The bastides of Aveyron, essential visits to the Occitanie region

You cannot visit Aveyron without exploring at least one of its bastides with their atypical layout. Built in the 12th century, these new towns of the time are characteristic of the south-west of France, with a grid geometry centered around a central square. These particularities are found in each commune, they are commercial and modern towns, come and visit them in Aveyron!

Photo from the Tarn Aveyron Guide unless otherwise mentioned in the ALT

Villefranche-de-Rouergue

It’s the sub-prefecture of Aveyron! Villefranche-de-Rouergue was founded in 1252 by Alphonse de Poitiers. This new medieval town is made up of narrow, medieval streets, all of which lead to the heart of the village at Place Notre-Dame. It houses the bell tower-porch , the Collegiate Church and its covers, characteristic of country houses. It is a city awarded two labels: “City of Art and History” and “Grand Site Midi Pyrénées”.

Villefranche-de-Rouergue

Najac

Najac , a small medieval village perched high, extends over a single street. In the 13th century, it was enlarged to create a large square which would become the center of the bastide. At the end of the path, discover the fortified castle, classified as a Historic Monument, with its many secret passages. The view from the heights of the village is breathtaking! Najac is particularly pleasant in the summer, when the artisan shops are open to help you discover the know-how of the region. Good to know: The GR36 passes through Najac and joins Laguépie!

Najac and its fortified castle

Villeneuve d'Aveyron

Villeneuve d'Aveyron is located on a causse (arid land with thick vegetation). It was transformed into a bastide at the time of the Albigensian Crusade. It takes us on a journey to the Middle Ages with its winding streets, towers and half-timbered houses. There we find the typical architecture of bastides with the Place des Conques and pointed arcades.

Villeneuve d'Aveyron

Sauveterre-de-Rouergue

Sauveterre-de-Rouergue is one of the most beautiful villages in France! In the heart of Ségala, this former royal bastide is home to the beautiful Saint -Christophe collegiate church. The bastide houses one of the largest arcaded squares in Rouergue, of which there are 47. Stroll through the streets to appreciate the harmony of the stone or half-timbered houses, and the heritage preserved in this medieval village. The natural heritage of the Causse de Sauveterre is remarkable. Visit Naucelle, another pretty village nearby.

La Bastide-l'Évêque

The Bastide-l'Évêque was built to compete with the bastide of Villefranche-de-Rouergue in the Middle Ages. The grid geometry with right-angled streets is respected, as well as the central square where the Saint-Dalmas church is located. Its particularity comes from its ancient industrial activity, where many swifts beat the copper to form " the black cup ", necessary for the production of cauldrons.

La Bastide l’Eveque

Rieupeyroux

Rieupeyroux, 30 minutes from Rodez in Haut Ségala, was built in the 13th century on former seignorial land in Ségala. The typical criteria of bastides are present, with alleys perpendicular to each other, and the Place du Gitat , center of the village. The Saint Martial church, classified as a Historic Monument, and the Griffouls fountain are to be discovered during your visit.

The bastides of Aveyron are part of the history of the region, and are essential places to discover during your stay in Occitanie.

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