A little chauvinistic, but for us, the most beautiful village in the world is in Aveyron! But we've widened the spectrum and selected for you 15 spots, each more charming than the last. From the Netherlands to Colombia, via Saudi Arabia, we zoom in on villages that you must see at least once in your life.
1. Conques-en-Rouergue (France)
This is our favorite in our ranking of the world's most beautiful villages. Already recognized as one of France's most beautiful villages and a Grand Site d'Occitanie, Conques is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. To get the most out of this Aveyron village, vehicle access is prohibited. Take a stroll down the main street, Rue de Charlemagne, and admire the medieval houses with corbelled or half-timbered ceilings, cobblestones and slate roofs. It' s impossible not to marvel at the abbey church, which combines Romanesque architecture, medieval goldsmithing and contemporary Soulages stained-glass windows. What's more, Conques is an important stopover on the Camino de Compostela pilgrimage route.
2. Giethoorn (Netherlands)
Nestled in the heart of the Weerribben-Wiede National Park, Giethoorn is an exceptional setting and one of the most beautiful villages in Europe. This picturesque Dutch village is a perfect illustration of the Dutch harmony with water. In fact, since there are no roads, you can only get there via the canals! This is Dutch Venice, where you can admire the magnificent thatched farmhouses that stand on islands of peat, and the 176 small bridges that lend a very special atmosphere to this must-see spot. The best way to discover the village is on board a bateau-mouche or an electric boat, and after a short stroll you'll be happy to sit down in one of the waterside restaurants.
3. Guatapé (Colombia)
Located 80 km from Medellín, Guatapé is a charming village on the shores of the man-made El Peñol lake. Popular with Colombians and foreign visitors alike, it is distinguished by its famous zócalos, relief friezes on the facades of colorful houses, illustrating local customs and legends. The origin of this centuries-old tradition remains shrouded in mystery, with several versions being told on the spot. Numerous restaurants line the Malecón, the lakeside pedestrian avenue, offering local specialities such as fresh trout or typical meat dishes. After a meal, the most courageous will climb the Piedra del Peñol, a 220-metre monolith, to admire one of Colombia's most spectacular panoramas. Not to be missed!
4. Gordes (France), one of the most beautiful villages in the world
Ranked among the Most Beautiful Villages in France, Gordes is without doubt the pearl of the Luberon and one of the most beautiful villages in the world. As soon as you arrive, a postcard panorama unfolds: terraced dry-stone houses overlooked by a majestic Renaissance château. As you explore the village, you'll find cobbled lanes winding between the houses, revealing vaults, cellars, ancient doorways and secret gardens. Once a stronghold of the Vordenses, a Celto-Ligurian tribe, the village owes its name to the tradition of transforming the initial V into a G (Gordenses) in Gallo-Roman times.
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5. Bibury (England)
Bibury is often highly ranked as one of England's most beautiful villages. This charming Cotswold village, nestled between London and Birmingham, is home to the picturesque stone thatched cottages of Arlington Row, remnants of the old weavers. Photo compulsory! A footpath leads around the village, crossing small stone bridges and skirting Trout Farm. The church of St Mary the Virgin is also worth a visit, with its medieval charm and tombstones nestling in the grass. Every December, the village hosts the famous Bibury's Duck Race, where 3,000 plastic ducks compete in a unique race!
6. Stowe (United States)
In Vermont, Stowe is a picturesque village in the heart of the state's highest mountains. Surrounded by Mount Mansfield and Bruce Peak, it's a popular ski resort in winter, as well as offering an enchanting setting in autumn with its flamboyant colors, and a good climbing spot in summer. There are no big chain hotels or shopping malls here, just a friendly atmosphere that the locals are keen to preserve. Outdoor activities abound, from skiing to mountain biking to hiking, not forgetting the pleasures of relaxation with several top-quality spas. Stowe is an ideal destination for immersing yourself in nature, practicing outdoor sports, or simply relaxing with the family in a privileged natural setting.
7. Pigna (France)
With its typically Balinese architecture, Pigna, one of Corsica's most beautiful villages, is a veritable hotbed of revival for the island's culture and crafts. Easily accessible from L'Île-Rousse, this enchanting village, surrounded by olive groves, offers an authentic atmosphere to its lucky visitors. Numerous artistic communities have made it their home, and a variety of festivals are held here. Strolling through the narrow streets of one of the world's most beautiful villages, you'll discover craftsmen's workshops and a unique little museum of music boxes. We also recommend a stroll through the cemetery above the village, where some of the tombs are veritable works of art.
8. San Gimignano (Italy), one of the most beautiful villages in the world
As the emblematic towers of the Italian village of San Gimignano, one of Tuscany's most beautiful villages, rise proudly into the sky, you can enjoy a unique panorama and an atmosphere that smacks of Tuscany in days gone by. To soak up the atmosphere, simply lose yourself in the narrow streets that follow the contours of the hillside and contemplate the architectural diversity of this unmissable village. A Tuscan gem that attracts visitors from all over the world. And how can you prove them wrong? Like Mont-Saint-Michel, the village is very busy, with stores that are sometimes a little too touristy... The price to pay for enjoying this magical spot, one of the most beautiful villages in the world.
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9. AlUla (Saudi Arabia)
A trendy new tourist destination, AlUla is an oasis with a rich past, set in a verdant valley in Saudi Arabia. A valley dotted with date palms and banana trees, it was once the capital of several ancient civilizations. The natural setting is spectacularly beautiful, with pink sandstone mountains sculpted by wind, sand and rain. AlUla and its surroundings constitute one of the world's most beautiful mountain deserts. The valleys, covered in beige or pinkish sand, are surrounded by mountains eroded into crevasses and canyons, sometimes with surprising shapes, and offer panoramas of rare magnificence. Saudi Arabia has decided to transform AlUla into a world-class tourist destination, and backpacking here is an unforgettable experience.
10. Monsanto (Portugal)
After a winding road punctuated by tractors and villagers tending to their land in northeastern Portugal, we reach the top of the mountain, 600 meters above sea level, to discover this charming stone village, one of the most beautiful in Portugal. With its surprising architecture that hugs the relief, as you stroll through the narrow streets of Monsanto, you can admire houses integrated into the rocks, seemingly suspended from the steep slope. Breathtaking views, unique local traditions and friendly locals await you. It's no coincidence that a few years ago, this small village was voted "aldeia mais portuguesa" ("the most Portuguese village in Portugal").
Read the article: Portugal's 15 most beautiful villages
11. Riquewihr (France), one of the most beautiful villages in the world
Nicknamed the "pearl of the vineyards", this fortified Alsatian town dates back to the High Middle Ages and well deserves its place in our top list of the world's most beautiful villages. Visitors are charmed by its 16th- and 17th-century mansions, oriel windows, Renaissance stone houses, elegant half-timbered buildings, inner courtyards, old wells, fountains and historic cobblestones. Owned by the Count of Horbourg, Riquewihr was walled as early as 1291. During the Second World War, while many neighboring towns were completely destroyed during the winter of 1944-1945, Riquewihr was relatively unscathed, despite its proximity to the front line and artillery fire. What a miracle!
12. Bellagio (Italy)
Italy's dream locations are legion. In the north of the country, sublime Lake Como is home to a number of beautiful villages. Bellagio, which enjoyed its heyday during the Belle Époque, is one of the most beautiful. It is ideally situated on the peninsula that separates the two southern branches of the lake. The Villa Serbelloni, which dominates the promontory, is just one of the sumptuous villas that have dotted the lakeside landscape since the 18th century. Designed for the pleasures of the Lombard nobility, these princely residences are generally surrounded by magnificent gardens. The old town, with its winding streets, is elegant and full of trendy boutiques, bars and restaurants.
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13. Ine (Japan)
On the island of Chūgoku, Ine is considered one of the most beautiful villages in Japan and one of the most beautiful villages in the world. This fishing village, an hour's bus ride from Amanohashidate station, is particularly popular with the Japanese for its houses built on the water, known as funaya, which also double as boat garages. These structures date back to the early 18th century. This unique architecture has been preserved from natural disasters thanks to its location, sheltered between reliefs and facing south. Bicycle hire is a great way to explore Ine. A real change of scenery!
14. Cadaqués (Spain)
Clad in white and surrounded by terraced olive groves, this village, one of the most beautiful in Spain, was long isolated from the rest of Catalonia by the surrounding mountains. In fact, for centuries it was only accessible by boat. Today, its small port continues to attract artists, painters and writers, even if recent construction has slightly altered its Cubist profile. The atmosphere in Cadaqués is reminiscent of Saint-Martin-en-Ré, with the added bonus of Mediterranean sunshine, perhaps reinforcing the impression of being on an island. To avoid the influx of tourists in summer, opt for an off-season getaway.
15. Kamouraska (Canada), one of the most beautiful villages in the world
Considered one of the oldest villages on Quebec's south coast, Kamouraska is also one of the most picturesque. This is where the sea begins, where freshwater turns to salt. At low tide, you can walk across to the islands. Gastronomic delights and arts and crafts are also on offer: fishmongers, chocolatiers, bakers, delicatessens, farms, soap factories, art galleries and craft stores, and more. Allow several hours for your visit!
Enjoy this article? Check out our article on the most beautiful villages in Switzerland or our article on the most beautiful villages in Wallonia!
