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The ‘most beautiful’ country houses in the South-West
Bastides and the ‘Plus Beaux Villages de France’
South-West France is home to a significant number of the “Plus Beaux Villages de France” and, amongst them, villages with a distinctive character: the bastides.
Deriving their name from the Latin word ‘bastida’, meaning ‘to build’, these ‘new towns’ – built between the 13th and 14th centuries according to a regular layout – have indeed shaped the urban and architectural landscape ofAquitaine andOccitanie, against a backdrop of rivalry for influence between the kingdoms of France and England. Thus, through this new form of economic, political and, at times, even military organisation, local lords and their king found a way to extend their power by occupying strategic sites: along transport and trade routes, near rivers and arable land, and on high ground suitable for keeping watch over the enemy…
A common feature of most bastides is a square or rectangular layout, within which a network of parallel and perpendicular narrow streets converges on a central square lined with arcades. However, taking a few examples ‘selected’ from ‘Les Plus Beaux Villages de France’, certain distinctive features can be observed: whilst Monpazier is regarded as the ‘theoretical model of the bastide’ according to the architect Viollet-le-Duc, Ainhoa is defined as a ‘street-based’ bastide, Fourcès is distinguished by its circular shape, and Navarrenx was the first bastioned bastide in France. Others, such as Domme and Najac, adapted to the topography of the site, resulting in a much less geometric layout.
Another distinction, this time of a political nature: the bastides built by the kings of France (the Capetians) or of England (the Plantagenets) were known as ‘royal’ bastides: this is the case with Domme, Sauveterre-de-Rouergue, Tournon-d’Agenais and Villeréal.
We can assure you: the most beautiful bastides in the South-West can be found amongst Les Plus Beaux Villages de France!
Discover these bastides in the photos below; click to find out more and immerse yourself in their unique world: step back to the Middle Ages!
Staying in a country house listed among Les Plus Beaux Villages de France
Discover our favourite places to stay and experience the charm of the bastides listed among Les Plus Beaux Villages de France from the inside.
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Château Edward 1er
Hôtel - restaurant -
Le Chevalier Bleu
Hôtel -
Les Collines Iduki
Résidence de tourisme -
Le Sénéchal
Hôtel - restaurant -
Maison Oppoca
Hôtel - restaurant -
Perbos 1556
Chambre d'hôte
Fancy another idea for a break in one of the most beautiful villages of France?
If you’re looking for inspiration, do take a look at our many holiday ideas.
Fancy finding out more about our scheme?
You’ve no doubt already spotted our logo on a sign at the entrance to one of the most beautiful villages of France that you’ve passed through or visited whilst on holiday. But if you’d like to find out more, you’ll find some information about the label here.
