California Hidden Gem: A French "village"in Berkeley
Tucked away in the eclectic heart of Berkeley, California, lies a whimsical neighborhood that feels like a page from a European fairytale. Known as Normandy Village—and occasionally referred to as Thornburg Village—this enchanting enclave is a lesser-known treasure, brimming with storybook charm, intricate architecture, and a quiet elegance that sets it apart from the city’s better-known landmarks.
A Hidden French Gem in the Bay Area
Berkeley is famous for its artistic energy, historic significance, and academic prestige. But even here, Normandy Village stands out. Nestled along Spruce Street, just a short walk from UC Berkeley and a 30-minute drive from Oakland International Airport, the area looks more like a quaint provincial town in France than a corner of urban California.
The homes here are clustered in a single block, each with its character. While the neighborhood is residential, with no hotels within the village, Downtown Berkeley is only a few blocks away, offering plenty of accommodation options like the Nash Hotel, Residence Inn, and Sens Hotel.
Photo: unsplash.com/@mklibrary
Architecture with European Soul
Normandy Village is a striking visual experience. Designed to resemble medieval French architecture, its quirky angles, steeply pitched roofs, and gargoyle-adorned facades make it look like it belongs on a film set. The varied building heights add to the illusion that it’s a centuries-old European town.
One of the most charming things about this area is that it doesn’t feel manicured or commercialized. As a resident noted, visiting the village at night—when the fire’s lit and the street is quiet—feels like stepping back in time.
Photo: unsplash.com/@mklibrary
From Ashes to Enchantment
The origins of this fairytale village are rooted in recovery. Following a devastating fire in 1923 that destroyed much of North Berkeley, a young visionary named Jack Thornburg proposed a European-style town square to serve the local university community. While zoning laws halted the original commercial vision, architect William R. Yelland brought Thornburg’s dream to life in residential form.
Inspired by his time in Northern France during World War I and a visit to Marseilles in 1920, Yelland had already made a name for himself with similarly styled projects like the Tupper & Reed building nearby. Normandy Village officially opened in 1926, bringing a touch of rural Europe to cosmopolitan California.
Photo: unsplash.com/@georgeiermann
Living in a Storybook
Life in Normandy Village is as enchanting as it looks—but it comes at a cost. A two-story condo sold for $675,000 in 2019, accompanied by a hefty $742 monthly HOA fee. And then there’s the near-constant flow of admirers—tourists, architecture lovers, and photographers all drawn to the village’s irresistible aesthetic.
Still, residents consider it a small price to pay. The village offers a place to live, a conversation starter, a visual feast, and a daily immersion in charm.
Why Visit Normandy Village?
Beyond its fairytale setting, Normandy Village contrasts peacefully with Berkeley’s bustling downtown. It's perfect for a scenic stroll, photography, or simply admiring architecture you won’t find anywhere else in California. And with Berkeley’s mild year-round weather, there’s never a bad time to explore this delightful neighborhood.
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