In these places I dream to visit millions.
Continuing the traditional categories of related charming small cities of Europe, this time we will go to France.
Most travelers rarely stray from the big cities like Paris and Lyon, and very much missing. Far from the beaten tourist trails hide a picturesque medieval village with narrow cobbled streets and ancient city walls, the charming city of wine-makers and a more traditional France, which is rarely seen in the capital. Most of the small villages in France, surrounded by beautiful nature, mountain tops and seas.
Proud. The best way to explore the Proud – just on foot. This really is one of the most beautiful villages of France located in the Provence region of the Luberon. Gray and white stone house is gradually drawn to the top of the hill where the Church and the medieval castle. It is best to observe this picturesque village from the cliffs of Bel air on route D15. The main attraction – the monastery of Seman 12th century, where monks still make honey, lavender and liqueurs. You can also see the round stone hut (Borie), has long been used by shepherds.
Eguisheim. Eguisheim is the perfect embodiment of Europe, as we imagine it: narrow cobbled streets and colorful old buildings with flowered balconies. The town is located in Alsace, not far from the German border. Eguisheim has repeatedly recognized the most popular village of France. This medieval village is picturesquely situated around a medieval castle. Eguisheim is known for its wines, as one of the main stops on the Alsatian wine route. The city is called “the cradle of Alsatian vineyards”.
Roussillon. Roussillon is situated at the foot of the Vaucluse mountains. It’s colorful and a must see town in the Luberon. It is distinguished by its unique red buildings instead of the traditional blue and grey houses. This is because Roussillon is located in a region with some of the richest deposits of ochre in the world. The red rocks make the city even more vibrant and picturesque. The village and surrounding landscape are so colorful that they resemble an artist’s palette and are a source of inspiration for many creative people.
San Antonino. San Antonino is a tiny picturesque village at an altitude of 460 metres above sea level on the island of Corsica. Due to this arrangement, she was nicknamed “eagle’s Nest”. This is one of the most beautiful and oldest places in Corsica with stunning architecture. All 75 homes San Antonino decorated in historical style. In addition to beautiful types, main sights include the Church of the 11th century, medieval castle ruins and the old bakery. This is a good place to explore the history of France or a relaxing holiday on the nearby beach.
Moustier-Sainte-Marie. Moustier-Sainte-Marie is located in South-Eastern France. This picturesque village is considered one of the most beautiful in Europe. Known for its pottery, the town is located on the terrace of the mountain slope and is surrounded by high peaks. From the 10th century between the two cliffs, hanging star, gold color, suspended on chain with a length of 225 meters. According to legend, she was suspended a knight of the Saracens in the period of the Crusades, vowed to hang a star, if you survive.
Saint-Veran. Saint-veran is a small village located in the Regional Natural Park of Queyras, in South-Eastern France. This nice village is situated on a slope overlooking one of the highest in Europe river valleys. San Veran is one of the highest cities in Europe, attracting both winter and summer tourists. The village is recognizable due to its high buildings with their wooden balconies and wooden fountains. The region is popular with travellers, but before the trip is to check the weather forecast because it is very changeable.
Riquewihr. Riquewihr is a town in North-Eastern France with a population of less than 1,500 inhabitants. He is best known for two things: its historic architecture and wonderful wines. Here is partly preserved architecture of the 16th century, making Riquewihr is considered one of the most beautiful small towns in France. Medieval fortifications surround the city on all sides, and the old castle was converted into a Museum. The village was relatively untouched during the Second World war and is home to a Museum about the impact of the war in the Alsace.
Étretat. Etretat is a small village on the Normandy coast in northwestern France. A resort town on the English channel is known for the spectacular white chalk cliffs and three natural arches. Cliffs of étretat inspired by such artists as Courbet and Monet, De Maupassant wrote their stories. The town of Etretat is the last place where were seen the White Bird plane that in 1927, two brave pilot tried to overcome the nonstop distance between Paris and new York.
Ez. Eze – a small village on the French Riviera. The town is famous for its medieval castle overlooking the Mediterranean sea. The castle is on the cliff top, where there is a narrow cobbled street. This upgrade will require you some effort, but it’s definitely worth it. When You reach the top, you will be rewarded with stunning views of the Mediterranean and a cute cactus garden. Take the time to visit the old Church with its Egyptian cross, supposedly preserved from the ancient Phoenician temple which once stood on this spot.
Rochefort-EN-Terre. Houses of stone and wood brightly decorated flower pots and baskets of geraniums, making Rochefort-EN-Terre, one of the most visited villages in Brittany, and one of the most beautiful villages in all of France. Many of the buildings date back to the 16th century, while others are more modern. This entire ensemble as a whole is a very picturesque scene. Known for delicious scones the village holds several annual festivals, among which the most popular are the Notre Dame de la Tronchaye and Black Virgin in August. Among the attractions highlights the historic Chateau once owned by American painter of the 20th century Alfred Clottu. Now in Rochefort-EN-Terre, an exhibition of his paintings.
Dinan. The cobbled streets and half-timbered buildings can still be found in Dinan – one of the most beautiful medieval villages in Brittany. It is impossible to single out any specific landmarks and museums, as the city is a big Museum. This is a delightful place for a stroll through the bustling markets, or the old town square of Dinan. The best views of the river valley, the old driveway and surrounding fields opens from the Tower of Saint Katherine near the well-preserved part of the old city walls.
Peillon. Peillon is one of the most picturesque and charming small towns of France. The city is perched on a cliff approximately 18 kilometres North of nice on the French Riviera. It’s only pedestrian city, where you are unlikely to find many souvenir stands, restaurants and shops. However, if You want to know France is a place must to visit. Don’t forget to bring comfortable shoes since you will do a lot of walking on steep stairs and narrow passages. The reward will be breathtaking views from the top.
