The Great Sites route

Figeac, Lot and Célé Valley

32 km from Villefranche-de-Rouergue and 24 km from Villeneuve

Between the Lot and Célé valleys, explore Grand-Figeac, a characterful destination between the Causses and the Auvergne mountains.
Go back in time through the history of these stones that have survived the centuries. Along the landscapes, explore this Grand Site from cliffs to gorges, discovering castles, fortified houses, abbeys and priories. On your way, you will see:

• The mill of the arts in Saint-Remy
• The Jean-Marie Perier Gallery in Villeneuve
• The prehistoric cave of Foissac
• The Champollion Museum
• The village of Cajarc
• The Leap of the Mounine

Conques

52 km from Villefranche-de-Rouergue
Take the D1 towards Rodez. After the village of Lanuéjouls, take the D5 towards Decazeville.

Let yourself be enchanted by the charming village of Conques. A must stop on the way to Santiago de Compostela, Conques will take you back to the time of the great builders of the Middle Ages. On your way, you will see:

• The mill of the arts in Saint Remy
• The Domaine du Bassinet
• Bournazel Castle
• Peyrusse-le-Roc
• Garden of the Mothe

Rodez

55 km from Villefranche-de-Rouergue
Take the D1 towards Rodez

You will see it from afar, the bell tower of Notre-Dame Cathedral... From its height of 87 meters, it overlooks the town of Rodez.

Explore the city, Cathedral at the Museum relieves, come say hi to them menhir statues at the Fenaille museum and savor the Aveyron gastronomy.

At the Wednesday or Saturday market, in lively brasseries and gourmet restaurants: this is also where you will taste Rodez, feeling the strong and pleasant ascendancy of a land full of life.

You will be able to see :

• The Domaine du Bassinet
• Bournazel Castle
• Belcastel's "Most Beautiful Village in France"
• Sauveterre-de-Rouergue
• Riiepeyroux
• La Bastide-l'Eveque

Cahors, Lot Valley

55 km from Villefranche-de-Rouergue
Take the D911 towards Cahors

In the majestic setting of the Lot valley, Cahors, City of art and history, is made for the joy of exploration. First stage : the Valentré bridge, emblem of the city classified as world heritage by UNESCO. Then, at the turn of the medieval streets, enjoy the charm of the renovated squares and the Secret Gardens that bloom the city.

Do not leave without taking a walk in one of the vineyards of Cahors to discover an ancestral know-how. On the way back, go through the Lot valley ! Stop off at the charming village of Saint-Cirq-Lapopie and contemplate panoramas breathtaking view of the valley.

You will be able to see :

• Bannac Lake
• The Mill of La Bosse
• The Apiary House of Promilhanes
• The castle of Cenevieres
• The towpath in Bouzies
• Saint-Cirq-Lapopie
• The Saut de la Mounine viewpoint

Cordes-sur-ciel and medieval towns

45 km from Villefranche-de-Rouergue and 26 km from Najac

A few kilometers from the Aveyron gorges, Cordes sur Ciel is a Medieval city outstanding. Perched on its promontory, it is rich in Architectural Heritage recognized throughout Europe. 
Along the streets, immerse yourself in nearly 800 years of history and stroll around the many craftsmen's workshops and galleries... On your way, you will be able to see:

• Najac, one of the Most Beautiful Villages in France
• The Aveyron Gorges
• The castles of Bruniquel
• Saint Antonin Noble Val
• Caylus

Albi, Tarn Valley

74 km from Villefranche-de-Rouergue and 50 km from Najac

Colourful, gourmet, commercial, with one hour from Najac, Albi welcomes you to an almost Italian way of life. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Episcopal City has retained its old appearance marked by the Pont-Vieux, the fortifications along the Tarn, the Berbie Palace and the powerful Sainte-Cécile Cathedral, a gigantic brick vessel erected in the above the Tarn.

On your way, you will see:

• The “Most Beautiful Village in France” of Najac
• The Gardens of Paradise
• The “Most Beautiful Village in France” of Ropes on Sky

Millau – Roquefort Sylvanes

110 km from Villefranche-de-Rouergue

First step, the Millau Viaduct ! Looking like a sailboat, it has become a real work of art to contemplate. In the surroundings, grandiose landscapes await you: wide open spaces of the Grands Causses Regional Nature Park, Larzac of the Templars and Hospitallers, Gorges du Tarn… Enough to whet your appetite so go and taste the king cheese of the region, the Roquefort !

On your way, you will be able to see:

• The lakes of Pont-de-Salars and Pareloups
• Micropolis, city of insects
• Millau viaduct area
• Millau, City of art and history
• The “Most Beautiful Village in France” of Peyre
• Roquefort cellars
• Brousse-le-Chateau
• Sauveterre-de-Rouergue
• Riiepeyroux

Montauban

75 km from Villefranche-de-Rouergue

Dressed in pink bricks, Montauban is the first medieval new town noon. Cross its Old Bridge which spans the Tarn and explore its old center. From the architecture of medieval streets to the paintings by Ingres and Bourdelles, through street art, art is everywhere! On your way, you will see:

• The abbey of Loc-Dieu
• Puylagarde
• Caylus
• Saint Antonin Noble Val
• La Mounière, House of memories in Septfonds