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When temperatures rise, we all dream of escaping the stifling heat of the big cities. Fortunately, the ‘Most Beautiful Villages of France’ are brimming with true natural havens. Whether on the banks of a river, in the shadow of the mountains or nestled in sheltered valleys, these villages invite you to unwind whilst enjoying the exceptional scenery.
Is it set to be a hot summer? Here are 5 villages where you can relax in peace and quiet!
Lavoûte-Chilhac (Haute-Loire)
Nestled amongst the meandering bends of the Allier, Lavoûte-Chilhac enjoys a welcome coolness in summer. With the river running through it, this Auvergne village invites you to relax in its many shaded spots. Make the most of the milder hours to explore the narrow streets, the Sainte-Croix priory church, or the Maison des Oiseaux et de la Nature.
And when the heat sets in, there’s no shortage of activities: canoeing and kayaking on the Allier, fishing, swimming, or hiking in the surrounding gorges. There’s something for everyone!
Our top tips:
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VVF de Lavoûte-Chilhac
Villages de vacances
Baume-les-Messieurs (Jura)
Nestled in a remote valley in the Jura, Baume-les-Messieurs combines unspoilt nature with historical heritage. Surrounded by high limestone cliffs, the village remains surprisingly cool in summer. The Tufs Waterfall and the Baume Cave offer a real breath of fresh air, ideal for your summer walks. With a constant temperature of around 11°C all year round, the Baume Cave might even give you a few shivers… even in the height of summer!
At the heart of the village, the Imperial Abbey, a Cluniac masterpiece, immerses you in centuries of history. Its thick walls maintain a cool and peaceful atmosphere, which is particularly welcome during the heat of summer.
Hiking enthusiasts can follow the trails that wind through the valley, leading to the viewing points or the waterfall, to enjoy panoramic views of the valley.
Saint-Véran (Hautes-Alpes)
Saint-Véran, Europe’s highest inhabited village, is a true high-altitude retreat where you can breathe in the fresh air! At an altitude of over 2,000 metres in the Queyras Nature Park, temperatures remain mild even in summer. The altitude means you can go hiking in the great outdoors without getting out of breath, whilst enjoying breathtaking views of the Alpine peaks.
In the village, you’ll be charmed by the wooden chalets, the fountains and the sundials adorning the façades. An authentic and peaceful atmosphere, true to the mountain spirit.
And when night falls, it’s the perfect opportunity to climb up to the Château-Renard observatory. On the agenda: a tour of the dome and its telescope, stargazing and watching the sunrise as the first rays of sunlight bathe the mountains. A dream setting to recharge your batteries, with your head in the stars, far from the summer heat!
Our top tip:
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Les Chalets du Villard
Hôtel
Saint-Suliac (Ille-et-Vilaine)
On the banks of the Rance estuary, Saint-Suliac offers the perfect balance between the traditional charm of a Breton harbour and the refreshing coolness of the sea air. Even in summer, temperatures remain moderate, tempered by the salty breeze blowing in from the estuary.
To make the most of this invigorating atmosphere, the village’s narrow streets lead you to the Grainfollet Oratory, which offers a panoramic view of the Rance. Continuing along the coastal paths at Pointe de Garrot, you’ll come across the remains of the ancient Viking camp – one of the village’s most beautiful views, not to be missed at sunset.E
nd to make the most of this refreshing experience, head for a swim or a kayak trip on the calm waters of the estuary. It’s the perfect way to savour all the gentle charm of a Breton summer, far from the crowds and the heat!
Sainte-Enimie (Lozère)
In the heart of the impressive Tarn Gorges, Sainte-Enimie is a village with a rich medieval history. Legend has it that Enimie, a Merovingian princess suffering from leprosy, was miraculously cured whilst bathing in the Burle spring. Captivated by the beauty of the surroundings, she is said to have founded a monastery there, thus giving rise to the village we know today.
Even today, people come to Sainte-Enimie to seek a cool respite. Head for the river: take a dip in the emerald-hued waters of the Tarn, go canoeing or kayaking at the foot of the cliffs, or simply take a break on the pebbles to soak up the sun. It’s the perfect way to spend a cool afternoon!
For keen walkers, you can follow the paths to the semi-troglodyte hermitage of Sainte-Enimie, or hike up to the source of the Burle, which remains as crystal-clear as ever.
To stay cool: a trip by sea or river
When summer sets in and the heat really kicks in, there’s nothing more soothing than the gentle lapping of a river, the shade of a footpath or the cool mountain air to help you slow down and enjoy the great outdoors.
For a change of pace, discover our holidays by the sea, perfect for breathing in the sea air and admiring the coastal scenery. Or why not treat yourself to one of our getaways along the water’s edge, where rivers and nature provide a peaceful and idyllic setting!
