Tourrettes-sur-Loup, Provence, France
Charming is the least of words that one could use to describe scenes like this. But there is s a downside; many of these places, with ancient histories as fortified villages, are the targets of organized tour groups, with the associated traffic, noise, and loud voice.
We can hardly complain, being tourists ourselves. When La Fille ™ lived here 20 years ago, Éze, for example, was a quiet, undiscovered backwoods destination. A few cafés and boutique gift shops, and very few visitors. It has entirely changes, much like Kuang Si Falls near Luang Prabang has changed for me.
But there are still gems to be discovered, if you have the time and inclination. Let this scene stand in for the dozens of small villages we’ve visited; Éze, Pézenas, Cagnes-sur-mere, Antibes, St. Paul de Vence, and many many more. They’re harder to find, but all that more rewarding to find quiet places like this all to yourself.