Bastides & Gorges de l'Aveyron
Grands Sites Occitanie
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Bastides & Gorges de l'Aveyron
Welcome to Bastides and Gorges de l'Aveyron, one of the Grands Sites d'Occitanie straddling two departments: Aveyron and Tarn-et-Garonne. Discover the emblematic hearts: Villeneuve d'Aveyron, Villefranche-de-Rouergue, Najac, Saint-Antonin-Noble-Val and Caylus. Let yourself be surprised by the architectural and built heritage of the bastides and medieval villages, then take a break in the heart of nature by the river or on the cliffs of the Anglars Causses in Saint-Antonin. For the more sporty, don't miss the unmissable canoe trip down to Najac and Saint-Antonin.
Visit the 5 listed villages
Grands Sites Occitanie
- Saint-Antonin Noble Val, The town has been awarded the Pôle de Pleine Nature label. Let yourself be charmed by this city of good living, best exemplified by the huge Sunday morning market.
- Najac, a nearby village built on a narrow rocky ridge and overlooked by an impressive 13th-century fortress.e century. Stroll along its long main street and admire the verdant scenery of the surrounding gorges from the fortress keep.
- Caylus, Originally a castrum with a compact village layout, it dominates the delightful Bonnette valley. Soak up the history of its old stones and enjoy the natural surroundings.
- Villefranche-de-Rouergue whose urban layout is typical of the bastides of southern France. Stroll under the arcades lining its central square and admire the late medieval and Renaissance townhouses.
- Villeneuve d'Aveyron, This Romanesque village, situated at the gateway to the Causse, has winding streets where you can lose yourself. The bastide is also a choice stopover for pilgrims on their way to Santiago de Compostela.
Explore
Sites of excellence
- The Bosc cave, discovered in 1936, is the only fully developed cave in the Tarn-et-Garonne region. Located 5 minutes from Saint-Antonin, it's a geological treasure trove with a wide variety of concretions. After a 45-minute guided tour, enjoy a family day out in the Bosc forest in the playground.
- The Foissac cave, The cave, with its underground stream, is home to vast chambers containing impressive limestone concretions. Its archaeological remains bear witness to the long history of human occupation on the Causse de Villeneuve.
- Beaulieu-en-Rouergue Abbey, This Cistercian abbey was founded in 1144 by Adhémar III, Bishop of Rodez. Let yourself be seduced by the peacefulness of this place, with its simple, uncluttered decor. It houses one of France's largest collections of modern art.
- Loc-Dieu Abbey, is an elegant, fortified Cistercian abbey. Visit its church, one of the oldest Gothic buildings in the region, and stroll through its romantic wooded park.
- Saint-Sauveur Charterhouse, is a jewel of flamboyant Gothic architecture. Come and discover its cloister and the very strict rules that governed the lives of Carthusian monks.
- Varen and its Deanery, Varen church is a prime example of Romanesque art. The village is also home to a former deanery and has preserved part of its medieval defensive system.
don't miss a thing
Grands sites occitanie
Tourism plan
Click here to see the map of the Grands Sites de Bastides et Gorges de l'Aveyron.
