The 14 most beautiful villages in the Pyrenees

On holiday in the mountains of the southwest? Discover the most beautiful villages in the Pyrenees!

The Pyrenees house no less than ten villages labeled "More Beautiful Villages of France". From Catalan territory to the east Basque Country To the west, traditions are different but charm always operates.

You will discover proud fortified cities such as picturesque small hamlets, always surrounded by a spectacular nature. So don’t wait anymore and build your route among the most beautiful villages in the Pyrenees!

1. Sare

Located 14 kilometers from the sea, this beautiful village of the Pyrenees stands among impressive massifs. You can take the climb of the mountain of the Rhune, for a nice 2 hour walk.

At the top of 905 meters above sea level, you will enjoy an exceptional panorama on the French and Spanish coasts. The building not to be missed is St. Martin’s Church, one of the most beautiful in the Labourd region. It features a 5-storey majestic tower, wooden galleries and a sundial.

In the village, raise your head in search of the lintaux on the facades. They indicate the construction year of the building or the name of its owner. The leisure trail marks the medieval path that connected Saint-Jean-de-Luz to the Spain .

Not far from this village of the Pyrenees, enter the caves of Sare to discover the origins of the Basque people.

2. Ainhoa

Close to Sare, another village in the Pyrenees deserves a detour. You will learn the story of Ainhoa at the Maison du Patrimoine, during a lovely 25-minute documentary broadcast on a panoramic screen.

You will learn more about the layout of the village, with its bastide-rue, its church classified as a historic monument and its wash.

The fronton, a Basque pelot field, occupies a central place. It is always the theatre of games to which you may have the chance to attend.

The site Notre-Dame de l’Aubépine, which is accessed after a 30-minute walk, offers a beautiful view of this village of the Pyrenees and its surroundings.

3. Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port

Here is a village of the Pyrenees built around its 17th century citadel, rebuilt by Vauban . His story tells of itself during a walk in the streets.

The typical architecture of the Basque Country reveals itself, with its white houses with red or green shutters. The village is built on the banks of the Nive and at the foot of the famous Roncevaux pass. It was an important trade crossroads of past centuries.

The citadel reflects its strong role in Navarre. Don’t miss the Notre-Dame church, the largest Gothic building in the Basque Country.

You are also advised of the Bishops’ prison, which now houses a permanent exhibition on the pilgrimage of Santiago de Compostela.

4. Saint-Bertrand-de-Comminges

This important step in the path Saint-Jacques-de-Compostelle hosts many pilgrims each year, but also travellers. They come to discover the walls pierced by three doors, the 17th century doves houses and the imposing Sainte-Marie Cathedral.

A pearl of Romano-Gothic art, it contains a choir with 66 carved oak stalls and a corner organ. The world’s best organists succeed each year at the annual festival for high-volume performances.

Below the village, you can visit the ruins of the ancient city of Lugdunum-Convenae , with the forum, the theatre and the thermal baths.

Then make a hook to the St.Just Basilica of Valcabree, built in part with stones of the ancient city.

5. Evol

You will be charmed by this small hamlet that brings the visitor back a century back. By following the laces road from Olette, you will discover a small village of the Pyrenees consisting of shale houses with lauze roofs.

Only a few dozen inhabitants live there, guaranteeing a peaceful atmosphere, only rhymed by the gentle sound of the canal that passes through it.

Close and stairways will lead you to the church of Saint-André, classified as historical monuments.

You can also visit Ludovic Massé, a writer from Evol. A nice walk leads to the ruins of the old feudal castle.

6. Villefranche-de-Conflent

This medieval city is listed on the UNESCO World Heritage site for its fortifications. You will visit the Viguerie Tower and the ramparts, built in the 11th century and improved by Vauban in the 17th century.

Uncontournable, Fort Liberia joins on an underground staircase. Dominating the city, he was the centrepiece of his defensive system.

The visit includes a chapel and a crypt. A tower on the round path offers a breathtaking view of the valley and the Canigó Mountain.

Not far, the caves of the Petites and Grande Canalette, as well as the fortified cave Cova Bastera, also give the opportunity for other interesting visits.

7. Castelnou

The fort vicomtal marks the traveler who discovers this beautiful village of the Pyrenees. He marries the shape of the rock on which he is built, and impresses by the power he releases.

All around, Castelnou nests in the medieval ramparts. Enter the hamlet by the north door to access the main square.

The paved streets, stairs and arches give a picturesque look to the village on foot.

At the top of the village, take a break to admire the surrounding forests and the Canigó massif as a backdrop.

8. Eus

The church of Saint Vincent replaced the citadel and dominates the old fortified village. The houses run around the terrace and the orchards spread in the valley.

Eus is one of the most sunny sites in France, which allows you to discover it in good conditions throughout the year.

The whole village is pedestrian, and it is pleasant to walk in the paved alleys of pebbles. Don't miss the Solana Museum, which retraces the lives of the inhabitants of this village of the Pyrenees in the 19th century.

9. Camon

You will enter Camon by the arched door of the church. This abbey of the 10th century was gradually transformed into a fortified priory around which the houses were built. The village of Camon was born.

One of its peculiarities is the presence of a rock climbing in front of each house. 400 shrubs bloom each year in Camon, giving the city a colorful and joyful look.

In the vicinity, many stone huts were used to store crops, tools or seeds. A theme path allows you to discover them during a beautiful walk, accompanied by the observation of 11 species of wild orchids.

10. Navarrenx

Navarrenx is the first bastioned city in France. There are many activities in the salmon capital, which a festival celebrates every year.

Sportsmen can Get off the Gave canoeing or rafting in natural landscapes of all beauty.

In addition to the ramparts, do not miss the visit of the Maison du Cigare. For a cultural parenthesis, push the doors of the interpretation centre, which tells the story of this beautiful village of the Pyrenees.

11. La Bastide-Clairence

The white facades with white and red doves await you in this village of the Pyrenees typical of the Basque Country. It was founded in 1312 to open a path to the ocean in the kingdom of Navarre.

The trinquet where the pelote is practiced is one of the oldest palm games in France.

The Notre-Dame church features Basque churches such as a wooden gallery and a preau-cimetière.

12. Amélie-les-Bains

Amélie-les bains is a village of the Pyrenees known for its thermal baths fed by hot water sources. We go there in cure and discover the beauty of the village, built on the banks of the Tech.

Several religious buildings deserve the detour, such as the church of Saint-Quentin of the 12th century and the chapel of the Rosary with its magnificent altarpiece.

On the heights, the fort was used to defend and monitor the Spanish border. No less than 7 cemeteries are scattered in the commune and are called "the Little Father-Lachaise".

13. Arles-sur-Tech

The Abbey Sainte-Marie sits in the centre of this village of the Pyrenees, which runs along the Tech. It is one of the largest abbeys in the region, it consists of three churches and a magnificent cloister.

After the visit, you can discover the city centre on foot, then push to the Gorges de la Fou. The cliffs rise vertically in an impressive way, by setting the river bed.

Another site is an interesting visit, that of the mine tiles. You will discover the iron mining facilities, which are a testament to the mining activity of the past.

14. Lloa

Here is another village of the Pyrenees famous for its thermal waters. The curists come to relax in the baths while enjoying the charm of the commune.

During a walk, do not miss the wonders of the medieval heritage of Lloa, such as the feudal castle. The tour del Vacaro is joined by a trail, such as the San Féliu chapel, which offers a magnificent view of the valley.

The church of Saint-Fructueux is classified as a historic monument.