The 14 most beautiful villages in the Pyrenees

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

The Pyrenees are home to no less than ten villages labeled “Most Beautiful Villages of France”. From Catalan territory in the east to the Basque Country in the west, the traditions are different but the charm still operates.

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

1. Sare

Photo credit: Shutterstock – LIMA Charles

Located 14 kilometers from the sea, this beautiful village in the Pyrenees stands among imposing massifs. You can undertake the ascent of the Rhune mountain, for a beautiful 2-hour walk.

Arrived at the summit at 905 meters above sea level, you will enjoy an exceptional panorama of the French and Spanish coasts. The building not to be missed is the Saint-Martin church, one of the most beautiful in the Labourd region. It features a majestic 5-storey tower, wooden galleries and a sundial.

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

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

2. Ainhoa

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Near Sare, another village in the Pyrenees is worth a detour. You will learn the history of Ainhoa ​​at the Maison du Patrimoine, during a nice 25-minute documentary broadcast on a panoramic screen.

You will learn more about the layout of the village, with its bastide-street, its church listed as a historical monument and its wash house.

The pediment, a Basque pelota court, occupies a very central place. It is always the scene of parties which you may have the chance to attend.

The Notre-Dame de l’Aubépine site, which can be reached after a 30-minute walk, offers a beautiful view of this village in the Pyrenees and the surrounding area.

3. Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port

Photo credit: Shutterstock – Boris Stroujko

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

The typical architecture of the Basque Country is revealed, 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 Col de Roncesvalles. It has been an important trading hub for centuries past.

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

We also recommend the Bishops’ prison, which now houses a permanent exhibition on the pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela.

4. Saint-Bertrand-de-Comminges

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This important step on the way to Santiago de Compostela welcomes many pilgrims and travelers every year. They come to discover the ramparts with three gates, the 17th century half-timbered houses and the imposing Sainte-Marie cathedral.

A pearl of Romanesque-Gothic art, it contains a choir with 66 sculpted oak stalls and a corner organ. The world’s best organists follow one another there each year during the annual festival, for top-flight performances.

Below the village, you can visit the ruins of the ancient city of Lugdunum-Convenaewith the forum, the theater and the thermal baths.

Then make a detour to the Saint-Just basilica of Valcabrère, partly built with stones from the ancient city.

5. Evol

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You will be charmed by this small hamlet which takes visitors back a century. Following the winding road from Olette, you will discover a small village in the Pyrenees made up of schist houses with slate roofs.

Only a few dozen inhabitants live there, guaranteeing a peaceful atmosphere, only punctuated by the soft sound of the canal that crosses it.

Narrow streets and stairs will lead you to the Saint-André church, listed as a historical monument.

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

6. Villefranche-de-Conflent

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This medieval city is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its fortifications. You will visit the Tour de la Viguerie and the ramparts, built in the 11th century and improved by Vauban in the 17th century.

Unmissable, Fort Liberia is reached by taking an underground staircase. Dominating the city, it was the centerpiece of its defensive system.

The visit includes, among other things, a chapel and a crypt. A walk on the walkway offers a breathtaking view of the valley and Mount Canigó.

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

7. Castelnou

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Fort Viscount marks the traveler who discovers this beautiful village in the Pyrenees. It follows the shape of the rock on which it is built, and impresses with the power it exudes.

All around, Castelnou nestles within the medieval ramparts. Enter the hamlet through the north gate to access the main square.

The cobbled streets, stairs and arches give a picturesque aspect to the village that can be visited on foot.

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

8. Had

Photo credit: Flickr – Over Doz

The Saint-Vincent church has replaced the citadel and dominates the old fortified village. The houses are spread out in terraces all around and the orchards spread out in the valley.

Eus is one of the sunniest sites in France, which makes it possible to discover it in good conditions all year round.

The whole village is pedestrian, and it is pleasant to stroll through the cobbled streets. Do not miss the Solana Museum, which traces the life of the inhabitants of this village in the Pyrenees in the 19th century.

9. Camon

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You will enter Camon through the vaulted door of the church. This 10th century abbey 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 climbing rose in front of each house. 400 shrubs thus bloom each year in Camon, giving the town a colorful and joyful appearance.

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

10. Navarrenx

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

Athletes can go down the Gave by canoe or raft in beautiful natural landscapes.

In addition to the ramparts, don’t miss a visit to the Maison du Cigare. For a cultural break, push open the doors of the interpretation centre, which tells the story of this beautiful village in the Pyrenees.

11. La Bastide-Clairence

Photo credit: Shutterstock – Kevin Eaves

The white facades with white and red half-timbering await you in this village in the Pyrenees, typical of the Basque Country. It was founded in 1312 to open an access route to the ocean to the Kingdom of Navarre.

The trinquet where pelota is practiced is one of the oldest tennis courts in France.

The Notre-Dame church has characteristics of Basque churches such as a wooden gallery and a courtyard-cemetery.

12. Amelie-les-Bains

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Amélie-les-Bains is a village in the Pyrenees renowned for its thermal baths fed by hot springs. People come here for a cure and to discover the beauty of the town, built on the banks of the Tech.

Several religious buildings are worth a visit, such as the 12th century Saint-Quentin church and the Rosary chapel with its magnificent altarpiece.

On the heights, the fort served as a defense and surveillance of the Spanish border. No less than 7 cemeteries are scattered in the town and are called “the little Père-Lachaise”.

13. Arles-sur-Tech

Photo credit: flickr – Isabelle Aubry

The Sainte-Marie abbey sits in the center of this village in the Pyrenees which stretches 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 center on foot, then push on to the Gorges de la Fou. The cliffs rise vertically impressively, framing the river bed.

Another site constitutes an interesting visit, that of the pithead of the mine. You will discover the iron extraction facilities, witnesses of the mining activity of the past.

14. Lloa

Photo credit: flickr – Oscar Padilla Alvarez

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

During a walk, do not miss the marvels of the medieval heritage of Lloa, such as the feudal castle. The Vacaro tower is joined by a path, like the San Féliu chapel which offers a magnificent panorama over the valley.

The Saint-Fructueux church is listed as a historical monument.

Map of hotels and accommodation – Pyrenees

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