Journey through world villages

Q: How do villages preserve their traditions and craftsmanship?

Often far from the conventional circuits of large-scale tourism, the villages have a wider field of action to perpetuate their traditions. This allows them to offer an authentic overview of themselves to visitors who decide to make a detour. They are generally done through transmissions from generation to generation, through the creation of workshops, the promotion of artisans and many others.

Q: In what ways can one experience the hospitality of a village?

The best way to enjoy a most enriching experience in a village is, without a doubt, meeting with the local inhabitants. To do this, participate in festivals or other events bringing together the local community, stay with locals or join them in setting up craft workshops. There is no better way to learn than to be accompanied and guided by the locals.

First, let's embark in Japan's direction, at the Shirakawa-go village. Nestled in a landscape of immense beauty, this UNESCO World Heritage gem offers you a glimpse of the thatched architecture of gasshō-zukuri farms. For example, the Kanda House, dating from the nineteenth century, is the result of a magnificent feat of carpentry. Built without any nails, this sumptuous museum, with meticulously interlocking beams, transports you to the traditional way of life of the region. Shirakawa Kaido Street invites you to stroll through the souvenir shops and experience the local cuisine. In addition, the village shines more than ever during the winter season on the occasion of the festival of illuminations, attracting many visitors each year.

The village Gorëme, located in Turkey, contains treasures worth discovering. Its open-air museum, imbued with a spiritual aura, was where the monks withdrew from the hustle and bustle of the central square to indulge in prayer. Indeed, it houses magnificent troglodyte chapels decorated with frescoes elegantly embedded in the stone. Then, with its fairy chimneys, the Love Trail Valley offers a landscape filled with these breathtaking rock formations that seem straight out of a beautiful tale. Some of these homes are even available for rent. For an even more unique experience, let yourself be tempted by a hot air balloon flight to admire the enchanting landscapes of Gorëme. At a distance of about twenty kilometers, find the Cappadocia Home Cooking, a restaurant and cooking workshop run by a Turkish family. She invites you to join them in teaching you the basics of traditional cuisine to explore new flavors.

Let's now discover a charming little village located in the Austrian Alps. Hallstatt, with its landscapes and houses worthy of a Walt Disney animated film, is renowned for its extraordinary beauty and fascinating past. Exploring the Hallstatt Museum, you will delve into the village's origins, which date back to the Bronze Age! Then, take a detour to the picturesque alleys of the old town that line the Central Square Marktplatz to appreciate the charm of the colorful houses that compose them. Also, enjoy a moment to savor the delights of local Austrian cuisine. And finally, treat yourself to a walk along the shores of Lake Hallstättersee to fully enjoy life in the great outdoors.

Moustiers Sainte-Marie is a little piece of French paradise. Located on the outskirts of the Gorges du Verdon, with landscapes adorned with turquoise waters winding between the cliffs, this village of about six hundred inhabitants perfectly embodies the very essence of Provence. Indeed, this place is harmoniously surrounded by lavender fields and olive trees, embalming the air with a scent deeply characteristic of the region. The lively shopping streets represent the very heart of the village, where a small train will guide you through its many treasures. The earthenware museum, dear to Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, testifies to its rich artistic heritage. Overlooking the village, the Notre-Dame-de-Beauvoir chapel will offer you a glimpse of this enchanting place, bringing you closer to the famous hanging star of Moustiers, which feeds many legends dating back to the fifteenth century. ◄

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Things to do and see - Journey through world villages

Hop on a boat ride through canals and see thatched-roof houses

Giethoorn, Netherlands

Be enchanted by a fairytale-like village nestled beside a lake

Hallstatt, Austria

Witness traditional gassho-zukuri style farmhouses

Shirakawa-go, Japan

Explore a row of 17th-century weavers' cottages by a water meadow

Bibury, England

Experience authentic living fishing village in a scenic location

Reine, Norway

Enjoy the view of a cliffside village with a pebble beachfront

Positano, Italy

Visit an enchanting village on the French Riviera

Eze, France

Travel to a small Italian fishing village and vacation resort

Portofino, Italy

Have a peaceful retreat at a village nestled in the Swiss Alps

Gimmelwald, Switzerland

Embrace the tranquil atmosphere of a tiny village near a tidal lagoon

Saksun, Faroe Islands

FAQ - Journey through world villages

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How do villages preserve their traditions and craftsmanship?
Often far from the conventional circuits of large-scale tourism, the villages have a wider field of action to perpetuate their traditions. This allows them to offer an authentic overview of themselves to visitors who decide to make a detour. They are generally done through transmissions from generation to generation, through the creation of workshops, the promotion of artisans and many others.
►
In what ways can one experience the hospitality of a village?
The best way to enjoy a most enriching experience in a village is, without a doubt, meeting with the local inhabitants. To do this, participate in festivals or other events bringing together the local community, stay with locals or join them in setting up craft workshops. There is no better way to learn than to be accompanied and guided by the locals.