the opportunity to have the Old Town almost to yourself. Browse the hotel options in Besançon Old Town. From Saint-Jean Cathedral to Victor Hugo’s birthplace to the excellent choice of restaurants serving local specialities, Besançon is a charming place to visit.

Situated in the northeast of France, about 60 km of the Belgian border, Laon is a city famed for the 7 km of ramparts that flank it. Built between the 12th and 18th centuries, Laon Old Town hosts a stunning Gothic cathedral and many buildings and monument listed as historical monuments. Get to Laon in June to attend the yearly Medieval Festival. If you’re a cheese lover, do not miss to sample the Maroilles, a strong and tasty local cheese.

Viewed from above, Neuf-Brisach Old Town is shaped like a perfect octagon criss-crossed by perpendicular streets. The impressive geometrical design of this fortified town near the border with Germany dates back to the 18th century. It was conceived, once again, by Vauban, and is considered to be his masterpiece. Despite the fact it’s listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Neuf-Brisach is not very well publicised. This means you can wander around this stunning fortified town in relative peace and quiet.

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 40-metre-high viaduct and the ramparts that run for several kilometres, 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 in Dinan Old Town to enjoy it all for yourself. Get 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 is a stronghold of significant historical importance located 90 km northwest of Besançon, a one-hour’s drive of the borders with Switzerland and Germany. Langres walkable fortified wall encloses the Old Town on 3.5 km. It’s especially worth a visit due to the fact that elements from different periods of time – from antiquity to Middle Ages and from the Renaissance to the Industrial Revolution, all can be spotted in the city. The latest of them being a Vauban citadel added during the 19th century.