The most beautiful villages in France: an important heritage
The most beautiful villages of France is an association founded in 1982 by former mayor Charles Ceyrac. He launched the association with the aim of consolidating the villages, reviving their economy and protecting the historical, architectural, cultural and gastronomic heritage.
Label the most beautiful villages in France
First of all, it must be stressed that the label the most beautiful villages of France is not attributed to any village. There are criteria to be met. To be labelled the most beautiful Villages of France, the municipality must have at least two protected monuments or sites and less than 2000 inhabitants. This is not enough, the importance and the development of the heritage, the quality and the value of the natural environment, the architectural and urban aspect are also in the criteria.
The communes labélisées must take care of their heritage to be able to stay there. Every five years, the association passes an audit to the candidates for the renewal of the label. For a municipality, being a member of the association is a beautiful advertisement in the French territory and around the world. This contributes to the economic development of the municipality.
Explore the beautiful villages of France
To visit the most beautiful villages of France is far from a simple sightseeing tour. It is an opportunity to explore the history and culture of the commune and the whole of France.
The Corrèze houses the headquarters of the most beautiful Villages of France. It will delight nature lovers and old stones. It offers you the most beautiful places to relax and rejuvenate: hikes in the natural park of Millevaches, walks on the shores of the lakes and on the meadows, walks around the waterfalls of Gimel, mountain biking, climbing… You will also be surprised by its built heritage such as the medieval cities, the Merle Towers, the famous Château de Pompadour… In the local markets, don't forget to taste the gastronomic specialties and the regional products.
Pesmes is also included in the list of the most beautiful Villages in France. Its picturesque setting invites you to escape. A municipality in the Haute Savoie department, Pesmes is home to many Renaissance religious monuments, as well as UNESCO World Heritage sites. If you wish to recharge yourself, the green spaces such as the fountain of Coulances, the Square of the Loves, the Isle of Forges welcome you and offer you many activities.
Gordes is a touristic place with its geographical location. The village is built on the rock of the Monts de Vaucluse at 340 meters above sea level and its panoramas are breathtaking. During the visit of the village, you will discover its church with defensive looks, its protective castle built in 1525, as well as the old mills. Today, the majority of Mills press olives to extract olive oil. Lavender is also part of the pride of the village. Gordes, the White City is probably the most beautiful village of the hexagon.
