Uncover what makes a village formally one of the crucial stunning in France…
In March 1982 within the coronary heart of the Nouvelle-Aquitaine area, the mayor of a pink sandstone village within the division of Corrèze got here up with an revolutionary concept that he felt might assist stem the agricultural exodus, not simply from the attractive however sleepy countryside round his dwelling, however even perhaps throughout France. Charles Ceyrac’s scheme had the potential to inject new life into historic villages that had been filled with historical past and heritage, however struggling economically as folks left to dwell in greater cities.
Right now, greater than 40 years on, the affiliation of Plus Beaux Villages de France (PBVs) numbers 180 rural gems and has not solely unfold throughout 14 areas of France and 70 departments, but in addition impressed related schemes from Quebec to Wallonia, Switzerland to Japan. The division of Aveyron at the moment boasts probably the most designated PBVs with 11, adopted by Dordogne with 10.
To develop into a member, candidates should fulfill some 30 standards that embody architectural heritage, protected pure environment, and harmonious rural growth. In return for sustaining requirements, the chosen villages have welcomed new craft companies and eating places, loved elevated tourism, and, equally vital, seen an upturn of their dwindling populations.
With a most of 2000 inhabitants, every PBV is particular person in its structure, historical past, and placement, however once you go to a village with the official classification, you understand you might be in for a deal with. The essence of each village is a lot extra than simply bricks and mortar, stones and timber. An animated neighborhood that works collectively to maintain native traditions and heritage alive within the 21st century.
Listed below are a couple of of my favourites that give a flavour of the variety and significance of those stunning villages and their thriving communities. To search out out extra, go to plusbeauxvillagesdefrance.org, which incorporates concepts for seasonal itineraries, romantic stays, and varied themed holidays. Then plan your subsequent touring vacation with the assistance of the Michelin touring map and the official guidebook. The most recent version in English, printed by Flammarion, goes on sale in February.
Collonges-la-Rouge, Corrèze
On the borders of Limousin and Quercy, Collonges-la-Rouge is the place the concept for the Plus Beaux Village motion started, due to Mayor Charles Ceyrac. Constructed round an 8th century Benedictine prior, Collonges is a village that’s unimaginable to overlook with its grand properties of wealthy pink sandstone, many adorned with towers, turrets and watchtowers. Within the centre of the historic streets, the 16th century grain and wine market is testomony to the commerce that introduced prosperity to this as soon as fortified village. Right now it’s a fascinating spot to browse impartial boutiques promoting native produce and craft objects, and take in the ambiance from a café terrace. vallee-dordogne.com
Le Bec Hellouin, Eure
Half-timbered homes in a unique model grace the primary avenue of Le Bec Hellouin, located between Rouen and Lisieux in Normandy. The identify comes from the abbey based beside the Bec stream in 1034 and its first abbot, Hellouin. All through the 11th and 12th centuries, the neighborhood of monks was intently linked to the English church with abbots occurring to develop into Archbishops of Canterbury, Bishops of Rochester, and abbots at many vital English abbeys. Solely the tower stays at present from the medieval complicated, however a brand new neighborhood of Benedictines have lived right here since 1948, their dwelling overlooking an idyllic village centre the place half-timbered homes stand behind flowerbeds and grass banks.
Lavaudieu, Haute-Loire
How will you not fall in love with a village with a reputation that interprets as ‘God’s Valley’? The village of Lavaudieu – ‘La Vallée de Dieu’ – grew up round an abbey based by Benedictine monks in 1057 on excessive floor above the Senouire river. The one monastery within the Auvergne with a Romanesque cloister, the abbey complicated additionally boasts a 12th century mural working alongside the wall of the refectory. Go to the adjoining church opening onto the village sq. and the museum of native crafts and nation life within the 19th century bakery. And perhaps observe one of many marked trails to discover this tranquil valley for your self.
Vogüé, Ardèche
Nestled in an amphitheatre beneath a cliff, Vogüé has every part you may count on in a medieval village. An idyllic location on a bend within the Ardèche river; slender streets of medieval homes topped with curved tiles; and tiers of flower-bedecked terraces. Taking its identify from one of many space’s most vital households, the village is dominated by a citadel, rebuilt within the 16th and 17th centuries with mullioned home windows and a tower at every nook. Run by Vivante Ardèche, it’s now dwelling to a museum of artwork and native historical past. Take the marked path to Saint Cerice Chapel for panoramic views or perhaps rent a canoe for a family-friendly tour at water degree. en.gorges-ardeche-pontdarc.fr
La Bastide Clairance, Pyrénées-Atlantique
The structure and constructing supplies of France’s Most Lovely Villages range dramatically throughout the nation. Within the far south-west, La Bastide Clairance is typical of French Basque Nation. Wood beams in pink and inexperienced stand out towards white facades on this medieval river port on the Joyeuse river, based in 1312 and constructed across the central Place des Arceaux in typical bastide model. A protected refuge within the 17th and 18th centuries for Jewish refugees fleeing the Spanish and Portuguese inquisitions, at present La Bastide Clairance is dwelling to a thriving neighborhood of artists and craftspeople.
Oingt, Rhône
Initially a Roman camp established on a ridge above roads that linked Saône and Loire, Oingt was expanded right into a fortified village within the 10th century, rising in significance all through the Center Ages. Right now its golden limestone homes are a spotlight of the Beaujolais vineyards, simply half-hour by automotive from Lyon. The historic streets are dotted with the studios of artists and craftsmen working in a spread of supplies from ceramics to textiles, jewelry to watercolours. Take within the panoramic views from the roof terrace of the 12th century tower; go to the Museum of Mechanical Music; and admire the twelfth century polychrome sculptures in Saint-Matthieu church. destination-beaujolais.com
Auvillar, Tarn-et-Garonne
Location, location, location … often the three most vital the reason why any village grew to become affluent in centuries passed by. Stand on the previous citadel sq. at Auvillar and it’s simple to see why geography introduced wealth to this gem of the Garonne valley. The river passes beneath the rocky outcrop, giving native residents the ability to demand tolls and develop as a buying and selling centre serving the encompassing space. The medieval sq. is triangular in-shape and surrounded by half-timbered red-brick mansions, however at its centre stands a round coated market with Tuscan columns, inbuilt 1824 and distinctive within the southwest. tourisme-tarnetgaronne.fr
Saint-Cirq Lapopie, Lot
Perched on a sheer cliff 100 metres above the meanders of the Lot, Saint-Cirq is devoted to Saint-Cyr, the youngest Christian martyr. Its medieval streets are lined with bourgeois properties from the 13th to fifteenth centuries, 13 of them categorised as Historic Monuments and, on the high of the steep fundamental avenue stand the ruins of the castles belonging to a few households who shared the village within the Center Ages. A favorite hang-out for artists together with Surrealist painter André Breton, the cobbled streets are nonetheless dotted with artists’ studios. By day, the village eating places buzz with guests however few folks dwell completely within the centre. Keep over and early within the morning, the village is yours. Magic! cahorsvalleedulot.com/en
By Gillian Thornton, one of many UK’s main journey writers and a daily author for The Good Life France Journal and web site.
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