Help Needed Aveyron?

[Amy]

We are considering a week in the Aveyron in early June, based in a rental in Villefranche-de-Rouergue. Any recommendations regarding particularly interesting towns or churches (especially Romanesque), scenic drives, sites, restaurants, markets?
Thank you!

 

[Ken B.]

Conques.

 

[phirhon]

It does depend on how long you want to drive for day trips. We stayed a week in the Aveyron in Marcillac Vallon in 2012, but some of the places we visited eg St Eulalie d'Olt and Estaing, which are both beautiful, would be too far.

I agree with Ken about Conques. It is special and the Tresor is wonderful - such intricate workmanship. Definitely visit Najac and stop at the belvedere for a view of the village. St Cirq Lapopie is about 38 kms and is a Plus Beau Village. It is quite busy but is beautiful. Even Cordes sur Ciel is only about 45 kms away, and Penne about 55kms. We would do a day trip of that distance, but some people consider that too far. Belcastel is another. I always look at the stations of the cross in churches and the one there has interesting ones with slumped glass features. St Antonin Noble Val ( where the movie The Hundred Foot Journey was filmed ) is a lovely small town, and, of course, Figeac.

It is a lovely area. Have fun.

 

[veronicafrance]

In Figeac, the museum of writing is a must. It's one of the most fascinating museums I've visited.

 

[Ann]

There's also an excellent restaurant in Figeac, La Cuisine du Marché -- at least it was excellent in 2013 when we spent a week near Villefranche-de-Rouergue. So good that we returned a second time. I learned about it from a recommendation by Parigi on Chowhound. Here's an old T&L article on the Aveyron: https://www.travelandleisure.com/articles/introducing-aveyron.

 

[Parigi]

Najac is a lovely village not far away.
Belcastel is another beautiful village, and the drives there from every direction is enchanting.
I love Figeac and rent regularly along the Lot-Célé confluence near Figeac. One thing about the Museum of Writing. It is indeed fascinating, not backed up by the best research. In its ancient writing I found 20th century Chinese writing system invented in 1948 by the communists to simplify the characters. What's up with that.
I find Conques beautiful but has too many religious geegaws. The St Jean Pied de Port syndrome.

 

[Amy]

Thanks, all! I've booked a gite on a farm just outside Najac for the week.