French Tourism Labels & Local Lives: Beyond the Brochure

Carte Blanche Tours
Aug 14
3 min read

France may be one of the world’s most visited countries, but beneath its postcard charm lies a complex web of tourism labels—each with its own story, purpose, and impact on the communities that hold them. For travellers who want more than “just pretty views,” understanding these distinctions can turn a pleasant trip into a deep cultural journey.

As professional guides, we don’t just bring you to a destination—we help you read it. And in France, reading a place often starts with its signs.

What Are French Tourism Labels?

Tourism labels in France are official recognitions, awarded to towns, villages, and territories that meet specific cultural, environmental, or heritage standards. They guide travellers toward places with exceptional character, nature, history, or lifestyle—and they help protect those qualities for future generations.

Here are some of the most prestigious you’ll encounter:

Les Plus Beaux Villages de France – Only villages of under 2,000 inhabitants with remarkable heritage can qualify. Think medieval lanes, restored stone houses, and a slower pace of life.

Villes et Pays d’Art et d’Histoire – This label highlights places with rich architectural and historical heritage, committed to preservation and public education.
Stations Vertes – Rural destinations focused on nature tourism, outdoor activities, and sustainability.
Patrimoine Mondial UNESCO – A global designation for sites of outstanding cultural or natural value, from Mont-Saint-Michel to the prehistoric caves of the Vézère Valley.
UNESCO Global Geopark – Recognises geological heritage of international significance, combining protection, education, and sustainable development.
Natura 2000 – A European network of protected areas safeguarding biodiversity, habitats, and endangered species.
Villes et Villages Fleuris – Awards towns and villages for excellence in landscaping, environmental quality, and floral decoration, enhancing both aesthetics and quality of life.
Site Remarquable du Goût – Celebrates destinations with a gastronomic product deeply linked to local culture and history.
Label Jardin Remarquable – Recognises gardens of exceptional design, history, and botanical interest.

Why They Matter for Travellers

Labels aren’t just marketing tools—they are quality guarantees. A “Plus Beaux Village” will have strict restoration rules, ensuring that you see authentic architecture rather than faux-historic reconstructions. A UNESCO site must balance visitor access with conservation. A “Ville d’Art et d’Histoire” offers guided tours, exhibitions, and educational programs year-round.

For you, this means two things:

Depth of Experience – You’re entering a place that values its story and wants to share it.
Local Engagement – These labels often protect ways of life, crafts, and traditions that risk disappearing in unregulated tourism.

From Label to Life: Local Stories

One of our favourite examples is Auvillar, a “Plus Beaux Village” in Tarn-et-Garonne. Its unique circular covered market isn’t just a photogenic spot—it’s the heartbeat of a centuries-old trading tradition. Spend a morning here and you’ll hear locals debate tomato varieties, catch wind of village gossip, and maybe get invited to a community fête.

Or take Moissac, labelled as a “Ville d’Art et d’Histoire.” Beyond its famous Romanesque cloister, the label supports festivals, artist residencies, and heritage workshops where you can see restoration artisans at work—a rare glimpse into living heritage.

Why Guides Matter in Labelled Destinations

A label tells you where to go, but a professional guide helps you understand why it matters. We know the historical context, the people behind the preservation, and the tensions between modern life and heritage protection as well as the positive and negative sides of labels.

At Carte Blanche Tours, our approach blends insider access with interpretation—so your visit becomes more than a checklist stop. You might taste wine with a family whose vineyard is protected under an environmental label, walk with a local certified guide through hidden medieval lanes, or join a village association in their annual fête.

Travel as Preservation

Tourism, when done thoughtfully, can help protect heritage rather than erode it. By visiting places with official designations — such as UNESCO World Heritage sites, UNESCO Global Geoparks, Natura 2000 reserves, or Villes et Villages Fleuris — travellers contribute to local economies, support conservation, and help sustain traditions. These labels encourage responsible management of cultural and natural resources, ensuring they endure for future generations.

But at Carte Blanche, we believe preservation goes beyond official labels. Our local guides will also take you to non-labelled villages — communities that may not yet hold an official title, but are making similar efforts to preserve their heritage, landscapes, and traditions. These are places still untouched by mass tourism, where you can connect with residents, experience authentic daily life, and witness preservation in its purest, most organic form.

By balancing visits to celebrated sites with hidden treasures, we help keep the spirit of these places alive while giving you a deeper, more personal travel experience.