The Medieval Town Of Rochefort-En-Terre, France That Has A Museum Honoring Its Famous Witch
Traveling is one of the most exciting and desirable hobbies in the world, but have you ever wanted to travel back in time? Adding this charming destination to your "must-see" list will let you do both: see the world and experience a taste of history. Instead of splurging on a time machine (which is a gamble anyways), or investing in a trip that will see you strolling through Instagram more than the actual streets, why not book a little getaway to this French town?
Whether you've been craving cobblestoned lanes or love antiquated architecture, this spot is an absolute dream and will give you a taste of the past, minus the lack of wifi connectivity. After spending a few hours wandering around this sweet village, you might not even miss the modern world and all of its innovations.
The Town of White Pine, Tennessee actually believes that visiting smaller towns and destinations is better, providing visitors with less stress and allowing them to explore at their own pace. This line of thought can be applied to smaller villages around the world, including this magical taste of French history, Rochefort-en-Terre.
A peek at the past
Nestled in the northwestern region of France, Rochefort-en-Terre is a village that feels both frozen in the past, and a coveted destination filled with gentle reminders of the time and its ever-flowing current. Cobblestoned streets are bordered by towering medieval buildings, with the stoic stones serving as reminders of all that the village has seen.
The surrounding woods and moors provide an even more immersive backdrop (per Brittany Tourism), propelling visitors on a journey through the years, back to a simpler era without the constant bells and whistles of technology, social media, and Zoom meetings. Here you will find ramparts and antiquated residences that look like something out of a movie set.
Simply wandering past the shops and structures can impress upon people how far the world has come, and what it has experienced up until this point. The town sits on a rocky outcropping of land, giving it a romantic air that stirs the imagination and induces thoughts of knights, dragons, and royalty.
France This Way recommends parking at the bottom of the village, then taking as much time as you want to walk up into the village and explore. The Chateau de Rochefort-en-Terre is a must-see while there, and can be traced back to the 12th century. Some of the residences around the town were originally built in the 17th century, and the Tour du Lion Hotel is worth a stop to see the impressive architecture. All of these buildings only increase the time-travel experience, giving breathtaking glimpses into the country's past.
Visiting Rochefort-en-Terre
While the houses, shops, and other structures are a sight to behold, the flora and fauna in Rochefort-En-Terre are renowned throughout France. If you decide to visit during the summer months, you will find the entire town in bloom — filled with brightly colored flowers, as well as trailing ivy, that don every building and surface. The effect is nothing short of magnificent, but that doesn't mean this destination is only worth seeing in warm weather.
For those who prefer to travel during winter, or if you're looking to save a little money when rates are slightly lower, Rochefort-en-Terre is incredible during Christmas especially. If you've ever wanted to explore a life-sized Christmas card, this is your chance.
Depending on whether you plan to visit for the day, or stay for a few, there are several hotels available. Champion Traveler recommends going in November if you're looking for the least busy and most affordable times, as this is the least popular month for visitors.
The allure of this locale comes from the quiet strolls through the cobblestoned streets and the atmosphere. Unlike other places in France that are revered for the busy metropolitan ambiance, people visit Rochefort-en-Terre to taste, see, and feel a bit of a former world that no longer exists. All that is left are the memories engraved into the very stones of the town, whispering of a time long past but not forgotten.