Let's go back in time and history to visit some incredible medieval cities. Their unique atmosphere and incomparable charm are the guarantee of a successful escapade, for young and old alike. Europe is full of villages where the presence of minstrels can still be felt and where castles are part of the landscape. There are so many of them that it is sometimes difficult to choose... From Carcassonne to York, here are the favorites of the Petit Futé.
N° 10 - Dinant, Belgium
30 km from Namur, Dinant enjoys a special location, between river and rock. Bordered by the Meuse, this charming little town invites you to get lost in its medieval ruins. Its citadel located on a huge rocky spur overlooks the city. The most athletic will take the 408 steps to reach the top, the others will prefer the ring road. The view is breathtaking!
No. 9 - Český Krumlov, Czech Republic
The historic centre of Český Krumlov is a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its taverns, galleries and medieval castles, which give it a unique charm. The city also has many well preserved Gothic, Baroque and Renaissance monuments: a surprising but coherent mix of styles! Located 140 km south of Prague, Český Krumlov is the ideal stopover for a trip back in time along the Vlatva River.
No. 8 - York, United Kingdom
Founded by the Romans, York saw the coronation of Constantine, the only emperor to be crowned outside Rome. A long history for this fortified city in the North of England whose 12th century ramparts still charm visitors. Shopping and history can be linked here, as the oldest shopping street in Europe, The Shambles , is located here. People have been coming here to shop since 1086! But the local star is the gothic cathedral: the largest in Northern Europe.
N° 7 - Cochem, Germany
Cochem, in the heart of Rhineland-Palatinate, has a very charming historical center, lined with half-timbered houses. Its Reichsburg castle, built on a hill 100 m high, offers a splendid view of the Moselle valley and its vineyards. The castle was built in the year 1000 and is still open to the public today with its remarkably well restored rooms. Medieval atmosphere, quality vineyards: the Cochem region is the ideal destination for a weekend getaway!
N° 6 - Piran, Slovenia
Colorful houses, a sunny coastline... Here, everything breathes Italy, yet we are in Slovenia! Piran, the pretty medieval town, belonged to the Republic of Venice from the 13th century. The Serenissima has shaped its architecture and customs for more than five centuries. Today, Italian is spoken as much as Slovenian. This crossroads of civilizations is one of the best preserved medieval centers in Europe, in the heart of the Adriatic.
No. 5 - Trogir, Croatia
Between the mainland and the Čiovo Peninsula, Trogir is built on a tiny island in the heart of the Adriatic Sea. With over 2,000 years of history, its historic center is a Unesco World Heritage Site. Its fortress built in the 15th century by the Venetians, on the southwestern part of the island, was completely renovated after World War II to become today a very active cultural center and theater in summer.
N° 4 - Óbidos, Portugal
Perched on a hill in the Tagus Valley, Óbidos is one of the seven wonders of Portugal. Its beautifully preserved 12th century castle and wall anchor the city in the Middle Ages. At the heart of its walls, a small village with immaculate walls striped with blue and ochre enchants visitors. This labyrinth of narrow streets leads to lively squares and stores selling local crafts. A small jewel to discover as soon as possible!
N° 3 - San Gimignano, Italy
How to describe San Gimignano? Few adjectives can describe the special atmosphere of this Tuscan village. Victim of its success, it is besieged by tourists from all over the world. If we forget the almost permanent crowd in its alleys, it is a plunge into the feudal era that awaits us. Its historic center, classified as a Unesco World Heritage Site, is home to characteristic high towers that symbolized the wealth and power of noble families.
No. 2 - Toledo, Spain
Capital of the Kingdom of Spain until 1500, Toledo is home to many multicultural treasures: Romans, Visigoths, Arabs and Jews have laid their stone there. Its historic centre, classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, overlooks the waters of the Tagus River. The Alcázar, the fortress that dominates the city, has made history. It has been the scene of many military clashes since the Middle Ages, and today we visit the Army Museum.
N° 1 - Carcassonne, France
Carcassonne is one of the best preserved medieval cities in the world and the largest fortified city in Europe. Surrounded by a double wall and 52 towers, it is an invitation to travel back in time and to dive into medieval architecture. Its castle, protected by a moat and 9 towers, is the perfect example. The superb restoration of the city is the result of the work of Viollet-le-Duc in the 19th century.
