Date and Time (Original) – 2025:06:03 22:18:18
The last village we visited on this trip was Blangy-le-Château, located in the Calvados department of Normandy. It was newly designated as one of Les Plus Beaux Villages de France in 2024. In 2024, many villages were added to the list across regions from Normandy to the Côte d’Azur, making it difficult to visit them all in one trip. However, over the past two years—last year and this one—we’ve managed to visit every newly designated village. With that, we’ve finally completed the full list of France’s most beautiful villages once again. That said, new villages have since been added, so this “complete” status lasted only about a month.
We headed straight to this village from Angers in the Loire region, where we had stayed the night before. Thanks to the highway, the drive didn’t feel too long. We parked in the public parking lot at the village entrance and began our sightseeing.
Since the village had only recently been added to the list and it was just before the peak vacation season, we were the only ones walking around. To be honest, there weren’t many tourist attractions. The only real landmark—the village church—was a little removed from the center, and we weren’t able to go inside.
Even so, the peaceful, gentle atmosphere and the unique Normandy-style architecture made it a lovely experience. There was nothing flashy, and the village was entirely empty—it truly felt like stepping back to the early days, 15 years ago, when we first began visiting France’s most beautiful villages.
And so concludes our 2025 series of Les Plus Beaux Villages de France. With new villages added after this visit, we now have yet another reason to return to France in the future—which I’m very happy about. It seems this journey will continue for quite some time.
For a detailed description of the village, please refer to the information below.
Blangy-le-Château is a picturesque village located in the Calvados department of Normandy, northern France. In 2024, it was officially recognized as one of Les Plus Beaux Villages de France (The Most Beautiful Villages of France), a prestigious label awarded to rural villages with exceptional heritage and charm. Blangy-le-Château captivates visitors with its half-timbered Norman houses, floral displays, and peaceful countryside atmosphere, reflecting the region’s rich architectural and historical identity.
Key Features of Blangy-le-Château:
- Location: Situated in the heart of the Pays d’Auge, known for its apple orchards, cider, and cheeses. It lies between the popular towns of Lisieux and Pont-l’Évêque.
- Architectural Style: The village showcases classic Norman timber-framed houses with tiled roofs, often adorned with flowers. Many buildings date back to the 17th and 18th centuries.
- Heritage Sites:
- Church of Saint-Martin: A historical church with a Romanesque tower and later Gothic additions.
- Remains of the Château: While the original medieval castle is no longer standing, remnants and the layout of the village still reflect its presence.
- Cultural Life: The village hosts cultural events and local markets, maintaining a strong sense of community and rural tradition.
- Scenic Appeal: Blangy-le-Château is known for its harmonious landscape, with rolling green hills, gardens, and an emphasis on floral decoration that enhances its postcard-worthy charm.
- Accessibility: Though rural, the village is accessible by road and makes a pleasant stop for travelers exploring Normandy’s countryside and gastronomic routes.
Blangy-le-Château’s combination of preserved heritage, visual beauty, and authentic Norman character makes it a deserving addition to France’s most beautiful villages.
