The most beautiful villages of France Aveyron
With 10 villages classed among the ""Loveliest Villages in France"", Aveyron has more than any other French ‘département’! And what splendid villages they are !
Aveyron has 10 of the « Loveliest Villages in France »
With 10 villages classed among the ""Loveliest Villages in France"", Aveyron has more than any other French ‘département’! And what splendid villages they are !
Belcastel, Brousse le Château, Conques, Estaing, La Couvertoirade, Najac, Peyre, Saint Côme d’Olt, Sainte Eulalie d’Olt, Sauveterre de Rouergue
Do you know ?
When a village applies to become one of the « Loveliest Villages de France », it undergoes an inspection visit on a date agreed between the village mayor and the person in charge of quality policy at the association.
This inspection is based on a table of 27 criteria which measure the importance and development of the village heritage in terms of architecture, urban planning and environment, as well as the relevance of actions by the local council to promote the area (urban planning, visitor management, cosmetic improvements, etc.)
Amongst other things, the village must be classed as rural, i.e. a maximum population of 2,000, and have at least 2 listed or classified buildings or sites.
A tour of the Loveliest Villages in France in Aveyron is a must for visitors who love fine buildings, local history etc., and also for cyclists who can follow a specially devised route along quiet roads.
Each of the Aveyron Loveliest Villages in France has its own style !
Belcastel
Belcastel is a medieval village with an amazingly rich heritage. It was restored between 1975 and 1982 under the direction of the architect, Fernand Pouillon. The lauze-roofed houses of local stone and the castle are the main attractions, but there is also a museum of traditional trades in the old forge (Musée de la forge et des anciens métiers) and guided tours of the village to discover unusual viewpoints.
Brousse le Château
This medieval village on the banks of the River Tarn in Pays du Roquefort area is a perfect illustration of the local style of architecture. It has a rich history, witnessed by remarkable buildings which include an oratory, fortified church, Gothic bridge and castle. Nature lovers can enjoy outdoor activities like walking, fishing and canoeing.
Conques
A major stopover point on the pilgrim route to Santiago de Compostela, Conques is well-known for its abbey church of Sainte-Foy with its tympanum of The Last Judgment, both masterpieces of Romanesque art, and home to many unique objects made by goldsmiths. Different guided tours are available to explore the treasures of the village which is one of the Grand Sites of Midi Pyrénées. The village is well-preserved as are its unspoilt, natural surroundings.
Estaing
This village of 600 inhabitants lies beside the River Lot at the foot of the Monts d’Aubrac. It is overlooked by its castle, a listed monument, which belongs to the family of the late President Valery Giscard d’Estaing. The Gothic bridge (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), mairie (town hall) and church with its beautiful wrought iron cross by Henri Lesueur, are well worth seeing.
La Couvertoirade
At the heart of the Plateau du Larzac, this walled village houses numerous treasures dating back to the time of the Crusades. Take a trip back in time and imagine the Knights Templar walking through the cobbled streets as you discover thousands of years of history, local food specialities and arts and craft workshops.
Najac
Najac is a village in the Rouergue area dating from the Middle Ages and with splendid fortifications surrounding its impressive castle. The village has some very fine houses, some of which date back to the 14th century. The 13th century ‘Quartier de la Bastide’ district is notable for its street which widens into a vast square. The village has been awarded the status of ‘Pays d’Art et d’Histoire’ (area of art and historical importance).
Peyre
Peyre is a fascinating place to visit as it is mainly a troglodyte village. It has superb views of the nearby Millau Viaduct, one of the symbols of the region. The 11th century village church is partly built into a cave in the rock on the right bank of the Tarn and well worth seeing. A great way to view Peyre is to hire a canoe or boat on the River Tarn.
Saint Côme d’Olt
Well known for its twisted steeple, Saint Côme d’Olt is located between Aubrac and the River Lot. Its walls and three fortified gates give it a particularly medieval appearance. Places to visit include the 12th century Manoir des Sires de Calmont, the Château de Castelnau and the Chapelle des Pénitents. The village is an ideal base for exploring the Lot Valley and other splendid villages in the area.
Sainte Eulalie d’Olt
This medieval village alongside the River Lot has many attractions including an 11th century church, 15th century castle, a Renaissance mansion and a water wheel. Enjoy a stroll through its narrow, winding streets beautifully bedecked with flowers. The village has been an art centre for some time. Visitors can enjoy meeting local artists and craftspeople, some of whom have recently moved to the village, attracted by its typical architecture and « Saint Eulalie d’Art » a project run by the local council.
Sauveterre de Rouergue
Situated between Rodez and Albi, this royal bastide village, which was founded in 1281, has remarkable historic buildings and has become a heritage symbol of the region. Arts and crafts are well represented here and cutlery making in particular. In addition, the leafy Plateau du Lézert, criss-crossed by rivers and streams, is a haven of peace and tranquility for people wanting to ‘get away from it all’…
A Gites de France customer says : I love the old buildings and legends because they take you on an enchanting journey back in time. I visited the mysterious Château de Belcastel, which overlooks one of the « Loveliest Villages in France » and the River Aveyron. The troubled history of this medieval castle is the source of many legends and unusual tales which are still talked about today.
Isabelle, the castle guide, knows all its secrets which she shares with visitors during the tour :
1. The tragic, turbulent history of Château de Belcastel
2. Two skeletons were found in the chapel
3. The prison is haunted by the ghosts of victims of mercenaries
4. The legend of the Dame Blanche (White Lady)
5. It is said that the castle is the site of hidden treasure
6. Other unusual, mysterious tales"
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