Date and Time – 2025:06:01 13:25:23
The next village I’d like to introduce is Marcolès, which was newly added to the list of Les Plus Beaux Villages de France in September 2024. Located in the Cantal department, the village isn’t particularly easy to access, but the surrounding area is home to several high-quality, beautiful villages, making it a very rewarding region to explore.
We arrived in the village just after 1:00 p.m. on a Monday. Since it was early June and not yet peak vacation season, there were only two or three other groups of tourists, including ourselves. A relatively spacious free parking area is located not far from the village center, and it also has public restrooms, which makes it a very tourist-friendly destination. The area is known for its AOC-certified cheese and is also famous for chestnuts, suggesting a promising culinary experience. In fact, there is a Michelin one-star restaurant in the village. Since it’s also an auberge (inn), it might be a good place to stay if you ever visit the area. Marcolès is also close to the Aveyron department, a treasure trove of beautiful villages, so I’d like to keep this place in mind for a second round of village visits in the future.
As for the village itself, there aren’t any especially prominent monuments, but the contrast between the grey stone houses, typical of the Cantal region, and the vivid red roses blooming all over town was stunning. Combined with the peaceful atmosphere—thanks to the near absence of tourists—we were able to enjoy a quiet, relaxed walk through the village. In recent years, France’s most beautiful villages have become increasingly popular with tourists, so it’s likely that more people will visit from July onward. While that’s certainly good for the local economy, there’s something special about experiencing these villages in a tranquil, contemplative setting.
For a detailed description of the village, please refer to the information below.
🏰 Overview of Marcolès
Marcolès is a medieval village located in the southern part of the Cantal department, in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region. With fewer than 600 inhabitants, it lies about 20 km south of Aurillac, in the heart of the Châtaigneraie cantalienne, a rural area covering approximately 53 km². The village’s origins date back to the 12th century (or even the 10th), and it once thrived due to its location on the trade route between Maurs and Aurillac.
🔑 Key Features of Marcolès
- Well-preserved medieval gates and ramparts Two monumental gates remain: the Portail-Bas and the Portail-Haut, the latter dating from the late 15th century. They are connected by the Rue Longue, the village’s main axis.
- Rue Longue and Renaissance architecture This cobbled street is lined with Renaissance-style façades and forms the historical heart of the village.
- Saint-Martin Church (13th–14th century) Built in southern Gothic style on the site of a former 12th-century priory, the church contains several listed artworks, including polychrome statues, a retable, and a carved pulpit.
- Rich historical heritage The village features remains of a priory, a seigneurial tower, a network of narrow alleyways, vaulted cellars, and ramparts from the 13th century, expanded in the 15th.
- Way of St. James pilgrimage route Marcolès lies along one of the routes to Santiago de Compostela, adding spiritual and historical significance.
- “Petite Cité de Caractère” label Awarded in 2014, this label recognizes the village’s architectural and heritage authenticity.
- Local produce and traditions Located in a region known for chestnuts, Marcolès also offers access to regional specialties such as AOP cheeses (Cantal, Salers).
- Successful restoration and revitalization Once at risk of decline due to depopulation, the village has experienced a renaissance thanks to the restoration of its heritage and renewed local vitality.
In summary, Marcolès is a compact medieval gem where visitors can stroll among Gothic churches, fortified gates, and cobblestone alleys—all set in a preserved, authentic natural environment.
