The countries of Europe can boast some superb villages. Peaceful, timeless places, where we love to stroll through the streets and alleys to contemplate the architecture, stop in a store and sit down to a good meal. Villages can be perched on hilltops, nestled between mountains or situated on the shores of the sea or a lake. The surrounding nature helps to make them sublime and unique. From Central Europe to the South, East and North, here are 15 of the most beautiful villages to be found on the Old Continent. Just to give you a few ideas for getting away from it all.
1. Giethoorn, Netherlands
Located in the heart of the Weerribben-Wiede National Park, Giethoorn is a prime example of how the Dutch coexist wonderfully with water. There are no roads in this picturesque village, which can only be reached via its many canals. Beautiful thatched farmhouses are built on islands of peat, and the presence of 176 charming little bridges gives you the feeling of being in a little green Venice. The best way to visit the village is aboard a bateau-mouche or an electric boat. There are also a number of waterfront restaurants.
2. Bibury, England
The charming English village of Bibury is set in the heart of exceptional valleys and lush green meadows. Situated in the district of Cotswold and the county of Gloucestershire, it boasts superb stone cottages with a generous dose of greenery. The most picturesque part of the village is Arlington Row, where you can also stroll along the River Coln. The river is rich in trout and other fish, which are an obvious ingredient in the local cuisine. Another not-to-be-missed spot in Bibury is the Trout Farm, with its century-old ponds housing millions of rainbow trout.
3. Sovana, Italy
This village in southern Tuscany is undeniably one of the most beautiful in Italy. Of Etruscan origin, the village was first developed in the 7th century. Its stone houses are a sight to behold, as are its many medieval and ancient monuments. Start with the remains of the ancient Aldobrandeschi fortress, followed by the Sovana dome. Then there are the palaces, including the Palazzo dell'Archivio, which overlooks the charming Piazza del Pretorio. All the alleys are great places to stroll, but the Via di Mezzo remains the main cobbled axis and a must-see. While in the area, don't miss a visit to the Etruscan remains, before relaxing over one of its famous wines.
Discover our dedicated article "What to do in Italy? 27 must-sees".
4. Karytaina, Greece
When we think of Greece, we often think, among the must-sees and must -dos, of its villages with white houses and blue domes overlooking a turquoise sea. They are certainly the pride of the island nation, but Greece has many other strings to its bow and many other treasures to offer. One fine example is in the middle of the Peloponnese, 50 km from Tripoli. Its name is Karytaina. Its houses and monuments are a delight for lovers of fine stonework. What's more, the town's location is idyllic, set amidst rolling hills. The building that first catches the eye is the hilltop castle. Only the ruins remain, but they lend the village a timeless charm. The monasteries are also superb. From Karytaina, there's a path leading to the stunning Lousios Gorge.
5. Fornalutx, Spain
We now head for the Balearic archipelago, stopping off at Fornalutx. Located in Majorca's Serra de Tramuntana, the village's history goes back 1,000 years. Today, visitors enjoy wandering through the narrow streets lined with red-roofed stone houses. The streets are full of flowers, including orange and lemon trees. Not to be missed is the town hall, built against a 17th-century defensive tower in the traditional style. The narrow streets around the 13th-century Fornalutx church are the most beautiful. For refreshments or a bite to eat, stop off at the Plaza de España, the town's nerve center.
6. Bled, Slovenia
Situated next to the Triglav National Park, Bled is a prime holiday destination, offering bothexceptional monuments and breathtaking natural scenery. It's a spa where you can enjoy the benefits of the springs as well as indulge in a sweet treat. Blejska krem?nita, a cream dessert made from a mille-feuille-type cake, is a local specialty not to be missed. But Bled's greatest charm lies in its ideal location at the foot of the Julian Alps. This natural setting is ideal for hiking, but also for water sports activities, as the municipality is situated on the shores of Lake Bled. A glacial lake with translucent waters, it features an island in the middle of which stands the Baroque church of Sainte-Marie-de-l'Assomption. Lovers of architecture must also visit Bled Castle, nestled on a hill.
7. Queen, Norway
Among the most beautiful places to visit in Norway, Reine is a jewel of the Lofoten Islands. Surrounded by the fjords, the village can be visited in any season, but the atmosphere takes on a whole new dimension when nature and the commune are covered in snow. If you're a lover of the Far North, what a pleasure it is to be able to go hiking at the foot of the mountains during the day, or to take a boat trip on the sea, before strolling through the streets of Reine and contemplating the superb wooden houses with their red, orange or white facades. Before another day of enjoying one of Norway's most beautiful villages and its nature, the ideal thing to do is to stock up on food in a grocery store, then warm up around a fire in an atmosphere conducive to relaxation.
8. Monsanto, Portugal
On the Iberian Peninsula, Portugal is a country full of charming villages. One of the most remarkable is Monsanto. Situated not far from the Spanish border, the village is unusual in that the top of the hill on which it was built is covered with massive rocks. Some houses have been built around them, and some even serve as roofs! As you stroll through the streets, take time to contemplate the granite houses, before looking up to see the castle ruins that dominate the village. Several viewpoints offer unforgettable panoramic views of the beautiful surrounding countryside. What to do in Portugal? Discover the 25 most beautiful places to visit!
9. Monschau, Germany
Not far from the border with Belgium, Monschau is a German village with an incredible number of listed monuments. The town was spared the bombing raids of the Second World War, allowing it to retain its medieval appearance. The town center is packed with superb half-timbered houses, each with a different hint of color. The Maison Rouge is a typical example of an 18th-century residence inhabited by wealthy weavers. Monuments to see include the Protestant church and the castle overlooking the old town. Finally, there are several small museums to help you understand the town's history
10. Rothenburg Ob Der Tauber in Germany
This is one of Germany's most beautiful villages. Preserved in its typically medieval architecture, Rothenburg ob der Tauber retains a large number of medieval half-timbered and stone houses. Its ramparts and defensive towers have also survived the centuries completely intact. The brightly restored facades give the town the appearance of a small museum town. This exceptional state of preservation allows visitors to take a real trip back in time, a one-way ticket to the Middle Ages. Does the village ring a bell? Rothenburg was the inspiration for Walt Disney's Pinocchio cartoon .
11. La Roque-Gageac, France
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Just 12 km from Sarlat lies another Dordogne treasure. Leaning against the cliff along the river, La Roque-Gageac is a great place to lose yourself in the streets and alleys. Just take the time to contemplate the golden houses with their lauze or brown tile roofs, before reaching the 14th-century church, whose courtyard reveals an exotic garden. Later, you may be tempted to climb the cliffs to see the remains of a fortress built in the 12th century and enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding area. Another great way to enjoy the village is to take a traditional boat trip down the Dordogne. Finally, in the evening, there's nothing like taking advantage of your stay in the Périgord Noir to indulge in regional specialties. Discover our dedicated article on the 15 most beautiful villages in the Dordogne!
12. Gordes, France
One of the most beautiful villages in the Provence-Alpes-Côte-d'Azur region , Gordes is a Provencal star that has attracted artists and celebrities of all kinds. Among them Marc Chagall, André Lhote and Victor Vasarely. Indeed, how could one fail to be inspired to create by so much beauty? Set against the backdrop of the Lubéron Massif, the village is a cultural landmark with an exceptional location on the heights of a rocky outcrop. The winding cobbled streets of the dry-stone houses stand at the foot of the Renaissance château and church, overlooking the Calavon valley and the Cavaillon plain. Gordes is just 30 minutes from Avignon. Discover also the 10 most beautiful villages in the South of France.
13. Eguisheim in France
Welcome to one of France's most beautiful medieval towns! Eguisheim is one of those picture-postcard villages that's Alsatian to the core, with everything from half-timbered houses and medieval fortifications to fountains and balconies in bloom as soon as the sun comes out. To complete the picture, take the town's Little White Train. Children will love it, and the whole family will learn a lot. It's all part of what makes Eguisheim one of Alsace's most beautiful villages .
14. Kinsale in Ireland
The village of Kinsale is one of the most beautiful places to see and visit in Ireland: one of the country's most picturesque villages. A stroll through the narrow streets lined with slate-clad houses is a must to appreciate its charm. Heading up towards the center via Market Quay or Pearse Street, you arrive at the charming Market Square, where the market used to be held. Small shops and restaurants have been set up in old houses with brightly painted facades. Walk up Cork Street, lined with pretty houses, to Desmond Castle and visit the Wine Museum, then go to Summercove, the lower part of town, to watch the sunset.
15. Český Krumlov in the Czech Republic
It'sone of the most beautiful places to see in the Czech Republic: situated in one of the meanders of the Vltava, Ceský Krumlov is the ideal stopover for a journey back in time, along the Vlatva. The historic center of Český Krumlov is a Unesco World Heritage Site for its medieval taverns, galleries and castles, all of which add to its charm. The town also boasts many well-preserved Gothic, Baroque and Renaissance monuments. And don't miss the splendid gardens on top of Castle Hill. Last but not least, the Czech Republic is home to many impressive castles, including the 16th-century Ceský Krumlov.
Which is the most beautiful village in the world?
It's hard to say which is the "most beautiful" village in the world, as beauty is subjective and depends on individual preferences. However, according to an American travel magazine,the commune of Gordes, in the Vaucluse, is "the most beautiful village in the world". There are many places around the world widely recognized for their picturesque charm and unique atmosphere. Here are the villages often considered particularly beautiful:
- Hallstatt, Austria: Nestled on a lake and surrounded by mountains, Hallstatt is famous for its picturesque architecture and exceptional natural setting.
- Giethoorn, Netherlands: Known as the "Venice of the North", Giethoorn is famous for its canals, bridges and thatched houses.
- Bibury, United Kingdom: Located in the Cotswolds, Bibury is renowned for its golden stone houses and bucolic charm.
- Shirakawa-go, Japan: This traditional village is famous for its thatched houses, known as "gassho-zukuri", which are a unique example of Japanese architecture.
- Chefchaouen, Morocco: Known as the "blue city", Chefchaouen is famous for its narrow streets and blue-painted buildings.
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