Kaysersberg voted favourite village in France

Viewers of French TV show “Le Village Préféré des Français” have voted Kaysersberg, a village on the Alsace wine route, as their favourite in France for 2017

Over the last five years the television programme “Le Village Préféré des Français” has become a must-watch for many on channel France 2. During the show, one village from each region is selected and presented by a short film and then the television audience votes for the one that they like the most.

Previous winners include: Saint-Cirq-Lapopie in the Lot department; Eguisheim in Haut-Rhin; Cordes-sur-Ciel in the Tarn; Ploumanac’h in Côtes-d’Armor; and Rochefort-en-Terre in Morbihan.

This year out of a shortlist of 13 villages, the winner was Kaysersberg, in the Haut-Rhin department of the new Grand-Est region (in the area formerly known as Alsace).

Kaysersberg wins “Le Village Préféré des Français”

Wandering through the cobblestone streets of Kaysersberg is like stepping back in time. Surrounded by vineyards with the river Weiss flowing through it, the bustling village streets are lined with Renaissance buildings and typical Alsatian architecture. “Maisons à colombage” (half-timbered houses) are abundant and restored to chocolate-box perfection, filling the streets with multi-coloured facades.

There is much to love about this spectacular village, from the friendly locals to the 14th century Oberhof chapel and the cherry blossom that blooms throughout the centre in the springtime.

Here is France 2’s film of Kaysersberg (in French):

Home Hunts’ favourite runners up

There can only be one winner, but it was a close call with so many sensational French villages competing. Out of the 12 runners up, these are Home Hunts’ three favourite villages:

Lagrasse

The picturesque village of Lagrasse is located in the Aude, in the Corbières wine region, and is already classed as one of the “Plus beaux Villages de France”. Famous for its Benedictine Abbey, which is separated from the medieval village by the river Orbieu and accessed by the “Pont Vieux”, Lagrasse is a stunning place to live and a wonderful holiday destination. Locals cool off during hot summers here by splashing around in the river, which, over the years, has become a well-loved location for swimming and sunbathing.

Here is France 2’s film of Lagrasse (in French):

La Roque-Gageac

Another village that is already on the “Plus beaux Villages de France” list, La Roque-Gageac is located in the Périgord Noir, the most visited area of the Dordogne. In a striking position on the Dordogne river with exposed rocky cliffs behind, La Roque-Gageac’s honey-stone houses are possibly best appreciated from the traditional “gabares” boat trips that run frequently throughout the summer months. Home to one of the most famous castles in France, the fairy-tale Château de la Malartrie, La Roque-Gageac’s historic roots are as beguiling as its picture-postcard appearance.

Here is France 2’s film of La Roque-Gageac (in French):

Lourmarin

Classed as one of the most beautiful villages in France, Lourmarin is a lively village that is one of the most popular destinations in Provence. Nestled at the foot of the Luberon mountain range, its winding cobblestone streets, ancient fountains and stunning Castelas belfry have attracted and inspired many artists over the years, including writer Albert Camus. Surrounded by olive groves and vineyards, the atmosphere, elegance and history of Lourmarin make it a must-visit village.

This is France 2’s film of Lourmarin (in French):

If you would like to search for property in any of these areas, visit www.home-hunts.com, but to speak to a consultant directly and to find out about off-market properties that aren’t listed for sale on the website, call +33 (0)970 44 66 43