Beuvron-en-Auge, one of France's officially designated 'most beautiful villages', feels like stepping onto a Disney film set, yet on an August day it wasn't as busy as expected. The village's half-timber houses, independent businesses, and rustic wooden carvings and shutters create a fairytale atmosphere that almost doesn't seem real.
A village that feels like a film set
As you wander through the cobblestone streets, you may be tempted to break into song or put a little skip in your step. The charm is so strong that one visitor Googled whether the village inspired the animated version of Beauty and the Beast, expecting Belle to twirl around the square. It turns out the inspiration for that movie was Colmar, near the Switzerland border, but Beuvron-en-Auge has a similar vibe.
The village is part of an association called Les Plus Beaux Villages de France, which translates to 'the most beautiful villages of France', aiming to bring more tourists to underrated, rural locations. Only 180 of France's roughly 34,000 settlements, or 'communes', have received this label, and it's clear why Beuvron-en-Auge earned it.
Peaceful August visit and local treats
Parking just outside the village, visitors took a stroll through lush green countryside covered in orchards, which reminded them a little of Kent, although the tiny farmhouse with shutters soon confirmed they were firmly in rural France. Even in peak summer, the village wasn't packed, and fellow tourists were remarkably well-behaved, giving it a peaceful vibe.
In the pretty cobbled town square, crêperies and cafés had set up outside tables. Traditional crêpes with coffee, topped with locally grown caramelised apples and homemade whipped cream, were a must-try. Despite recent heatwaves, the village was in full bloom, with wildflowers on grass verges and window boxes full of colourful flora.
Shops, artisans, and nearby attractions
Beuvron-en-Auge packs in lots of cute local shops, with apple-themed products a common sight due to its proximity to Normandy's cider route. The local tipple, calvados, an apple brandy, is a favourite for chilly nights. In the Beuvron Market Halls, visitors can find quirky antique shops, handmade linen clothing and homeware, as well as ceramics and paintings from local artisans.
The village is popular with artists, and David Hockney lived just outside in a farmhouse, creating artworks based on the area's changing seasons during the Covid lockdown. On the way back, the scenic route through Pays d'Auge offers leafy and beautiful countryside. Just a few miles away is Côte Fleurie, the flowered coast, with nearby sites ranging from the historic harbour town of Honfleur to glamorous Deauville, famous for its casino, boardwalk, and boutiques.
