Strolling through the medieval village of Gerberoy in the Oise region of France is like being transported to Brigadoon, that picturesque and fantastic Scottish village that only appears once every hundred years. Gerberoy is a real enchantment, a well-hidden treasure that combines all the characteristics of a perfect little village with a pastoral feel. I’m happy to be able to go visit this place quite often, and to share this little gem with you.
The beauty of our French heritage
This timeless village has retained its quaintness, and has been preserved for the pleasure of its inhabitants and tourists who come here to rediscover what we are losing in France: the appreciation for the beauty of our heritage.
Home to around a hundred inhabitants, Gerberoy is criss-crossed by just a few narrow streets that can be counted on the fingers of one hand. In Gerberoy, it’s easy to get around the village, but that doesn’t matter – this place is so unique that you could wander around it for hours. In fact, that’s what I do every time I visit.
As you stroll through the cobbled streets, you can’t help but marvel at the beauty of the place and the architecture of the historic houses and buildings that have retained their character, whether they were built in stone, brick or half-timbering… most of them dating from the 17th or 18th centuries. If you come for a walk in the beginning of summer, you’ll be intoxicated (literally) by the scent of roses at this time of year, making Gerberoy a pleasure for all the senses.
The rose blossom season is an excellent time to visit the village, as almost every façade is enhanced by fragrant climbing roses, giving the place a pastoral and magical atmosphere that you’ll find hard to leave. Gerberoy is an inspiring place for lovers of beautiful homes and romantic gardens.
You’ll be captivated, or rather seduced, by a door or shutter color whose tones complement the window frames, garden ornaments, a small wrought-iron table under an arbour, an antique English-style wooden gate…
Color is very present in the village and blends harmoniously with the surroundings. The eye is constantly challenged, the wonder is in every corner, and my notebook and camera are quickly filled.
The charm of this former medieval stronghold, which has managed to remain timeless and retain its authenticity, is something I can only encourage you to visit.
Take a break for lunch at the Jardin des Ifs (terraced garden), where you can observe curious topiary trees over several hundred years old, and enjoy the raised vegetable garden below. Then linger in the fabulous gardens of painter Henri Le Sidaner, which he laid out around his house when he lived there, and which house his studio in a charming little stone cottage. Here, you can discover a variety of small, themed gardens, and above all, admire a stunning view of the lovely intertwined roofs of the Gerborean buildings.
