Description:

Petites Cites de Caractere is a label meaning small towns of character and was created in Brittany in 1977 by Jean-Bernard Vighetti and was later extended to other regions. 

The aims of Petites Cites de Caractere are to preserve and enhance the authenticity and diversity of the heritage of some small towns of less than 6000 inhabitants. These towns will generally have some interesting architecture and historic buildings.

The precise criteria for listing as a Petite Cite de Caractere may vary slightly from department to department but these are the general guidelines;

• Fewer than 6000 inhabitants
• At least one monument or site listed as being of historical or cultural importance
• Interesting old buildings, sufficient to form a homogenous group of the same period or character
• Constituted a conservation area (Zone de Protection du Patrimoine Architectural, Urbain et Paysager)

A national association of Petites Cites de Caractere was created in 2009 and includes Brittany, Pays de la Loire, Franche Comteand Poitou Charente. The Petites Cites de Caractere network has proved to be a great success and a number of new associations at regional and departmental level are in the course of being formed.

A the number of small towns joining the Petites Cites de Caractere scheme has grown, a National Association with a new charter was set up in 2009. Under the National Charter the priorities of the association of Petites Cites de Caractere are to safeguard, restore and maintain the heritage of member towns and to develop and promote amongst residents and visitors alike the economic development of member towns and communes.

The over-arching aim is to take steps to preserve the unique urban history of France in such a way as to revitalise the economies of these old towns some of which have suffered from rural depopulation and lack of investment for years. Tourism has a big part to play in the revitalisation process with the drivers for cultural tourism, in keeping with the character of these towns, being their long heritage integrated into 21st century life. Tourism in Petites Cites de Caractere is therefore important economically but not at the expense of destroying the character of these unique old towns and villages.

In Brittany there are a number of Petites Cites de Caractere and these are listed by department below.

Cotes d’Armor

Chatelaudren

Jugon Les Lacs

La Roche Derrien

Lehon

Moncontour

Pontrieux

Quintin

Treguier

Finistere

Guerlesquin

Le Faou

Locronan

Pont Croix

Roscoff

Ile et Vilaine

Bazouges

Becherel

Chateaugiron

Combourg

Morbihan

Josselin

La Roche Bernard

Lizio

Malestroit

Rochefort en Terre