Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port© © Sergio Formoso -stock.adobe.com
How about a trip to the Pyrenees? To set down our suitcases in one of the most beautiful villages in the mountain range that forms the natural border between France and Spain. From the east of Catalonia to the Basque country in the west, you'll find a multitude of fortified or simply picturesque villages. One thing's for sure: while traditions differ from one commune to the next, the charm always comes from the breathtaking natural beauty. From peaks to valleys to coastline, here are 15 of the most beautiful villages in the Pyrenees, where the label "Plus Beaux Villages de France" (Most Beautiful Villages in France) can often be spotted.
1. Evol, Pyrénées-Orientales
simon - stock.adobe.com
Let's start this top 10 with a village where the word picturesque takes on its full meaning, and which is one of the most beautiful villages in the South of France. Perched at an altitude of 800 m, this mountain hamlet seems to have remained frozen in time , with its superb schist houses topped with lauze roofs, its wash-house and the ruins of its perfectly maintained châtelets and chapels, reminders of medieval life in the past. The village is dominated by the ruins of a castle, which still boasts a well-preserved round tower. The village is surrounded by breathtaking natural beauty, so there's no shortage of opportunities to explore. A stroll through the village also includes a visit to the exhibition room dedicated in part to the writer Ludovic Massé, as well as a tour of the small Museum of Popular Arts and Traditions.
2. Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port, Pyrénées-Atlantiques
jon_chica - stock.adobe.com
It's impossible to talk about the most beautiful villages in the Pyrenees without mentioning Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port, one of the most beautiful medieval villages in France. An obligatory stopover for those following the pilgrimage route to Santiago de Compostela on their way to Spain, the town is a compendium of everything the Basque country has to offer in terms of architectural beauty. Start by visiting the remarkable citadel, redesigned by Vauban, before strolling through the narrow streets and admiring the typical Basque architecture. Whether pilgrims or heritage enthusiasts, everyone enjoys discovering this village, whose stores and restaurants offer gastronomic products emblematic of the region. Traditions are also de rigueur in this "Most Beautiful Village in France", with dances and Basque pelota.
3. Collioure, Pyrénées-Orientales: one of the most beautiful villages in the Pyrenees
vilainecrevette - Shutterstock.com
The pearl of the Côte Vermeille, Collioure fascinates as much by the beauty of its heritage as by that of its natural surroundings. This authentic, unspoilt village in the Catalan countryside was built on the edge of a turquoise bay. Not to be missed are the castle and the church of Notre-Dame-des-Anges. Lovers of ancient monuments will find plenty to satisfy their desire to see beautiful stonework. Then, after strolling along the Boramar beach, take a stroll through the Mouré district, with its charming, colorful facades. In the background are the Pyrenees, with the unmistakable Albères massif. In Collioure, it's easy to see why so many artists, including Matisse, Derain and Picasso, were so keen to set up their easels here. In fact, art takes pride of place here, with places to visit such as the Musée d'Art Moderne and the Maison du Fauvisme. It's a real "coup de coeur" destination for a summer vacation .
4. Ainhoa, Pyrénées-Atlantiques
borisb17 - stock.adobe.com
Back to the Basque country, where the charm and identity of the region are perfectly represented. Ainhoa is one of France's "Most Beautiful Villages", with its many houses sporting white facades and red half-timbering. These can be photographed on the village's unique street, perfect for a stroll. The walk also takes in its wash-house and the church of Notre-Dame-de-l'Assomption, with its astonishing bell-tower and superb interior with wooden coffered ceiling. If you're lucky, you'll also have the pleasure of watching a game of pelota on the pelota court. And for a panoramic view of this exceptional village in the Pyrenees, visit Notre-Dame-de-l'Aubépine, a 30-minute walk away.
Discover the 21 most beautiful places to visit in the Pyrenees!
5. Amélie-les-Bains, Pyrénées-Orientales
© catalyseur7 - stock.adobe.com
Built on the banks of the River Tech, the village of Amélie-les-Bains boasts facades that seem to live in perfect harmony with the green hills of the surrounding Pyrenees. The village is also worth a visit for its rich religious heritage, including the Rosaire chapel and its altarpiece, the Santa Engracia chapel and the 12th-century Saint-Quentin church. The town also boasts a market selling a multitude of fresh, local produce, and is renowned for its thermal baths fed by hot springs. It's the perfect destination for a spa treatment and pampering. That's why it's one of our top destinations for an extended weekend in spring. Amélie-les-Bains is also the starting point for numerous hikes. The views of the Pyrenees from the Roc de France or Roc Sant Salvador are memorable.
6. Castelnou, Pyrénées-Orientales
tanja Midgardson - Shutterstock.com
This medieval village in the Pyrenees is perfectly preserved. Once you've passed through its monumental gateway, it's a delight to wander through its steep, flower-filled cobbled streets. The stone houses are magnificent, and craft stores open their doors to visitors. Also worth a visit are the town's ramparts and the church of Sainte-Marie-du-Mercadal , located outside the walled enclosure and housing Baroque furnishings. Another must-see monument is the Château de Castelnou, whose origins date back to the 10th century. It is a true symbol of the medieval period in Roussillon. What's more, the view of the Canigou massif is simply splendid.
7. Saint-Bertrand-de-Comminges, Haute-Garonne
La cathédrale-Sainte-Marie © rysan34 - stock.adobe.com
Another "Plus Beaux Villages de France" in the Pyrenees. It, too, is a major stage on the pilgrimage route to Santiago de Compostela. Surrounded by ramparts, the narrow streets reveal superb noble houses. The imposing Cathédrale Sainte-Marie, a Unesco World Heritage Site, is well worth a visit, with its Romanesque-Gothic style and the decorative elements inside. While in Saint-Bertrand-de-Comminges, you should also visit the ruins of the ancient site of Lugdunum-Convenue, founded in the 1st century B.C., at the foot of the village. Last but not least, you'll find nature in its purest form, with numerous hiking and mountain-biking trails to marvel at in the Pyrenees.
Take a look at our Top 13 hikes in the Pyrenees.
8. Eus, Pyrénées-Orientales: one of the most beautiful villages in the Pyrenees
jackF - iStockphoto.com
Between the Conflent valley and Mont Canigou lies this pretty village with its stone facades. Built on a granite hill, the village's various levels perfectly match the undulations of the landscape. Inside the village, a maze of narrow streets awaits walkers, with the village center reserved exclusively for pedestrians. For an exceptional panoramic view of the surrounding natural landscapes, there's nothing like walking up to the church of Saint-Vincent, built on top of the old ruined castle. From artisan boutiques to café terraces, Eus offers an idyllic stopover, and this Most Beautiful Village in France is also one of the sunniest in the country. An ideal destination for a mountain vacation in the sun!
9. Navarrenx, Pyrénées-Atlantiques
philipimage - stock.adobe.com
Navarrenx, France's first bastioned city, boasts an exceptional heritage. A visit to the ramparts is a must, before stopping at the Porte Saint-Antoine. Later, push open the doors of the Maison du Cigare for an unusual moment, before learning more about the village at the interpretation center. The city of Béarn also proudly overlooks the Gave d'Oloron, a pretty river that is a delight not only for fishing enthusiasts, but also for those who want to enjoy more dynamic activities such as canoeing and rafting.
10. Arles-sur-Tech, Pyrénées-Orientales
Gorges de la Fou© © catalyseur7 - stock.adobe.com
Arles-sur-Tech was built in the valley along the River Tech and around its abbey. It is the oldest Carolingian abbey in French Catalonia. The churches of Saint-Sauveur, Sainte-Croix and Saint-Pierre-de-Riuferrer are also worth a visit. A stroll through the village also takes you to thefoot of the villa Les Indis, now the town hall, with its surprising architecture, before a visit to the weaving conservatory. Once again, the natural environment surrounding the village is of the utmost beauty. Arles-sur-Tech also offers a quick trip to the Gorges de la Fou, with its impressive steep cliffs.
11. Sare, Pyrénées-Atlantiques: one of the most beautiful villages in the Pyrenees
Located in the French Basque country, this small mountain village is a real enchantment and one of the most beautiful places in Nouvelle-Aquitaine. With its brightly-colored traditional houses, cobbled streets and picturesque church, Sare is a place where time seems to have stood still. But make no mistake, there's plenty to do and discover in this village! Hiking enthusiasts can enjoy the surrounding hills, while gourmets can feast on authentic Basque cuisine in the village's many restaurants. In short, if you're looking for a place to recharge your batteries and marvel, look no further than Sare.
12. Villefranche-de-Conflent, Pyrénées-Orientales
A UNESCO World Heritage site, Villefranche-de-Conflent is a magnificent medieval town, classified as one of France's most beautiful villages. It is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Occitanie. In addition to its fortified walls with double covered walkways, the town is home to many architectural treasures, including the 12th-century Romanesque church of Saint-Jacques, and some 20 mansion facades. Villefranche's pink marble, visible in the walls supporting the city's towers, has been used for centuries in the construction of the region's churches and monasteries. Fort Libéria, an impressive example of military architecture, dominates the town and is well worth a visit. You'll also enjoy wandering through the pedestrian streets, which are home to numerous artisans and stores selling local produce.
13. La Bastide-Clairence, Pyrénées-Atlantiques
Founded in 1314 by Louis I of Navarre, Bastide de Clarence, later renamed La Bastide-Clairence, is a village marked by its unique architecture. Traditional Basque half-timbered houses with mullioned and lintelled windows stand side by side with Navarrese houses with four-sloped roofs and arched main entrances. The village's large central square is a lively place, with cafés, restaurants and boutiques. In recent years, La Bastide-Clairence has become a haven for artisans in search of inspiration, and its location in the heart of the Basque Country makes it an ideal base from which to explore the region. La Bastide-Clairence is one of the 15 most beautiful villages in the Basque Country.
14. Arreau, Hautes-Pyrénées: one of the most beautiful villages in the Pyrenees
Situated at the confluence of the Neste d'Aure and the Neste du Louron, the charming village of Arreau is the former capital of the Quatre-Vallées. Surrounded by majestic mountains, the village boasts traditional architecture, with half-timbered houses dating back to the 16th century and the Saint-Exupère church with its emblematic bell tower. Every Thursday, the heart of Arreau beats to the rhythm of the local market, offering a wide variety of local produce. The Maison des Lys, with its delicate wooden decorations, is a jewel not to be missed during theMay bridges, for example. But when the snow covers the region, Arreau is transformed, offering ideal access to winter activities.
15. Sarrancolin, Hautes-Pyrénées
Just 7 km north of Arreau, Sarrancolin is the first village to be discovered in the magnificent Vallée d'Aure. This old medieval town, whose origins date back to around 70 BC, has a rich history closely linked to the marble industry. During the reign of Louis XIV, the site was the loading point for royal marble, used at Versailles and the Petit Trianon. The old quarter of Sarrancolin, which stretches around Rue Nègre and Rue Royale, has a special charm all of its own. Take the time to visit the viewpoints at Pla de la Peyre and Crête des Coqs , which offer superb panoramic views all the way to the Lannemezan plateau.
Did you enjoy this article? Check out our Top 15 most beautiful villages in Europe, as well as The 18 most beautiful villages in the Ardèche and The 15 most beautiful villages in the Provence-Alpes-Côte-d'Azur region.
Tempted by our selection? Take a look at our train fares and book now !
