Well-known for its unimaginable delicacies, architectural wealth, and, in fact, that untranslatable joie de vivre, France ought to be on the bucket listing of each tradition buff.
Nevertheless, between the surging crowds and the eye-watering costs, we would perceive in case you’ve not been eager on visiting.
As a lot as vacationers like to flock to the one spot, it would not essentially must be a bustling Paris, an overpriced Good, and even the jam-packed pastel cities of Provence if it is an immersion in French tradition you search––actually, that is the place you are much less more likely to discover it.
Not too long ago voted probably the most stunning cities in France, Villeneuve is a medieval gem that is been efficiently stored hidden from the crowds, however it will not be for lengthy.
Villeneuve-d’Aveyron Is One Of France’s Most Lovely Cities!
A small village in France’s southernmost area of Occitanie, with below 2,000 residents, Villeneuve-d’Aveyron has formally been inscribed into the listing of ‘Most Beautiful Villages in France‘, or within the unique, Les plus beaux villages de France.
Should you’re acquainted with Mexico’s nationwide ‘Magical City‘ distinction or Britain’s ‘Areas of Excellent Magnificence’, that is successfully the French equal to these awarding historic settlements within the nation which have made vital efforts to protect their architectural ensemble.
Villeneuve is a superbly preserved instance of a medieval countryside city nestled within the Occitan hinterland. Its labyrinthine streets are flanked by Bastide-era stone homes, all resulting in picturesque courtyards, storied taverns, or that towering central church.
Although it is a latest nomination on the ‘Most Lovely Villages’ affiliation’s half, Villeneuve had really first utilized for the label way back to 1998––yep, this has been an entire 26 years within the making, however as they are saying, sooner reasonably than later.
Because the 176-town-strong welcomes Villeneuve into the household–that features tourist-packed villages like Gordes and Les Baux-de-Provence—it is time we discover out what makes this once-overlooked city so particular.
Why Is Villeneuve So Particular?
Villeneuve is known for its Place des Conques, a postcard-perfect sq. bordered by arcades and vaulted passageways.
It is also guarded by a sequence of medieval gates, two of probably the most ornate being the Nice Door and Cardalhac Door.
The city’s primary attraction, nevertheless, is undoubtedly its Church of the Holy Sepulcher––to not be confused with the one in Jerusalem––constructed within the Romanesque-Gothic type, and maintained precisely because it was when it was constructed within the 12 months 1073 AD.
As you may see, Villeneuve could also be tiny, nevertheless it suffers from no scarcity of historic landmarks, with a monumental Soubirane Tower, providing breathtaking views of the village beneath, and a beautifully-frescoed, Eleventh-century church of Toulongergues being two different examples.
In sum, it is storybook materials, and someplace, the passing of time has primarily come to a halt.
True French Tradition
In contrast to different bigger settlements in France, Villeneuve-d’Aveyron has remained staunchly French in character, and it is the closest you may get to experiencing ‘Outdated World’ France previous to the consequences of globalization.
Locals are very a lot happy with their historic heritage, a lot in order that, in summer time, they maintain a ‘medieval festival‘ each Sunday to have a good time their centuries-old traditions, and good luck looking for your traditional Chinese language, Indian, or Turkish takeout:
French delicacies reigns supreme, and in case you’re searching for a not-so-expensive, but distinctive place to eat, be sure you swing by Les Arcades, housed within the arcaded galleries of Place des Conques––from soup à l’oignon to andouillette sausages, your French faves are all right here in a single place.
And the perfect half is, there are not any tour teams round, pesky Instagrammers, nor obnoxious vacationers!
How To Get To Villeneuve
Villeneuve has preserved its allure, whereas a lot of France fell sufferer to the spoils of the trendy world, due to its remoteness and longer distance from bigger city facilities the place multiculturalism is the prevailing order.
The closest main commune to Villeneuve-d’Aveyron is Montauban, roughly an hour away driving, whereas Toulouse is 1h47.
By far, the simplest, and most handy solution to attain this Most Lovely Village of France is driving, but when you do not have a automotive at your disposal, you may take a nonstop prepare from Paris (Gare d’Austerlitz), or Bordeaux to Montauban, priced $58 – $80.
From there, you may board native inter-municipal buses or regional trains that may get you nearer to Villeneuve, as seen on the official map, however in all honesty, renting a automotive is greatest for each optimizing time, and making the journey as nice as will be.
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Opinions expressed listed below are the writer’s alone, not these of any financial institution, bank card issuer, resort, airline, or different entity. This content material has not been reviewed, authorised or in any other case endorsed by any of the entities included inside the publish.
