The association Les Plus Beaux Villages de France, most beautiful villages in France, was created in 1982. It intends to help small towns (less than 2,000 inhabitants) consider building the future without destroying the heritage of the past. It participates in the preservation and enhancement of prestigious sites and monuments. The association also promotes the know-how and products of the men who have known how to preserve them. Today, it brings together 149 villages, including the medieval locality of Riquewihr.