10 Historic Towns in Southwest France Showcase Medieval Architecture and UNESCO Heritage

Southwest France is home to numerous historic towns that preserve medieval architecture, UNESCO-listed sites, and local culinary traditions. Sarlat-la-Canéda, in the Dordogne region, features 14th-century stone buildings, Saint-Sacerdos Cathedral, and the Lanterne des Morts, and is on France's Tentative List for UNESCO nomination. Saint-Émilion, a UNESCO site in Bordeaux, boasts the Monolithic Church—Europe's largest underground church—and renowned wineries. Cahors, in the Lot Valley, has the Pont Valentré (UNESCO), Saint-Étienne Cathedral, and Malbec wine culture. Rocamadour, a cliffside village, is known for the Grand Escalier and Basilica of Saint-Sauveur (UNESCO). Lourdes, in the Pyrenees foothills, attracts millions with the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes and Château Fort. Auch, capital of the Ausci tribe, features Sainte-Marie Cathedral and the Musée des Amériques with pre-Columbian art. Brossac, in Charente, has Neolithic dolmens and the Villa Gallo-Romaine de la Coue d’Auzenat. Jonzac, in Charente-Maritime, centers on Château de Jonzac and Église Saint-Gervais-Saint-Protais. Aubeterre-Sur-Dronne, a "Plus Beaux Villages de France," is famous for the monolithic Église Saint-Jean. Guizengeard, also in Charente, is known for Lac Bleu de Guizengeard, an artificial turquoise lake.