While we’re accustomed to introducing you to charming villages, towns appreciated by painters or bucolicvillages perfectly suited to walks, we’re talking to you today about a completely different type of village… We’re taking the train two hours south-west to Castelmoron-d’Albret, whose surface area of 0.0354 km2 makes it the smallest commune in France!
France’s smallest village just two hours by train from Paris
France boasts some 37,000 communes, making it the European country with the most towns and villages within its borders. And while some of these towns, with their worldwide influence, are dozens of square kilometers in size and have a population in the millions, some of the smaller, lesser-known ones are well worth a closer look.
In the unusual category, we have the communes of Léménil-Mitry, Majastres and Rochefourchat, with 4, 2 and 1 inhabitants respectively. But in terms of surface area, it’s the little village of Castelmoron-d’Albret that takes the title of smallest village in France.
Located in Gironde, near Bordeaux, Castelmoron-d’Albret is the pride and joy of its 53 inhabitants, who share its 3.54-hectare surface area. These figures equate to a population density of 1,325 inhabitants per square kilometer, which is higher than the national average. Take a stroll through the few streets that make up the village, and you’ll be able to imagine the peacefulness of this small Gironde town.
Built on a rocky promontory, Castelmoron-d’Albret captivates visitors with its picturesque charm and rich historical past. This medieval village, which was once the seat of a seneschaussée comprising more than 80 parishes, has preserved remarkable vestiges such as the Porte du Moulin, ancient fortifications and houses with typical architecture. A stroll through its narrow streets reveals treasures such as the church, restored in the 19th century, the former Hôtel des Albret and wooden galleries suspended from the rock. A true haven of peace, this village invites you to immerse yourself in history and contemplate the surrounding bucolic landscapes, perfect for a timeless getaway.
Rounding out the top 5 smallest villages in France are Campile, Casanova and Albertacce, all in Haute-Corse, and Vaudherland in Val d’Oise.
Also worth reading: The most beautiful painters’ villages to visit in Île-de-France