If you’re fed up with Paris, and dreaming of seeing the country for a weekend, we’ve found the most beautiful village in Europe. And it’s in Brittany. Head for Pont-Croix, in Finistère. A picturesque place, full of charm, which has just been elected “Best tourism village” by the UN. With its cobbled streets that have retained their charm of yesteryear, and its colorful houses, Pont-Croix has certainly not stolen its title.
France’s best village within easy reach of Paris
Hidden deep in Finistère, between the Bay of Douarnenez and the Pointe du Raz, the village of Pont-Croix has lost none of its old-world charm since its rise in the 11th-12th centuries. This medieval village exudes history around every corner. Perfectly preserved, its granite houses and cobbled streets will instantly charm you. In this ranking, drawn up by the UNWTO (World Tourism Organization), it wasn’ t just the beauty of the place that was assessed. In fact, the preservation of natural and cultural resources, as well as the various commitments in favor of more sustainable tourism, were strongly rewarded.
Pont-Croix stood out for the exceptional conservation of its heritage, but also for the development of eco-responsible tourism. Situated on the banks of the Goyen river, the village promises a truly exotic getaway, far from Brittany’s major tourist towns. You can visit its reconstructed medieval village, which promises a real plunge back in time, or meditate in its superb Notre Dame de Roscudon church. With this new title, there’s no doubt that the village will experience an unprecedented influx of visitors! Don’t miss this pearl of Brittany on your next weekend away from Paris.
Location: Pont-Croix
Distance: approx. 4 hours by train