A Picturesque Village In France Nestled Along The Seine Has A Medieval Château At Its Heart

When it comes to underrated destinations in Europe, France doesn't exactly top the list. A wildly popular place, it is more likely to be characterized as the most exciting country to visit in Europe. Deservedly so, as Paris alone can entice any visitor for weeks. However, the great thing about France is that there are still hundreds of hidden gems and lesser-visited spots throughout the country and cities. Some say the "real France" can best be found in the villages. Whether or not that's true, many quaint French villages are guaranteed to make all of your French dreams come true.

Now, France has a lot of villages, but the association Les Plus Beaux Villages de France makes it easier to choose which one to visit with their official list of the most beautiful villages in France. La Roche-Guyon is well-situated just an hour north of Paris, making it an easy add-on or day trip from the City of Lights. La Roche-Guyon lives up to its reputation as a beauty, with a medieval château towering over the village and charming pastel houses tumbling down cliffs to the edge of the River Seine.

The Château de la Roche-Guyon started as a medieval keep in the 12th century, which still stands (in ruins) on a hill towering above the town. Over the centuries, the château expanded into the cliff below the keep, with the most extensive renovations occurring in the 18th century. Now, the beautifully restored grounds and halls combine to make the Château de la Roche-Guyon a must-see castle on your next visit to France.

The Château de la Roche-Guyon is a time capsule of France, spanning over 1,000 years of history. Initially built in 1190 as a defensive fortification, the château merged architectural styles as it expanded from a defensive fortification to a beautiful castle. In addition to various members of the French nobility, it housed philosophers of the Enlightenment and was partially dismantled during the French Revolution. 

In World War II, German Field Marshal Erwin Rommel used the château and surrounding cliffs as his headquarters until he was eventually expelled by the Allies. The château and town that grew up around it have also inspired famous artists and writers, like Claude Monet and Victor Hugo. The elaborate gardens, gorgeous stables, and refurbished rooms in the château are now the main draw to the tiny town of La Roche-Guyon. In addition to tourism, the château hosts local events like weddings, a Christmas market, and the annual Plantes, Plaisirs, Passions festival.

La Roche-Guyon is the ideal place to immerse yourself in French history and culture. On your tour of the château, you can climb the "hidden" staircase in the cliffs all the way up to the medieval keep for incredible views over the river, town, and valley. See the traditional potager (kitchen garden) on site, which still provides fresh produce and herbs for the village and castle, then head back to explore the idyllic little town (population: 448). 

Besides the castle, many houses in town are also built into the side of the cliff (known as troglodyte buildings). As you stroll through the charming streets, stopping at the occasional store or café, visit other notable sights like the 15th-century Church of Saint-Samson, the historic covered market, a 16th-century salt store, and an elaborate 18th-century fountain. Take a boat up and down the Seine from La Roche-Guyon to other nearby villages, such as Vernon or Giverny, home to the famed gardens of Claude Monet. Continue exploring the natural surrounding beauty at the nearby Vexin Français Regional Nature Park, a protected area full of ancient forests and lovely trails.