Small villages have always had a certain charm, giving us the impression of stepping back in time and refocusing on the essentials. They carry with them a rich historical heritage and unspoilt natural surroundings. We quickly develop a sense of intimacy with this type of place, easily recognizing the faces of those we meet in the alleyways. This reconnection with soft mobility and agriculture is a breath of fresh air when you live in the city.
While most people covet the most beautiful villages in France, Bordeaux Secret invites you this time to discover the country’s smallest village! A modest place, but one that’s not lacking in appeal!
Small is beautiful
Perched on a rocky spur, the village of Castelmoron d’Albret (admit it, it’s a stylish destination!) is a medieval gem in the Gironde region. It has even been listed as a Historic Monument since 1973! The good news is that this wonderful site is only sixty kilometers southeast of Bordeaux, in the beautiful Entre-deux-Mers region. So it’s easy to spend a weekend here, and get away from the hustle and bustle of the city (although Bordeaux is already a pretty soothing place).
To give you an idea of this unique place, above the Ségur valley, you can see some fifty houses where stone blends harmoniously with vegetation. From the village, you can wander through flower-filled, winding lanes, stopping to admire small squares and climb the staircases that take you from one place to the next. It all seems so tiny, but that’s what makes it so charming!
How tiny?
You don’t just have to live in a big city to end up with a 15 m² flat, as evidenced by the fact that the smallest house in the village is just 2 metres wide! One wonders who might live there (a former Parisian, no doubt).
As far as traffic is concerned, forget the engines and the horns: no cars are allowed. The village covers just 3.54 hectares, with a perimeter of just 970 meters. To give you an idea, that’s even smaller than the Place Charles de Gaulle in Paris, home to the famous Arc de Triomphe. As a result, the 53 inhabitants of Castelmoron d’Albret get around exclusively on foot, and it’s got to be said, it feels good!
Why stay so small?
Castelmoron attracts tourists largely because it’s the smallest village in France, and for good reason! We’re all curious to discover this tiny village in the heart of our beautiful country. Despite its small size, Castelmoron is a very attractive place to visit. In the past, the village had as many as 200 inhabitants! And for the record, Castelmoron even had its moment of glory as the setting for the TV film La Bicyclette bleue starring Laetitia Casta!