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IN BRIEF
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After two unsuccessful attempts, Hierges finally secures the precious sesame of the “Most Beautiful Villages of France.” Nestled in the Ardennes, a breath away from Belgium, this village of barely 160 souls showcases its medieval decor with a flair all its own. Between the fortress that watches over the ruins, the Saint-Jean-Baptiste church from the 16th century, and the houses made of blue stone from Givet topped with slates, the charm works instantly. An invitation to wander in the heart of the Regional Natural Park of the Ardennes, where forests, rivers, and cliffs provide exceptional backdrops.
Hierges has just entered the very exclusive circle of the “Most Beautiful Villages of France”. The first municipality in the Ardennes to receive this prestigious label after two unsuccessful attempts, the village unveils an irresistible medieval setting, placed in the heart of the Regional Natural Park of the Ardennes. Between the overlooking fortress, the Saint-Jean-Baptiste church from the 16th century, houses made of blue stone from Givet covered in slate, and landscapes of forests, rivers, and cliffs, Hierges perfectly exemplifies the excellence criteria of a label founded in 1982. A look back at a well-deserved recognition and what makes the village so endearing – along with some escape ideas in the Ardennes.
There are trophies that sound like a certainty once hung on the pediment. For Hierges, just a stone’s throw from Belgium, the title of “Most Beautiful Villages of France” carries the scent of victories patiently built. After candidacies in 2004 and 2010 that did not come to fruition, the small town of just over 160 inhabitants has now risen among the most sought-after village destinations in the country. And it marks local history by becoming the very first municipality in the Ardennes to join the association. It is worth mentioning that it is not alone in the picture: Colmars-les-Alpes is part of the recent new entries, proving that the list evolves and continues to reveal gems.
A medieval setting in an Ardennes jewel
In Hierges, the atmosphere is anything but ordinary. The village descends in stone and gentle slopes around a fortress whose ruins proudly guard the valley. The streets lined with houses made of blue stone from Givet, crowned with slate roofs, tell a story aged by the centuries. In the center, the Saint-Jean-Baptiste church, built in the 16th century, rises vertically in this living tableau. All this is nestled in the Regional Natural Park of the Ardennes, a vast hilly playground where forests, rivers, hedgerows, and cliffs create a mosaic of landscapes highly sought after by walkers and hikers.
A long-awaited recognition
The label took time to be welcomed in Hierges, and that is perhaps what makes it even more delightful. Twice rejected, the municipality did not give up. It refined its strengths, improved its surroundings, valued its heritage, and focused on a demanding local dynamic. Today, its border identity, its intimate scale – less than 2,000 inhabitants are required, Hierges counts barely over 160 – and its medieval character form an irresistible cocktail. One strolls as if in a picture book, nose in the air, on the lookout for details of ironwork, bluish stones, and perspectives that invariably lead to the fortress.
How does one become one of the “Most Beautiful Villages of France”?
The adventure of the label began in 1982, led by an elected official from Collonges-la-Rouge (Corrèze) keen to unite municipalities with remarkable heritage and to bring them out of anonymity with a tourist label. Since then, the association has advocated for harmonious rural development articulated around the triptych of quality, notoriety, and development. To apply, a municipality must have less than 2,000 inhabitants and possess at least two protected sites or monuments. A jury then comes on site. Twice a year, a national commission decides: only about 20% of the applications make it through, which highlights the rarity of the sesame. And the story doesn’t end with membership: the label is re-evaluated every six to nine years and can be withdrawn in case of failure.
Why Hierges ticks all the boxes
From a heritage perspective, Hierges aligns with proofs of excellence. The silhouette of the fortress embraces the village and the landscape, the Saint-Jean-Baptiste church adds historical depth, and the traditional architecture in blue stone from Givet weaves a singular visual unity. In terms of environment, it is hard to find a more charming setting than the wooded valleys of the Regional Natural Park of the Ardennes. On the side of local life, the village modestly showcases its treasures, staying true to the spirit of the “Most Beautiful Villages,” where beauty is expressed as much in preservation as in hospitality.
Walks, inspirations, and gateway to the Ardennes
Hierges is an excellent base camp for exploring the French Ardennes: circuits along the rivers, paths on the edge of the forest, viewpoints on the cliffs and hedgerows, gourmet stops, and neighboring villages with discreet charm. To prepare for an escape that combines heritage and nature, take a look at this inspirational guide dedicated to exploring the Ardennes: exploration of the French Ardennes. You’ll find ideas to extend the awe beyond the streets of Hierges.
A living label with a slow and steady increase
The list of “Most Beautiful Villages of France” is not set in stone: it regularly enriches with new municipalities when the applications are solid and the ground confirms the promise. Recently, Colmars-les-Alpes joined the list alongside Hierges, reminding us that beauty ranges from the Mediterranean to the northern forests. This dynamic keeps the label alive and encourages each member village to nurture, year after year, the standards that underpin its reputation.
Practical information
To learn more about the village’s news, events, visits, and good plans, visit the official site: hierges.fr. Local information is regularly updated to help you plan a discovery at your own pace, according to the seasons and your desires.
