It’s the kind of spotlight that every little village dreams of: the one that boosts local pride and makes you want to (re)discover the hidden gems of our region. The British daily The Times didn’t hold back: their ranking of the most beautiful villages in France is based on no less than 32 specific criteria. So, we’re not just talking about pretty cobblestone streets or Instagrammable old stones—here, we want heritage, history, and a good dose of authenticity. And Polignac ticks all the boxes.
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A little village endorsed by the greatest
This small village, which has barely 800 souls, can boast a historical resume that would make more than one Loire château blush. It’s even said that back in the Gallo-Roman era, a temple dedicated to Apollo stood right here. But it was in the 11th century that the village really took off, propelled by the all-powerful Polignac family and their impregnable fortress, still proudly perched at the top of its volcanic rock. The cherry on top: in 1533, Francis I himself nicknamed them the "kings of the mountain." Just that.
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Today, Polignac is a bundle of raw charm: stone alleys, breathtaking views of the volcanic landscapes of Velay, and a medieval aura hanging over every stone. This recognition is also a wonderful victory for Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, often a bit overshadowed by the villages of Provence or the Southwest in these rankings. But this time, Polignac reminds everyone that real History is also lived in Auvergne. And it’s incredibly beautiful. It’s no surprise that Polignac is, of course, part of our selection of the most picturesque villages to discover around Lyon.
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