Explore the Grand Site Occitanie of the Bastides and Gorges of the Aveyron along the river... Between valleys, medieval towns and Jacobean paths, explore the Aveyron and the Tarn-et-Garonne from Villeneuve to Saint-Antonin Noble Val.
Five iconic hearts
In the heart of the Aveyron gorges, visit the five emblematic hearts of the Grand Site Occitanie Bastides and Gorges de l'Aveyron:
- Saint Antonin Noble Val, labeled Pôle de Pleine Nature. Let yourself be charmed by this city of good living, of which the vast Sunday morning market is the best embodiment.
- Najac, a nearby village built on a narrow rocky ridge and dotted with an impressive XNUMXth century fortresse century. Walk its long main street and admire the green landscapes of the surrounding gorges from the keep of the fortress.
- Caylus, originally a castrum made up of a compact village, dominates the delightful valley of the Bonnette. Immerse yourself in the history of its old stones and enjoy the nature that surrounds you.
- Villefranche-de-Rouergue whose urban fabric is characteristic of bastides in the south of France. Stroll under the arcades that line its central square and contemplate the mansions from the end of the Middle Ages and the Renaissance.
- Villeneuve d'Aveyron, rescued from Romanesque times located at the gates of the Causse with winding streets in which you can get lost. Its bastide forms a stopover of choice for pilgrims to Santiago de Compostela.
One Grand Site, two territories to explore
In 2018, West Aveyron Community and Community of Communes Quercy Rouergue Gorges of Aveyron have obtained joint labeling with the scheme “Great Occitanie Sites” with the denomination "Bastides and Gorges of Aveyron". The creation of a Grand Site Occitanie aims to promote a set of common and complementary characteristics around remarkable heritage, cultural, natural or historical riches, with a program of specific actions. Discover these riches with Noémie who gives you her tips!
A little road trip?
From Saint-Antonin to Villeneuve d'Aveyron, via Caylus, Najac and Villefranche, explore our towns and villages of character. Fasten your seat belt, let's go!
Villeneuve d'Aveyron
Located near Villefranche-de-Rouergue, Villeneuve d'Aveyron is anchored in a landscaped territory typical of the causse where you can contemplate dry stone walls, caselles, gariottes, dovecotes, vine huts, sheepfolds, wells, washhouses... This village medieval, which associates a salvage from the Romanesque period, a XNUMXth century bastide and a suburb was an important stopover for pilgrims to Santiago de Compostela.
Villefranche-de-Rouergue
Founded in 1252 by Alphonse de Poitiers, Count of Toulouse and brother of Louis IX, this medieval country house unfolds on a natural slope on the edge of the Aveyron, between Causse and Ségala. Immerse yourself in the history of this former capital of Rouergue!
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.
Saint Antonin Noble Val
Known as being a real conservatory of the medieval house at the confluence of the Aveyron and the Bonnette, Saint-Antonin is a village to be discovered from all angles. In the heart of its streets, along the river or from the high cliffs that surround it, enjoy this little corner of paradise.
On Sunday, awaken your taste buds at Brive market, a must in the region!
Caylus
Overlooking the Bonnette valley, the village of Caylus clings to the slopes surrounding its castle… Make a stop there to discover its remarkable historical monuments.