Take a family stroll through the most beautiful hidden villages in France
The arrival of summer gives you itchy feet. It’s like a craving to pack up and escape with your family. This year, it’s decided: you’re going off to discover a little slice of paradise in France. There are so many wonders nearby that it would be a shame to miss them! Why don't we take a virtual stroll together through the most beautiful hidden villages in France?
Barfleur in Brittany: a seaside village to visit with the family
Head for Brittany and the Cotentin Peninsula, and the magnificent port of Barfleur, where fishing boats and pleasure craft mingle. By taking the customs officers' path, you can reach the Gatteville Lighthouse, which, at 75 meters tall, is the second tallest lighthouse in Europe! If you like getting up early, you can watch the fishing boats return—a spectacle that is always amazing for those who aren't used to it! For a lunch break, you can treat yourself to the famous Blonde de Barfleur in one of the port’s restaurants, a mussel with an inimitable flavor! At low tide, the children will be delighted to go shore fishing to collect shells and crustaceans. Unless they prefer to try one of the many nautical activities offered in and around Barfleur: sailing, river canoeing/kayaking, sea kayaking, wave skiing, outrigger canoeing…
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Gerberoy in the Hauts-de-France: a secret spot less than two hours from Paris
If you dream of a secret spot not far from Paris, we invite you for a stroll in the charming village of Gerberoy, in the Hauts-de-France region. In Picardy, roses are cultivated with passion. In Gerberoy, this has been a tradition ever since the painter Henri le Sidaner settled there in 1901 and encouraged every villager to plant a rosebush in front of their house. In 1928, he organized the first Rose Festival, which has taken place every year since then. While wandering around, don't forget to visit the village’s artists and craftspeople. In the workshop-boutique of Stéphanie, the potter of Gerberoy, you will discover creations blending craftsmanship and art: tableware, decorative objects, buttons, jewelry, and sculptures. She would be delighted to show you around and can even offer you the chance to participate in a class or a workshop. There is still much to discover in Gerberoy. So, if you are passing through Picardy this summer, be sure to make a detour to the village of a thousand roses!
Bargème in Provence: an authentic village in the hinterland
If you are passing through Provence this summer and want to get away from the crowds on the coast, the authentic character of Bargème will enchant you. Located in the Verdon Natural Regional Park, this “gem set in the rock,” as the locals say, is nestled at an altitude of 1,100 meters, the rooftop of the Var. Bargème is a medieval village that will appeal to lovers of nature and wide-open spaces. The area is perfect for hiking and swimming in the white waters of the Artuby. If you like unusual and eco-friendly accommodation, the Saint-Pierre de Verdon educational farm offers stays in a yurt, tipi, caravan, or cabin. The place is a true little paradise for children. On the agenda: a visit to the farm and the organic vegetable garden, contact with the animals (chickens, geese, peacocks, turkeys, tortoises, rabbits, donkeys, a llama, sheep, ponies, horses...), and rides on ponies or donkeys!
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Mortemart in Nouvelle-Aquitaine: a rare pearl in the heart of the Limousin
You probably don't know Mortemart yet. Yet, this village located in the Haute-Vienne is one of the most beautiful villages in France. The Carmelite convent, built in the 14th century, once hosted pilgrims passing through. Today, they have been replaced by artists, whose studios you can visit. The old market hall, restored in 2013, testifies to the fact that Mortemart was also an important commercial center, where fairs and markets once took place. You will surely appreciate a gourmet break at the “Relais de Mortemart” before going for a hike, a carriage ride around the village, or a bike discovery tour. Don't forget to take a quick look at the “Bouquinerie des Carmes.” You can buy second-hand books there, in French and in English, and even, if you like, enjoy them on-site in the reading garden. Here, we read, but that’s not all. You can rent a bike (electric or not) to take a ride in the surrounding area, or a donkey for a walk. In Mortemart, everything is simpler! It is the peaceful haven you’ve been dreaming of for your family that you thought didn’t exist!
