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Limousin has no fewer than six of the 151 most beautiful villages of France within its boundaries, and this article is intends to link you to articles on each of them, and to explain what the status of a Plus Beaux Village actually means.
The scheme was launched in 1982 by the Mayor of Collonges-la-Rouge Charles Ceyrac, who wanted to promote outstanding heritage in rural villages, and help stave off a rural exodus. Today 151 villages come within the association, spread over 21 regions and 67 departments.
A stringent process is followed to assess each application for the status of 'plus beaux village.' At a simple level, a place must have fewer than 2000 inhabitants, have at least two registered or protected sites or monuments, and there has to be significant evidence of mass support for an application to even be considered. An on-site assessment is then carried out against some 27 separate criteria that measure the value of the heritage, and the extent of urban and environmental activity. A final Quality Committee then meets to approve any applications.
In Limousin you will find the following places are certified as 'plus beaux villages' (February 2009):
Accommodation
Business
Restaurant
23290
