# La Perrière: France’s Secret Rural Gem Where Time Stands Still
The postcard-perfect village of La Perrière sits perched on a hill overlooking Normandy’s lush Perche region, where golden morning light washes over centuries-old stone buildings. What makes this extraordinary hamlet unique isn’t just its beauty—it’s the authentic rural French experience that has remained remarkably unchanged while the world rushes forward. With fewer than 100 permanent residents, this former commune (now part of Belforêt-en-Perche) offers travelers something increasingly rare: a genuine glimpse into France’s pastoral soul.
A village frozen in time
Walking La Perrière’s winding cobblestone streets feels like stepping through a portal to medieval France. Stone cottages with clay-tiled roofs line narrow passages that have remained virtually unchanged for centuries. The village’s elevated position provides breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding bocage landscape—a patchwork of pastures, orchards, and woodlands that defines this corner of Normandy.
“What you see today is essentially what visitors would have seen 300 years ago,” explains local historian Marie Dubois. “The architecture, the layout, even many of the farming practices remain true to our heritage.”
The forgotten craft center of Normandy
La Perrière once thrived as a regional hub for traditional lace and embroidered netting. This delicate craft remains alive through exhibitions at the village’s small Museum of Embroidered and Beaded Netting, where visitors can marvel at the intricate handiwork that once supported the local economy. Occasional demonstrations by local artisans offer rare opportunities to witness these disappearing crafts firsthand.
Where artists find inspiration
The village’s extraordinary light quality and picturesque setting have attracted painters and photographers for generations. Regular exhibitions transform the village square into an open-air gallery, showcasing works inspired by La Perrière’s timeless beauty. The soft, golden light that bathes the stone buildings at dawn and dusk creates magical conditions that have been captured on countless canvases.
Beyond the village: exploring Perche
La Perrière serves as an ideal base for exploring the broader Perche region. Just 9 kilometers away lies Bellême with its historic center and magnificent forest, while Mortagne-au-Perche (16 km) offers medieval streets and gastronomic delights. The surrounding Perche Natural Regional Park provides endless opportunities for hiking and cycling through some of France’s most pristine countryside.
A taste of rural France
The regional cuisine celebrates Normandy’s agricultural bounty. Sample local cider produced from heritage apple varieties, savor Camembert cheese from nearby farms, and indulge in rustic dishes featuring locally-raised poultry and game. Weekly markets in neighboring towns showcase the region’s exceptional produce and artisanal food products.
“Our food tells the story of our land,” says Pierre Laurent, a third-generation cider maker. “The apples, the dairy, the game—everything on your plate comes from within kilometers of where you’re sitting.”
When to visit La Perrière
Spring offers wildflower-dotted landscapes and comfortable temperatures for exploring. Summer brings vibrant village events and perfect conditions for countryside walks. However, autumn might be the most magical season, when the surrounding forests transform into a spectacular tapestry of reds and golds, and local harvest festivals celebrate the region’s bounty.
Unlike France’s better-known tourist destinations, La Perrière remains refreshingly uncrowded, even during peak season. Travelers seeking similar off-the-beaten-path experiences might also enjoy France’s surprising palm-filled island or Croatia’s car-free island paradise.
Practical considerations
While La Perrière’s charm lies partly in its remoteness, this means visitors should plan accordingly. A rental car is essential for exploring the region, as public transportation is limited. Accommodation options include charming guesthouses and rural gîtes that offer authentic experiences far removed from generic hotel chains.
For travelers seeking a glimpse of rural France that has somehow escaped modernization’s relentless march, La Perrière offers a rare window into a simpler past. Here, in this hillside hamlet where time moves more slowly, visitors discover not just a destination, but a way of life that continues to enchant all who venture to find it.