2023-10-21
In France, you will find more than just medieval walled cities, picturesque seaside villages and majestic mountain towns. There are also original French villages. They have become one of most interesting tourist attractions in modern Europe.
Poppy St. Chirl
This medieval village is perched on top of a cliff with stunning views of meandering River Lot. This place is literally frozen in time! From ruins of a 13th-century fortress, narrow winding streets lead to a village lined with beautiful medieval half-timbered houses. It is not hard to see why this village attracts creative minds. Neo-impressionist painter Henri Martin and surrealist writer André Breton lived here for many years.
Photo: Sitevia
Photo: Simonsel (selfie)
Photo: @lain G/flickr
Rickwell (Reichenville)
Nestled at foot of Vosges, in heart of Alsatian vineyards, village originated between 13th and 16th centuries. It still looks same as it did 400 years ago. The quaint cobbled streets and cheerfully painted half-timbered houses have earned it nickname "pearl of Alsatian vineyards". The historic wine trade flourishes to this day. Devoted wine lovers flock to city to sample a wide variety of drinks.
Photo: Jpkrebs
Photo: pug girl/flickr
Photo: Stefano Merli/flickr
Red Cologne Day
This village stands out among many picturesque corners of France with its unique architecture. Almost all houses are built from local red sandstone. During summer months, red village looks stunning against backdrop of lush green fields of southern Limousin. The center of village is Romanesque church of St. Peter, built in the 11th century.
Photo: Jean-Christophe Bruno/flickr
Photo: lawepw/flickr
Photo: Daniel Jolivet/flickr
Veul-le-Rose
This village is one of oldest in Pailles de Caux. It has been inhabited since 4th century and is considered one of most beautiful places in Normandy. The village is located on banks of Veoulet, France's smallest river, behind historic thatched cottages and watermills. The famous local oysters are harvested on banks of river. There is also a rather beautiful beach surrounded by rocks.
Photo: fidber/flickr
Photo: Totorvdr59
Photo: isamiga76/flickr
Pelug
A few miles northeast of Lyon, in heart of Rhône-Alpes region, city dates back to late Middle Ages, when textile and wine industries flourished here. Fortunately, modernism has not yet touched it, and local cobbled streets and houses of 15th-16th centuries looked same as in those distant times. The city is well preserved. Many films about medieval events have been shot in it, including The Three Musketeers.
Photo: Thomas/flickr
Photo: Ana Rey/flickr
Photo: Ana Rey/flickr
Drunk
Perched on a cliff overlooking beautiful blue bay of Porto, Piana is a village on coast of Corsica. Its main attraction is Church of St. Mary, built in late 18th century in Baroque style. It features paintings by Corsican artist Paul-Mathieu Novellini. Another highlight of this stretch of coastline are stunning rock formations, which were declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983.
Photo: daved bonz/flickr
Photo: daved bonz/flickr
Photo: daved bonz/flickr
Rocknan
Charming villages filled with Breton culture. It has been a center for production of sailing boats since 15th century. During this same period, many of best architectural structures were built, including Church of St. Ronan (late medieval). Film directors have long been fascinated by this place and shoot their films here.
Photo: verrier.claude/flickr
Photo: Odenel
Photo: Tango7174
Etretat
Tucked away in a sheltered bay on picturesque limestone coast of Normandy, village is known for its arches carved into weathered white rock that surrounds site. They are immortalized from works of Claude Monet. There is also a beautiful pebble beach.
Photo: Jérôme Dec/flickr
Photo: Kees Schollaart
Photo: Tim Gears/flickr
Saint Vilan
It is located in heart of Kars Nature Reserve in French Alps, at an altitude of more than 2000 meters above sea level. This is highest mountain village in France. Less than 300 inhabitants live among picturesque mountain scenery. In winter, population of village increases significantly due to tourists who come to ski. In summer, village is visited by lovers of hiking along picturesque trails.
Photo: OT Queyras
Photo: Fabrice AMOROS
Photo: pixabay.com
Gerber Roy
Walking along narrow cobbled streets and admiring buildings of 17th and 18th centuries, it is hard to deny charm of Gerberoy. Post-impressionist painter Henri Le Sidané liked village so much that he bought a house there. He planted a rose garden near house, thus starting an amazing trend. Many houses and gardens are decorated with magnificent alpine roses and wisteria. Every June, annual rose festival is held here.
Photo: PIERRE ANDRE LEKLERK
Photo: isamiga76/flickr
Photo: isamiga76/flickr
Ars en Re
It is located at northwestern tip of Île de Ré on west coast of France. This is an idyllic seaside village with its own charm and culture. In center of village is beautiful church of Saint-Étienne, with a white bell tower and a black spire. There is also a food market here, which is open every day in summer. The market sells local products, including famous oysters. For lovers of sailing and gourmets, picturesque harbor offers cozy cafes and restaurants.
Photo: Patrick Despois
Photo: Arseniy Murzenko/flickr
Photo: Arseniy Murzenko/flickr
Sink
Conques is an important stop on pilgrimage route to St. James. The village is proud of its unique Romanesque architecture and religious artifacts. It is home to abbey church of Saint Feu, a UNESCO World Heritage Site built between 11th and 12th centuries. The Last Judgment is depicted on its pediments. You can see stained glass windows by renowned French artist Pierre Soulages, as well as carefully preserved religious treasures, including gold and jeweled statues of Santa Fe.
Photo: Philip Capper from Wellington, New Zealand
Photo: pixabay.com