The 16 most beautiful villages in Nouvelle Aquitaine

Discovering the villages that murmured in the ears of history, art and culture enthusiasts. Here are the 16 most beautiful villages in New Aquitaine.

Nouvelle-Aquitaine includes departments rivaling exceptional natural beauties and phenomena such as the Gironde, the Landes or the Pyrenees-Atlantiques. Their identity is multiple and they proudly display numerous specialties. However, the villages of Nouvelle Aquitaine – which grow throughout the roads – have one thing in common: they are full of charms.

Let yourself be surprised by the richness of these cultural and historical treasures. Their architectural quality and untouched heritage will unveil you, without modesty, a true art of living and great authenticity. Go in search of the 16 most beautiful villages in New Aquitaine.

1. Collonges-la-Rouge

The small medieval village of Collonges-la-Rouge is a flamboyant treasure. Ranked among the most beautiful places to visit in New Aquitaine, it owes its place to its incredible palette of colors. The red sandstone carpets medieval monuments, themselves covered with roofs of anthracite lauze: what a prodigious spectacle!

Lose yourself in the narrow alleys and discover the harmony of this atypical place.

2. Beynac-et-Cazenac

Beynac-et-Cazenac is breathtaking in beauty, between its paved alleys and exceptional views, it is even a muse for many artists. Woven at the top of a valley, the village embraces the castles. The houses seem suspended in the void above the cliffs.

In the historical heart, the alleys bear witness to a massive and elegant architectural style. The fortified castle of Beynac-et-Cazenac overlooks this maze and holds unshakable head at Castelnaud Castle.

3. Brantôme

Located in the heart of a hill and surrounded by the river Dronne, Brantôme is nicknamed the "Vice of the Périgord". In addition to the sparkling meanders of the water, surrounded by delightful bridges, this unmissable village to visit in Nouvelle Aquitaine bears witness to all times. From the Prehistory to the Renaissance, through romanity, Brantôme has all kinds of vestiges. However, this cosmopolitan architecture has a fascinating harmony.

4. Domme

It is one of the most beautiful bastides in New Aquitaine. “The Acropolis of the Périgord” dominates the Dordogne valley. It also testifies to an exceptional site inherited from the Middle Ages and the Renaissance.

Its paved alleys depict the slopes and, each spring, spill a delicious smell of rose. Coquettery and authenticity are found in each stone of this village of character.

5. La Roque-Gageac

On arrival on La Roque-Gageac, the overview is spectacular. Here the sun floods the exotic garden and the high cliff with green oaks. The houses with roofs of anthracite lauze or tiles are blotted under a real limestone wall.

According to the hour, this village has adorned to the sparkling cliff in the river. The small stone houses of La Roche-Gageac flourish at the foot of the castle and the ramparts.

6. Saint-Emilion

Saint-Emilion is surrounded by vineyards that give birth to renowned wines from around the world. The medieval architecture of Saint-Emilion is discovered through contemplative wanderings.

From the Cardinal Palace to the Cloister, to the large walls or the monolith church, your walk is punctuated with spectacular historical monuments. So board for an exceptional oenological stay in front of small houses whitened with pastel roofs.

7. Saint-Macaire

This beautiful village to visit in Nouvelle Aquitaine looks like a real postcard. The restored facades, frescoes with warm colours and murmurs that escape from the balconies: there are so many surprises waiting for you in Saint-Macaire.

This ancient village and its ramparts belt also offer one of the most beautiful medieval places. With its stone arcades in the colours of wheat and its Renaissance ornamentation, it is to fall.

8. Monflanquin

Bastide du Lot-et-Garonne, Montflanquin is one of the most beautiful villages in Nouvelle Aquitaine. Put your suitcases and made a stop in the heart of his Gothic church, in the meanders of his streets or in the Black Prince House.

Monflanquin also offers a fascinating rural atmosphere in the middle of a peaceful countryside. In this old medieval bastide, houses with round tiles roofs tighten your elbows and project you several centuries back.

9. Ainhoa

This typical village-bastide, often immortalized by great painters, borders the ocean and the Spanish border. He can be proud of the label of the most beautiful spots to visit in Nouvelle Aquitaine. Ainhoa invites you to sit at a beautiful table and a few strolls among artisans and in the city centre.

The city Ainhoa, which is rectilined and lined with shaded houses in bright colours, carries in time. But it is also its Basque authenticity that seduces visitors.

10. La Bastide-Clairence

This jewel of the Basque Country stands out with its lovely red and white houses and medieval monuments. The houses with gable and doves, pierced by embossed windows and lintaux, make even think of an animated design scenery.

The Bastide-Clairence also charms by its large square square square that climbs to the church. A den of artists to visit in Nouvelle Aquitaine for those who also love crafts.

11. Espelette

Your taste buds sparkle nothing but by evoking the name of this village, one of the most beautiful and gourmet to visit in Nouvelle Aquitaine. Espelette is indeed the cradle of the famous chili pepper that delightfully enhances your dishes. However, there is not only for gourmet purposes.

History mordus will be filled with a stroll through the tortuous streets. They devalue the village in sparkling labyrinth. As early as September, admire the garlands of peppers that dry on the walls of the picturesque houses to be decorated.

12. Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port

The pilgrims who end the mythical path Compostela disembark in this village and open wide eyes. And that is not surprising. Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port loves itself in the mountains, at the foot of the port of Roncevaux.

This pleasant and peaceful city offers a splendid and bright setting thanks to its pink sandstone houses and its meticulous waters. Not to mention its medieval streets and stunt gardens that give it fairytale village areas.

13. Belvès

Belvees, perched on a promontory at the site of a Gallo-Roman castrum and an ancient medieval city, is a real journey in time. Here, the vallons are junched with chestnut wood, walnuts and oaks that deflate under the sun.

The vast forests are thus gridded with paths that will make hikers happy. In the heart of the village, the old Belvès houses slip between a few troglodyte houses long inhabited. Vagabond in the shopping streets that pull out beautifully craft shops and breweries.

14. Monpazier

Among the most beautiful villages in Nouvelle Aquitaine, Monpazier is the exemplary incarnation of the medieval architecture. More than thirty Historical Monuments still sit, intact. Then, in the heart of the village, the square is surrounded by picturesque houses. Spend under its magnificent arcades that also host the colorful and local market. The bastide of Monpazier Bastide is the most famous and best preserved in the Périgord.

If you take height, you will realize that this city forms a quadrilateral delimited by fortified doors.

15. Castelnaud-la-Chapelle

Still wanting to visit New Aquitaine at the pace of its past? Discover Castelnaud-la-Chapelle: a real medieval fortress with golden stone facades that comes out of earth in a green setting.

Its medieval installations in mâchicoulis and its castle disappointing majesticly offer a splendid view of the surrounding valleys. Here, the history and art of war are told to all windows.

16. Sauveterre-de-Béarn

Last but not least, of our most beautiful villages to visit in Nouvelle Aquitaine: Sauveterre-de-Béarn. Open on the Pyrenean Pyrenees and the valley dotted with rutilating water points, it shows an incredible sweetness of life.

Perched on its rocky promontory, the medieval city also intoxicates with its harmonious ensembles. Jewels to be contemplated without moderation from the picturesque bridge of the Legend. Monreal Tower, church bell tower and the ramparts stand on you.