Take advantage of your stay to explore nine of the “Most Beautiful Villages in France”. Bastides, hilltop villages… Our region is rich in characterful villages to explore.
Nine of the most beautiful villages in France…
Within a radius of 60 kilometers around the Grand Site Occitanie Bastides and Gorges de l'Aveyron, you can discover eight of the most beautiful villages in France, including Villeneuve et Najac. Located a few kilometers from Villefranche-de-Rouergue, these two medieval cities are must-sees during your stay.
The national label "The most beautiful villages in France" is awarded to villages of character whose inhabitants have been particularly invested in the rehabilitation, safeguarding and enhancement of their built heritage. With 11 villages classified as "the most beautiful villages in France", Aveyron is at the top of the French departments.
From the red roofs of the Lot valley to the slates of the Ségala plateau via the Aveyron gorges, these villages each have their own identity, and reflect the diversity of the territory. Perched villages overlooking the river, surrounded by greenery or on the cliffside, castles, churches... these places invite you to stroll...
Najac
Surrounded by forests formerly devoted to the production of timber and pastoralism, the castral town of Najac overlooks the valley and the gorges of the Aveyron. Climb up to its fortified castle, admire its exceptionally high curtain walls and its impressive keep.
Villeneuve d'Aveyron
Villeneuve d'Aveyron is a charming village, where you can stroll through alleys full of history, surrounded by old limestone stones. Take the time to discover the two facets of this very recent Most Beautiful Village in France: its sanctuary and its medieval bastide.
Belcastel
On the banks of the Aveyron, the village clinging to the rock walls is dominated by its medieval castle. Take advantage of the tranquility of the place for a stroll through the cobbled streets, along the houses with lauze roofs, the fountains, the ovens... Take the small bridge to the church and let yourself be lulled by the whisper of the river… The castle and its galleries are unmissable. Belcastel is also a land rich in gastronomy: the village has one of the best restaurants in the region.
Sauveterre-de-Rouergue
Royal Bastide of the XNUMXth century, Sauveterre de Rouergue is built in the heart of the Ségala plateau. The central square at arcades is the greatest of all Bastides of Rouergue. Half-timbered, corbelled houses, towers and city gates lead you to a timeless escape. Also discover the workshops of many artisans who inhabit the village: Sauveterre is called "Bastide of arts and crafts".
Conques
Major step on the Way of Saint-Jacques de Compostelle, the Conques site is home to a Romanesque heritage exceptional. Admire the abbey romance, his contemporary stained glass made by Pierre Soulages, its Last Judgment tympanum and one of the greatest treasures of medieval goldsmithery: the majesty of Sainte Foy in gold and precious prayers. The medieval town, around the abbey and nestled in lush greenery, will charm you with its narrow streets and half-timbered houses covered with slate roofs.
Saint Cirq Lapopie
Perched on its cliff, the village dominates the Lot valley. Follow the picturesque lanes to the fortified church at the top and admire the view overlooking the valley. Let yourself be enchanted by the charm of the ocher stone houses with sloping roofs covered with brown tiles. Along the alleys, turn your head: exhibitions and artists' galleries are numerous in this town which was elected favorite French village in 2012.
Bruniquel
At the borders of Quercy, the Albigensian and Rouergue, Bruniquel was a prosperous city in the Middle Ages thanks to trade. Its architecture bears witness to this rich past: stone or wooden houses, twin or mullioned windows. The cobbled streets lead you to the castles at the top of the village, perched on their rock overlooking the Aveyron valley.
Monesties
Picturesque medieval village, Monestiès is nestled in a loop of the Cérou. Here, old stones and ancient residences harmonize with the green and hilly landscape. Do not forget to discover the paintings of the Bajen Véga museum, and to admire the statuary group of the castle of Combefa, jewel of the city.
Capdenac-le-Haut
Located a handful of kilometers from Villefranche de Rouergue, the medieval fortress of Capdenac-le-Haut stretches along a rock in the shape of a peninsula, overhanging by more than 110 meters a meander of the Batch. If the village remains marked by its medieval past, it figures prominently among the oppida of Quercy, claiming the title "of Uxellodunum», seat of the last Gallic battle led by Caesar. The exceptional architectural heritage of the village attests to the rich and dynamic past of the site.