The famous magazine The Times has recently named Ainhoa, a small village on the Spanish border, as the "most beautiful in France," from a selection of 25 of the most picturesque French destinations. To create its ranking, the English media examined the list of 180 French villages awarded the label "Most Beautiful Villages of France".
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Ainhoa, a hidden gem bursting with tradition
To be included in this guide, a village must meet 32 rigorous criteria, ensuring that each destination is rich in cultural heritage. At the top of the heartthrobs of the paper: you find the quaint village of Ainhoa, with its unique street, located two hours' drive from Bordeaux and just a few kilometers from Espelette and Sare. This recognition highlights the authenticity of this village with just over 650 inhabitants, where time seems to stand still between tradition and nature, featuring a breathtaking view of the mountains and the ocean.
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A street bastide built in the 12th century
At the foot of the lush green hills of the Basque Country, Ainhoa stretches along its main street. Like a tree-lined avenue of half-timbered houses painted by hand, adorned with the bright and warm hues of local traditions.
This village, founded in the 13th century, has long been a stopping point for pilgrims traveling the way to Santiago de Compostela. It’s a place where history blends with the beauty of the landscapes, where every cobbled alley and every carved door tells of a rich and moving past. Just like the chapel of Our Lady of the Aubépine, perched on the slopes of Mount Atsulai at nearly 400 meters above sea level, which is well worth a stop.
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A Charming Village from a Bygone Era
While Ainhoa shines with its beautifully preserved architecture – featuring 17th-century half-timbered houses and magnificent homes from the following century – it also hides a living heritage. Among secret vegetable gardens, shaded parks, and local shops, the village seems to defy the passage of time and exudes tranquility.
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The village, a 12th-century bastide, is also home to passionate artisans and local producers who keep ancestral traditions alive. At the Ithurria Farm, awarded by the Michelin Guide, food lovers can enjoy exquisite Basque-inspired cuisine, while the engraved lintels of the houses tell the stories of families that have shaped the village, like the Gorritia family, connected to America.
To Living Heritage
It’s this blend of history, heritage, and natural beauty that has charmed The Times. Ainhoa is more than just a village; it’s a symbol of Basque savoir-vivre, an invitation to slow down, wander, and savor the tranquility of these unique little towns. Away from the crowds, nestled between the sea and the mountains, Ainhoa takes you on a timeless journey.
a discovery of an authentic and preserved France.See this post on Instagram
