France Has Just Declared Its Favorite Village in a Tiny Locale

In the annual television event Le Village Préféré des Français, the people of France cast their votes for the nation’s beloved village. The honor goes to the quaint town of Esquelbecq, situated roughly a 25-minute drive south of Dunkirk in the Hauts-de-France region near the Belgian border, with a population of about 2,000. Esquelbecq triumphed over 13 other contenders. Lavoûte-Chilhac in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region claimed second place, while Lassay-les-Châteaux in Pays de la Loire finished third.

It's no surprise that many outside of France may not recognize Esquelbecq, even though it's close to Lille and the historic hilltop village of Cassel, which was named Le Village Préféré des Français in 2018. However, there are compelling reasons to take notice of this charming village in French Flanders.

At the heart of the village lies a stunning 17th-century castle, encircled by a moat and lush gardens. Yet, Esquelbecq's appeal goes beyond its picturesque scenery. This village boasts a rich history, tracing its roots back to the Middle Ages and witnessing events during both World Wars.

Things to Do in Esquelbecq

The top attraction in Esquelbecq is the Château d’Esquelbecq, a striking red-brick castle featuring eight turrets and surrounded by a moat at the town's heart. While the current structure dates back to the early 17th century, earlier versions of the castle can be traced to the 9th century. Although visitors cannot enter the castle, its beautiful gardens are open to the public from May through mid-September on weekends.

Another notable site is the church of Saint-Folquin, dedicated to a saint who served as the 15th bishop of Therouanne and was a first cousin of Charlemagne. He passed away in Esquelbecq in 855. The original church dates back to the 10th century, but a fire in 1976 destroyed much of the structure. It has since been fully restored to resemble its 16th and 17th-century appearance, showcasing a facade adorned with diamond patterns of white and red bricks.

For history enthusiasts, the area offers rich World War II history. Situated directly across from the château, the Westhoek House houses Esquelbecq’s Tourism Board and the La Plaine au Bois museum. Opened in 2017, this museum commemorates the tragic massacre of British soldiers that occurred near the town during the war.

Esquelbecq is also celebrated as a literary center, boasting three bookstores within the town. In addition to hosting monthly book markets, the annual Night of Books festival occurs on the first Saturday of July each year. In 2023, the event featured 70 authors along with numerous booksellers and publishers engaging in round-table discussions, workshops, and other activities.

Accommodations in Esquelbecq

Due to its small size, Esquelbecq offers only a handful of restaurants and limited lodging options within the village. However, the Huithuis Manor is a charming bed-and-breakfast set amid beautifully maintained lawns, located just an eight-minute walk east of the town center. Each of its three rooms includes a private bathroom, with rates starting at €80 per night.

The complete list of finalists for the Le Village Préféré des Français 2023

1. Esquelbecq, Hauts-de-France
2. Lavoûte-Chilhac, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes
3. Lassay-les-Châteaux, Pays de la Loire
4. Druyes-les-Belles-Fontaines, Bourgogne-Franche-Comté
5. Hattonchâtel, Grand Est
6. Pontrieux, Brittany
7. Belcastel, Occitanie
8. Beaumont-en-Auge, Normandy
9. Beaulieu-lès-Loches, Centre-Val de Loire
10. Belves, Nouvelle-Aquitaine
11. L’Entre-Deux, Reunion, Overseas
12. Flagy, Île-de-France
13. Les Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer, Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur
14. Lumio, Corsica

The Le Village Préféré des Français competition has been held annually since 2012. Esquelbecq inherits the title from the 2022 champion, Bergheim, a picturesque village in Alsace located about 40 minutes from Strasbourg, famous for its vibrant flower-filled window boxes, colorful houses, and medieval fortifications. The title was awarded to Sancerre in the Loire Valley in 2021.

This article was first published online in 2018 and was last updated on July 12, 2023, to reflect the latest information.