The 13 most beautiful villages in Perche to visit

1. Saint-Céneri-le-Gérei, one of France’s most beautiful villages

Saint-Céneri-le-Gérei is a village that has retained its medieval character, with its stone houses, tiled roofs and flower-filled lanes. It is situated on the banks of the Sarthe, which forms a loop around the village, offering pretty views. You can admire its 11th-century Romanesque church, its waterside chapel of Saint-Céneri, and its stone bridge spanning the river. This village has inspired many painters, including Corot, Courbet and Monet, who have immortalised its beauty on their canvases. You can visit the village painters’ museum, which exhibits works by these artists. Saint-Céneri-le-Gérei is an ideal village in which to recharge your batteries and enjoy nature.

2. La Perrière, a thousand-year-old village perched on a rocky outcrop

La Perrière is a village that dates back to the 10th century and has retained its medieval appearance, with half-timbered houses, fortified gates and cobbled streets. It sits on a rocky outcrop overlooking the Bellême forest, one of the most beautiful in the Perche region. Here, you can enjoy beautiful walks and cycle rides, and discover some remarkable trees, such as hundred-year-old oaks. You can also visit the 15th-century Château de la Perrière, which houses a clog museum. La Perrière is a village that has managed to preserve its heritage and authenticity.

3. Mortagne-au-Perche, a medieval town rich in history

Mortagne-au-Perche was founded in the 11th century and was once the seat of a powerful seigneury. It has preserved much evidence of its past, including its ramparts, gates, town houses and churches. You can admire the Place du Général de Gaulle, home to an 18th-century corn market, the Church of Sainte-Croix, with its beautiful Gothic portal, and the Porte Saint-Denis, dating from the 13th century. You can also visit the Musée Alain, which traces the life and work of the philosopher Alain, who was born in Mortagne-au-Perche. Mortagne-au-Perche is a town that will take you back in time.

4. La Chapelle-Montligeon, a pilgrimage village at the foot of a basilica

La Chapelle-Montligeon is a village that owes its name to a chapel dedicated to Notre-Dame de Montligeon, said to have been built by a hermit in the 12th century. The site has become a centre of pilgrimage, attracting the faithful who come to pray for the dead. In the 19th century, a neo-Gothic basilica was built in place of the chapel, and is considered to be one of the most beautiful religious buildings in the Perche region. You can visit the basilica, which features magnificent stained-glass windows, and admire its 75-metre-high spire. You can also take advantage of the park surrounding the basilica, which offers a green and peaceful setting.

5. Bellême, a medieval village in the heart of a forest

Bellême is a village that was founded in the 11th century, and was the cradle of a powerful feudal family, the Bellême. It has retained its old-world charm, with timber-framed houses, town houses and shopping streets. Take a stroll through the village, and discover the church of Saint-Sauveur, its 15th-century belfry, and its ancient castle, of which only the ruins remain. You can also take a walk in the Bellême forest, which covers more than 2,400 hectares and is home to a variety of flora and fauna. Bellême is a village that will win you over with its atmosphere and natural setting.

Immerse yourself in the picturesque charm of the Perche, a historic region of France that stretches mainly across the départements of Orne, Eure-et-Loir, and a small part of Loir-et-Cher and Sarthe. Let yourself be amazed by its villages from another era, its verdant landscapes and its ancestral homes. Here are the 13 villages you absolutely must not miss on your journey through this unforgettable region.

6. Moutiers-au-Perche, an oasis of tranquillity

Moutiers-au-Perche is a peaceful village, ideal for those looking to recharge their batteries in the heart of nature. Its 12th-century church of Saint-Denis is a jewel of Norman Romanesque art.

Nature lovers can take advantage of the many hiking trails that criss-cross the village and the surrounding area. The Parc Naturel Régional du Perche offers a wide variety of landscapes to discover, including forests, meadows and rivers.

7. Frazé, a village with medieval charm

Frazé is another medieval Perche village well worth a visit. Its castle, dating from the 15th century, is a real architectural treasure. The village is also famous for its water mill, which is still in operation.

Take a stroll through the narrow streets of the village to admire the timber-framed houses and flower-filled gardens. If you’re a keen walker, there are plenty of signposted footpaths to explore the surrounding countryside.

8. Montmirail, a fortified village with a rich past

Montmirail is a fortified village that has retained its medieval charm. Its 15th-century château offers panoramic views over the valley. The village is also home to several historic monuments, including the Saint-Jean-Baptiste church and the old bridge. The village is surrounded by meadows and forests, offering plenty of opportunities for walks and hikes. Montmirail is therefore an ideal place for those looking to combine culture and nature.

9. Nogent-le-Rotrou, a historic town in the heart of the Perche region

Nogent-le-Rotrou is a historic town in the Perche region that has retained its charm of yesteryear. Its castle, Château Saint-Jean, is one of the finest examples of medieval architecture in the region.

The old quarter of Nogent-le-Rotrou, with its timber-framed houses and cobbled streets, is a real trip back in time. Don’t miss a visit to the church of Saint-Laurent, another of the town’s architectural gems.

10. Senonches, a village in the heart of the forest

Senonches is a Perche village nestling in the heart of the Senonches forest. Its 14th-century castle and pond are the main attractions of this peaceful spot. Nature lovers can take advantage of the many hiking trails that criss-cross the forest. For fishing enthusiasts, the Senonches lake is an ideal place to relax and enjoy nature.

11. Lavardin, a village of art and history

Lavardin is a village in the Perche region that has been classified as a “Village of Art and History” thanks to its rich architectural heritage. Its castle, dating from the 11th century, and its Romanesque church are the main attractions of this charming place. The village is also home to a number of craftsmen’s and artists’ workshops, all of which contribute to its unique atmosphere. For ramblers, there are numerous signposted footpaths to explore the surrounding countryside.

12. La Ferté-Vidame, a village with timeless charm

La Ferté-Vidame is another jewel of the Perche region. Its ruined castle, surrounded by extensive parkland, is a place steeped in history. The village has retained its old-world charm, with half-timbered houses and cobbled streets. Don’t miss a stroll through the castle grounds to admire the remains of this historic monument. If you’re a keen walker, there are plenty of signposted trails to explore the surrounding countryside.

13. Thiron-Gardais, a village at the heart of Perche history

Thiron-Gardais is a Perche village that has played an important role in the region’s history. Its abbey, founded in the 12th century, is a real architectural treasure. The village is also home to a botanical garden, the Arboretum de l’Abbaye, offering a wide variety of plants and trees. For hiking enthusiasts, there are a number of signposted footpaths to explore the surrounding countryside.

All in all, the Perche is full of picturesque villages and breathtaking scenery. Whether you’re a history buff, a nature lover or simply looking for authenticity, this region has a lot to offer. So don’t hesitate to put on your walking shoes and set off to discover these 13 hidden gems of the Perche.