10 most amazing villages of France
1. Mont St Michel
Rising out of the mists and fog, this fairy-tale castle is a unique place that began with a church built on a massive granite rock by bishop Aubert in 709 AD as homage to Archangel Michael after the Saint had visited him.
Two centuries later, a community of Benedictine monks formed at the Mont and erected a Roman-style abbey. The site became a symbol of resistance against English invasions for centuries, which explains the surrounding walls. A Gothic abbey would later erect on the rubble of the old one, which served as a prison during the French revolution.
Did you know If you walk to this unique historic and religious site, do not ignore the tide for it rushes at 60 meter per minute…
2. Les Baux de Provence
This historic medieval village is considered by many a magic site first, built as a dungeon in the 13th century perched on top of a rock is recognized as one of the most fascinating naturally fortified castle/village in France. Legend tells that on his way to Bethleem, Balthazar, one of the Three Kings, stopped at the site and founded the village. Traces of human habitat dating back to 6000 BC were also found at the site. In 1030, the first fortress was erected.
The castle underwent the most draconian transformation at the start of the Renaissance when elegant hotels and residences were built. But in the XVII century, in the heart of the wars of religions, the villagers decide to offer refuge to all local protesters in discord with the king. A displeased Cardinal Richelieu will besiege Les Baux and dismantle the fortress in 1633.
Did you know that throughout the 13th century, 3000 villagers lived in Les Baux, but at the beginning of the 20th century, only 400 were left?
3. Vaison La Romaine
Recognized as the most stunning Gallo-Roman villages of France and one of the most important archaeological site dating back to prehistoric times.
Anchored at the foot of the “Mont Ventoux” and its fertile countryside, it offers a fascinating look of the everyday life Romans enjoyed in the area more than 2000 years ago. The vibrant ruins still paint a colorful story of the lifestyle of well-off inhabitants displaying the numerous Therms or Roman baths, with pools made of limestone and marble to conduct heat naturally from under. They were built throughout the town for the comfort and cleanliness of the people, each with their own separate latrines. Pathways, were designed in large chunks of limestone to absorb vibrations from horse drawn carriages to control noises for those who wished to enjoy a quiet reading, theater play or political discourse by the gardens…
Did you know...While all paths of the world may lead to Rome, most promenade paths in Vaison lead to the town’s amphitheater built in the 1st century B.C. with a capacity of 7,000 people with a majestic 25 meter high stage.
4. Rocamadour
An imposing medieval town, Rocamadour dazzles pilgrims and visitors with its perched stature on top of a cliff as one of the most visited villages in France. The arrival is quite a pool of emotions when facing the troglodyte sanctuaries and medieval houses that continue to hang onto the edge of a cliff, just above the Alzou canyon. The view from the top offers a monumental panoramic view of the village and the area.
Did you know…To access Notre Dame’s chapelle that hosts the famous Black Virgin at the heart of town, there will be 233 steps to climb; so be prepared.
5. Carcassonne
In 500 BC, the Celts had already built a fort at Carcassonne, taken and fortified by the Romans 400 years later during the invasion of Gaul. In 453 AD, the Visigoths conquered the area and made it an impregnable citadel. By the 13th century, Carcassonne had become an important trade exchange center at the heart of a region where a new religion that began to threaten the authority of the Roman Catholic church will enlighten the populace: the Cathars.
Carcassonne’s cloak and dagger history is at the heart of crusades period where a king and a pope will order the “purification” of heretics by the sword and by the aspergillum.
Unresolved intricacies of history continue to craft the charm of this fascinating Unesco site.
Did you know...In the 13th century, Carcassonne counted 15,000 residents. Today, only 47 official residents still live within the walls of the most visited town in France.
6. Avignon
Avignon: City of the Popes dominating the Rhone river, was an important trading post at the center of a flourishing commerce during the Roman conquests and Medieval period. In the 14th century, she became, the seat of popes in exile from the corruption of Rome, and remained under papal control for over 400 years, powerful and arrogant enough to defy a few kings by claiming total independence from France. A bastion of Catholicism in the 16th century, Avignon counts at that time nearly 15,000 residents of various faiths yet, all loyal to the French pope, not the king…
To spy on the contemptuous offenders, the king of France erected a stone tower with a permanent garrison across the Rhone river!
Did you know…The commerce route of Europe in the 12th century crossed the famous Avignon bridge (pont d’Avignon) which once measured 920 meters long!
The Palais des Papes, part of the Unesco heritage, is the largest Gothic edifice in the world.
7. Honfleur
One of the most colorful towns of the Normandy coast, Honfleur is famous for her narrow, multi-story buildings covered with timber frames and slate roofs.
With its position at the junction of the River Seine and the English Channel, seafood dishes are among the most popular on Honfleur’s menus. Local specialties include moules (mussels ) and fish soup featured on just about every menu.
Did you know…Honfleur’s harbor – the ‘Vieux Bassin’ (old dock), which dates back to the 17th century, is probably what attracts most visitors to the town. Once filled with fishing boats and commercial vessels, the harbor is now mostly filled with yachts.
8. Saint Remy de Provence
Born at the heart of the Alpilles’ natural park in 500 B.C., this rich historic village has shown many faces over the centuries. First the Greeks, then the Romans erected their town named Glanum, later destroyed during barbarian invasions. Rebuilt during the Renaissance, the aura of St. Remy and her Provencal culture attracted many curious, mostly artists, over the years. Van Gogh…Cezanne….Renoir…among eclectic writers and musicians.
Did you know…Seduced by her charm and light, Van Gogh painted more than 150 paintings in St Remy.
9. Eze
Suspended above the sea, the old village of Eze has preserved a unique Mediterranean charm crafted over the centuries by its eclectic history. The first inhabitants settled through Prehistory, followed by Phoenicians, then Romans. Through the centuries of Saracens invasions, various solid fortifications were erected against all invaders, mostly destroyed under Louis XIV. Eze became part of France in 1860.
WIth its narrow streets and old castle and rich history, Eze has attracted artists and artisans who contribute to fuel the wonderful ambiance of this coastal village, making Eze the highlight of most travelers.
Each year, a medieval festival revives the village’s history: “Eze d’Antan”.
Did you know…It is believed that Nietzsche, the German philosopher, may have written “Thus Spoke Zarathustra” in Eze?
10. St Leonard de Noblat
The collegiate of Saint Leonard itself dates from the 11th century. Built originally in the roman style it had later gothic modifications. As one of the destinations on the pilgrimage route from Vezelay to Santiago de Compostelle (in Spain) it is also officially listed as a UNESCO world heritage site.
Particular highlights include the belltower (note how the belltower changes from a square design at the bottom to an octagonal shape towards the top) and porch and the tomb of Saint-Leonard.
Did you know…Single women like to touch the lock on Saint-Leonard’s chain above the tomb for according to legend, one will soon be blessed with a husband and children by touching it!
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