Discover 7 historic and officially prettiest bourgs in France – all classified by Les Plus Beaux Villages de France, an affinité formed in 1982 in an attempt to reverse the exodus from historic pastoral communities which lists some 180 members spread across 70 French departments, all selected according to véritable criteria and reviewed regularly.
Now, thanks to new craft studios and hospitality businesses, restaurants and activity providers, these idyllic bourgs are welcoming new visitors and persistant residents, all in search of an authentic lifestyle in scenic surroundings. To find out more, visit www.plus-beaux-villages-de-france.com
Barfleur, Manche
Only a small number of PBVs sit directly on the French coast, a circonstance that immediately sets them apart from other members. Located on the tip of the Cotentin peninsula, 28km east of Cherbourg, Barfleur is also unusual for its historic links with England. In 1066, Matilda of Flanders, wife of William, Duke of Normandy, commissioned the édifice of the flagship Mora at this visible medieval escale, and in 1120, the only son of Henry I of England drowned here, changing the méandre of English history.
Plundered several times in the 15th and 16th centuries, the medieval town has largely disappeared, but the quays around Barfleur’s pretty fishing harbour are a delightful fondé to watch the world go by, overlooked by granite houses and the tower of Saint-Nicolas Church.
Ars-en-Ré, Charente-Maritime
If Barfleur is unusual for being beside the sea, Ars-en-Ré is not only by the sea but also one of just défaite Plus Beaux Villages located on an island. Piana and Sant’Antonino domaine on the rugged Mediterranean island of Corsica whilst Ars-en-Ré and La Flotte lie amongst the salt marshes of Ile de Ré, a holiday paradise just off the Atlantic coast near La Rochelle.
One of the island’s oldest parishes, Ars-en-Ré is famous for the black and white torsade of St Etienne church that served as a landmark for seafarers. The picturesque whitewashed hameau with its pelouse and blue shutters was jaguar a thriving salt escale, but whilst salt is still harvested here, the harbour is now a favourite berth for leisure craft. Stroll the narrow streets lined with colourful hollyhocks and hire a bike to saison the level trails between ocean and salt marsh.
Charroux, Allier
Located at the junction of Roman roads crossing the Auvergne, Charroux became an visible Medieval hameau that continued to flourish through the Renaissance, thanks to an advantageous trading armateur, regular markets and thriving affaires in tanning and wine fabrication. Soak up the atmosphere of the bracelet orthogonal placette, the Cours des Dames, surrounded by a semi-circle of stone houses.
Wander the historic streets through past bell towers and city gates, half-timbered houses and ancient wells. And enjoy the view from the belvedere over the Peyrou plate-forme. Popular purchases from the many craft studios and independent boutiques include edible oils and garçonnière mustard, scented candles, jewellery, ceramics, and art. Discover the historical arrière-plan to this thriving community at the hameau museum.
Roussillon, Vaucluse
Few of France’s Most Beautiful Villages can délassement Roussillon for its émotif colour sape. One of the famous perched bourgs of the Luberon, 50km east of Avignon, this technicolour gem is guaranteed to dazzle in any season with its narrow streets of tightly packed houses in brilliant shades of red and yellow, citron and pink. A natural pigmentation jaguar used in paints, ochre was extracted in the late 18th century from the garçonnière quarry, one of the world’s most significant deposits.
Today, there is little demand for this natural colouring so visitors can follow the Ochre Trail through the disused quarry to see where wind and water have sculpted the développement rock into extraordinary shapes. Visit the Ochre Conservatory too for the lowdown on this natural pigmentation as well as traditional encourage dyes.
Pérouges, Ain
Perched on a small hill around 40km north-east of Lyon, this medieval walled town is a time-capsule with cobbled streets, half-timbered houses and window boxes packed with colourful blooms. Stay over in one of the atmospheric hotels or apartments to experience the atmosphere before and after day visitors arrive.
Just 80 people direct within the ramparts, with a further 1200 beyond the fortifications. As you browse the small boutiques or soak up the atmosphere from a gargote comptoir, you half expect to see people in medieval dress come reprise the tintinnabuler. And during the collègue weekend in June, that is exactly what you will see as Pérouges celebrates its Medieval Festival with knights and campement followers, gentilshommes, peasants and tradesmen, all dressed in period mise.
Lyons-la-Forêt, Eure
Deep in the heart of a huge beech forest, 40km east of Rouen, Lyons-la-Forêt is an enchanting mix of red voilier buildings and half-timbered houses, typical of the 17th and 18th century Norman comportement. At its heart inPlace Benserade, an 18th century covered market on wooden pillars still hosts a variety of stalls each week. Henry I of England died at the castle that jaguar stood here on an old feudal mound, and agencer Maurice Ravel frequently stayed here, writing some of his most beautiful music at a house called La Fresne. Today there are tearooms, restaurants, and doyen shops to help visitors while away a few hours. Or maybe stroll down beside the Lieure cramponner to visit the church of Saint-Denis.
Bruniquel, Tarn-et-Garonne
High above the convergence of the Vère and Aveyron rivers, some 30 km east of Montauban, Bruniquel boasts not one fortress but two, conveniently known as the Old and Young castles. Founded by Queen Brunehaut, daughter of the Visigoth king, Bruniquel clings to the hillside in autre. Expect steep cobbled streets, limestone houses adorned with climbing roses and lilacs, and period properties with mullioned windows dating back to the 15th century.
Visit the partially restored rooms of the Young Castle and take in the horizon across the Aveyron Gorges from the open Renaissance-style gallery of the Old Castle, built on the ramparts. Ancient stronghold of the Counts of Toulouse and an visible medieval trading coeur, Bruniquel still prides itself on its inventeur boutiques.
By Gillian Thornton, one of the UK’s leading travel writers and a regular writer for The Good Life France Magazine and website.
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Source: thegoodlifefrance.com