Tourist Information Midi-Pyrenees Things to do & see French Pyrenees Department 12: Aveyron

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Midi Pyrénées

Tourist Information Midi-Pyrénées
Things to do & see French Pyrenees
Department 12: Aveyron

French Pyrenees Tourist Info: Aveyron: Aubin

Aubin is one of the oldest towns in the Rouergue area, at the confluence of the rivers Lot, Cantal and Aveyron. Its ancient fort was first constructed in 193 AD to protect the natural resources of the area (coal, iron, thermal springs). The splendidly named Maison Départmentale de la Memoire, Résistance , Déportation, Citoyennéte opened in 2006 to commemorate the period of WWII when 17 of its citizens were deported to Auschwitz. It is open to the public on Saturdays 3pm - 6pm. There is an old quarter of the town with medieval houses and a Renaissance house, an ancient Grain Hall and the 13th century Chapelle de Pouzet. The 14 stations of the cross mark a trail leading to a summit with a superb view over the Enne Valley and the town. Distinctive pottery is produced at the Atelier de la Découverte. Guided tours of the old town and the Fort start from the Tourist Office on Thursdays at 3pm, and at 5pm during July & August. The Tourist Office is at Place Jean Jaurés, 12110 Aubin. Tel 05 65 63 19 16.

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French Pyrenees Tourist Info: Aveyron: Bozouls

Situated 25 km from Rodez, the area around Bozouls features deep gorges and canyons; a striking landscape with some remarkable scenery. The region has been settled since prehistoric times. Visit Bozouls Château which dates from the 9th century. The town has a modern and a medieval quarter. There is an Equestrian Centre at Rue de la Gare, and light aircraft flights at Route d'Espalion. During the first two weeks in August the Little Train departs from the tourist Office for a one hour journey which takes you across the town to the Sainte Fauste Church. Leisure activities include tennis, boules and fishing. The famous Trou de Bozouls is a deep gorge in the shape of a horseshoe, hollowed out by the waters of the Dourdou River, forming a natural circle 400m across by 100m deep. There is an excellent view of the Trou from Place de la Mairie.

French Pyrenees Tourist Info: Aveyron: Castanet

Facing the Pyrenees Mountains which are visible on a clear day, the village of Castanet has jost over 500 inhabitiants. There is the Aveyron & Ségala Farm to visit, the Lac de Baraqueville and the Pradinas Animal Park with over 300 animals, 3 km of pathways for either walking, or via Le Petit Train in high season, a snack bar in July and August and picnic areas. In the same area is the Agricultural Museum of Ségala and Pradinas.

Holiday accommodation in Aveyron

French Pyrenees Tourist Info: Aveyron: Laissac

Laissac is situated in the heart of the Aveyron Valley on the edge of the Palanges Forest. There are 4500 inhabitants, and several picturesque villages in the area. Activities in the town are provided by the open air swimming pool (Piscine de Bournac) and there is a Nature Park for walking and cycling. Visits include the 12th century Church of Saint Vincent, the Church of Saint Laurent with its Gothic nave, and the Châteaux of Bertholène, Caylaret, Lugans and Bourines. The town hosts the second largest cattle market in France, with guided visits available on Tuesday mornings during July & August. In the nearby village of Cruejoules is the Briounas Equestrian Centre, and the village of Sévérac L'Eglise has climbing and canyoning.

French Pyrenees Tourist Info: Aveyron: Millau

Now renowned for the breathtaking Millau Bridge over the river Tarn, which completes the motorway linking Paris with the Mediterranean. The bridge was designed by British architect Norman Foster and constructed by the French company Eiffage, which also constructed the Eiffel Tower. The bridge is over 300m tall and is supported on seven slender piers which support the road. A fantastic and spectacular sight. Millau and its surrounding villages have more to offer. Visit the Roquefort cheese caves to taste the cheese and see where it is matured. Millau also has the only leather and glove museum in France. Just 2 km away are the remains of Condatomagus, a Roman centre which produced distinctive red glazed terracotta pottery. The Grands Causses is a Natural Regional Park with splendid scenery, and then there are the 5 lakes of Levezou, totalling more than 1800 hectares. Visit the Jonte Gorges and the underground Caves of Dargilan with over 1 km of underground paths studded with stalegmites and stalectites. There are 13 marked walking trails in and around Millau. Details of these and for up to date inforamation, visit the Tourist Office at 1 Place du Beffroi, BP 331, 12103 Millau. Tel 05 65 60 02 42.

French Pyrenees Tourist Info: Aveyron: Montbazens

Situated in the Aveyron Valley in the west of the department, Montbazens is a small town wich offers a public swimming pool open in July & August, and Lake Privenzac for fishing, pedaloes, tennis and children's games.

French Pyrenees Tourist Info: Aveyron: Nant

For history lovers, Nant has plenty to offer.The Abbatiale Saint-Pierre de Nant has been classified as a historic monument since 1862. Other churches include the Chapelle des Penitents, founded in 1600 which is open to the public, the Eglise St Jacques and Saint Sauveur Church. Visit the curious village of Cantobre, perched on the summit of the Causse Bégon. The houses here are grouped around the 11th century château. Other attractions include the ruined Château d'Algues, originally constructed in 1080 and demolished on the orders of Cardinal Richelieu in 1629, The town has two interesting bridges, the Pont de Cantobre and the Pont de la Prade, and the ancient wash houses Les Lavoirs are still intact. Nearby are the spectacular Gorges de la Doubie with beautiful scenery.

	French Pyrenees Tourist Info: Aveyron: Requista
	A small country town of 2000 inhabitants, Requista is situated in the midst of beautiful rolling countryside. The town offers a cinema, a sports complex with two swimming pools, 2 outdoor tennis courts, quad binking and karting. There is a Saturday morning market from 8 - 12. In June there is the annual sheep fair, which sees the sheep herded through the town centre.

	French Pyrenees Tourist Info: Aveyron: Rignac
	The small village of Rignac offers a weekly market, an open air swimming pool suring the summer months, a park with a lake and tennis courts. Visit Belcastel Church and the Church of Auzits.

French Pyrenees Tourist Info: Aveyron: Rodez

Rodez is located in the heart of the Aveyron department and is famous for its impressive 12th - 16th century Notre-Dame Cathedral. The cathedral boasts an 87m high stautue of the Virgin Mary, and a magnificent bell tower. There is a marked walking trail starting from the Cathedral which takes in Le Palais Escopal, the chapel of the Jesuits' College and the Maison Cononiale. There are two museums, the Fenaille Musuem of history and archaeology, and the Denys Puech Fine Arts Museum. A few minutes from the centre of the town, on the outskirts of the village of Le Monastère is the 120 hectare Equestrian Centre Le Domaine de Combelles. Other parks are Parc de Vabre where there are fine walks and children's play areas, and Layoule Park on the banks of the Aveyron river. Rodez has an 18 hole golf course. In July there is a medieval festival with street artists and entertainers, and a number of free shows and concerts. There are 3 public swimming pools.

French Pyrenees Tourist Info: Aveyron: Sauveterre

Sauveterre-de-Rouergue is a typical bastide town dating from 1281. The streets lead towards the Place des Arcades, the central town square which houses shops and boutiques and which is surrounded by some fine half timbered houses. One of the most impressive houses is the 16th century Maison Garrigues, which now serves as the Mairie, where parts of the origianl town fortifications are still preserved. There are moats, towers, ornate doorways, archways and towers, making Sauveterre an interesting visit. Guided tours are available from the Tourist Office in July and August, and each Friday during the high season is an evening market. There are numerous fêtes and festivals throughout the summer. Details from the Tourist Office at Place des Arcades. Tel 05 65 72 02 52.

French Pyrenees Tourist Info: Aveyron: Saint-Parthem

The town is crossed by the river Lot, which in former times transported wood and coal to Bordeaux. The Château de Gironde dominates the town and has relics of Siant Arthem, the bishop of Clermon in the 4th century. Visit the Maison de la Rivière Lot, a museum dedicated to the relationship between man and the river which provided food and aid.

French Pyrenees Tourist Info: Aveyron:
St Geniez d'Olt & Campagnac

This region incorporates 11 communes along the Lot Valley, with varied landscapes along the route. At St Geniez there is a swimming pool with slide, quad bike hire for children aged 5 upwards, canoeing and kayaking and lake fishing. The Arbes d'Aventure Parc Les Ifers is an obstacle course among the treetops, and there is also a library, cinema and discotheque. Visit the Brasserie d'Olt where traditional beer is brewed. In nearby villages there is the Honey Shop at Les Ruchers du Val d'Olt, and a craft centre Eulalie d'Art at Ste Eulalie d'Olt. Guided visits to the town are available from the end of June until the beginning of September on Tuesdays at 9.30. The visit takes about two hours. Details from the Tourist Office at Le Cloître, 12130 Saint-Geniez d'Olt. Tel 05 65 70 43 42.

French Pyrenees Tourist Info: Aveyron: Villeneuve-d'Aveyron

The bastide town of Villeneuve d'Aveyron was originally built onto part of a monastery, and the town became a 'bastide royal' at the end of the 13th century. Its church is dedicated to Saint Sépulchre and features frescoes from the 16th century. On the last Sunday in July there is a medieval festival, with markets and street entertainers. Visit the Place des Conques which is surrounded by arcades and ancient houses, and the medieval Rue du Four which is remarkable for its narrow houses.

French Pyrenees Tourist Info: Aveyron: Villefranche-de-Roueque

Villefranche-de-Roueque is one of the five bastide towns of Aveyron. It was founded in 1252 and is contructed in the typical bastide layout of regular streets which lead towards the central town square. Today the square hosts a lively weekly market. Nearby in Foissac is the Grotte et Parc Préhistorique, and at Cabrerets, the Grotte du Peche-Merle, which also features a museum situated at the entrance to the caves.

French Pyrenees Tourist Info: Aveyron: Najac

The village of Najac is perched dramatically at the top of a conically shaped hill, with its 13th century castle at the summit. The castle was built in 1253 and its strategic position and capacity for defence made it a masterpiece of architecture of its time. The narrrow windows at the top were designed to let 3 archers fire arrows at the same time. It is one of 23 châteaux which form the Route des Seigneurs du Rouergue. Descending steeply from the château, the main street is lined with picturesque, half timbered and tiled houses. There is a Sunday morning market from mid June until mid September. Visit the 13th century Church of Saint Jean which is open to visitors from April to the end of September. The village has '3 flower' status as one of the most beautiful villages in France. The Tourist Office is situated at Place du Faubourge, 12270 Najac.

French Pyrenees Tourist Info: Aveyron: Villecomtal

Built between 1295 and 1304, Villecomtal is a pretty village nestling in the countryside bordering the Dourdou river. Visit the gothic Cathedral of Saint-Barthélémy, and the Château dating back to the 10th centry. Of the original city walls, only the clock tower remains. The Tourist Office is at Rue Haut, 12580 Villcomtal. Tel: 05 65 44 66 82.