Aveyron’s 11 Most Beautiful Villages (+ Where To Stay Guide)
How about a road trip to see Aveyron’s most beautiful villages—all 11 of them? I’ve written about this very picturesque department in southern France a number of times, covering its food, the charm of “France Profond,” and the famous Roquefort cheese caves. But what truly makes Aveyron my favourite is its villages.
While France is home to thousands of villages, Aveyron stands out with the highest number of Les Plus Beaux Villages de France—11 in total. (The Lot department follows with 10.) Now that I’ve visited all 11, I’m pleased to share an itinerary I think you’ll enjoy.
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Table of contents
1. Aveyron’s Most Beautiful Villages: 3 Ideal Bases
I recommend three cities as your bases for exploring Aveyron. The department is one of the largest in France (8,735 square kilometers), so one base won’t cover everything. You might prefer to stay in 1 or 2 cities and return to explore the rest later.
These cities offer enough restaurants, grocery stores, and attractions to make them interesting, and daily excursions are easily manageable. While there are trains in the region, they don’t always reach these villages, which are particularly small, with no more than 2,000 inhabitants to qualify as Les Plus Beaux Villages de France. A car is necessary.
The cities I recommend are:
- Rodez
- Millau
- Espalion
2. What Is The Aveyron Department Like?
Aveyron, located in the Occitanie region of southern France, is one of the largest departments (6th) but also among the least densely populated, ranking 78th out of 101. Much of the area is farmland, so crowds are rare—even in cities like Rodez and Millau.
As I’ve mentioned in previous posts, Aveyron feels truly “French,” with fewer English speakers, making it an immersive experience for those wanting to test their French skills. Read more about why Aveyron is considered the heart of France in my post: “My Return To Aveyron-La France Profonde: Why You Should Visit”.
The region is renowned for its cheese and beef, especially Aligot and Aubrac beef. I’ve written about these specialties in my posts:
- “Aveyron Specialties And Restaurants: My Recommendations”
- “A Visit To 3 Cheese Caves In Roquefort-sur-Soulzon“
You can also explore a full list of the Les Plus Beaux Villages de France I’ve visited in my post: “Les Plus Beaux Villages de France”. For more details on the 11 villages in Aveyron, visit the Occitanie Villages section: “Occitanie Villages“.
Here’s a map with the 3 bases and locations of the 11 villages. Click on the map or on this link and you’ll be directed to a Google Map indicating all the places in this post.
3. Excursions To Beautiful Villages From Rodez
(a) Base: Rodez
While Rodez is not on the list of designated beautiful villages, it is the Aveyron’s largest city with a small population of just over 24,000. It was perfect as a base because of the grocery stores, numerous restaurants, museums, and important sites.
Sites
In the heart of Rodez, the 13th-century Notre Dame Cathedral stands out with its pink sandstone facade and an 87-meter-high Gothic and Renaissance tower that dominates the city skyline..
If you like contemporary, modern art, don’t miss seeing Pierre Soulages’ work at Musee Soulages. He is also responsible for creating the stained glass at the Abbey in Conques.
Musée Fenaille is also worth a visit. It houses one of Europe’s most remarkable collections of prehistoric menhirs, carved human-like standing stones from 3000-2000 BC.
Dining
In terms of dining, you might consider having lunch at Café Bras right beside the Soulages Museum. It is run by chefs Michel and Sébastien Bras who also have a multi-starred Michelin restaurant in nearby Laguiole. I also really enjoyed my meals at La Gargouille, located right beside the Cathedral. More about the restaurants and meals can be found here: La Gargouille and Café Bras.
(b) Excursions From Rodez
Conques
Check out my post about this stunning village (and the stained glass that I wasn’t as thrilled about). Conques: Stunning Village, Abbey, Controversial Windows.
Located 40 minutes (38 kilometres) northwest of Rodez.
Belcastel
Belcastel is straight out of a picture postcard and really should be near the top of your list. The stone village has cobblestone streets, a medieval stone bridge, and Château de Belcastel, perched above the town and the Aveyron River.
Located 25 minutes (25 kilometres) west of Rodez.
Sauveterre-de-Rouergue
It’s in the main square where special events are held, including a market where local crafts are sold. The buildings date back to the 1200s and the village still retains the charm from the medieval period.
Located 30 minutes (34 kilometres) southwest of Rodez.
Najac
As you approach Najac,you’ll see thatthe Forteresse Royale de Najac (Château de Najac) is quite an imposing presence from up high. It was built in the 1100s and has magnificent views of the town and surrounding valley.
Located 71 kilometres (1 hour) west of Rodez.
Villeneuve d’Aveyron
While the main attraction of this village is the museum that houses the work of music photographer Jean-Marie Périer, the village has remains from its medieval period and an impressive church with stained glass windows.
Located 45 minutes (52 kilometres) west of Rodez.
(c) Where To Stay In Rodez
I rented an Airbnb and there was parking on the street. I walked into the centre of town in about 15 minutes and felt very safe in the area. If I were to stay in Rodez again, I might consider staying in the heart of the city (especially if I didn’t have a car and didn’t require parking). Here are some accommodation recommendations:
Hotels in Rodez to consider (all located near the cathedral):
- Hôtel Mercure Rodez Cathédrale
- Hotel Biney
- Logis Hôtel Restaurant du Midi – Rodez Centre
- Hotel du Clocher
4. Excursions To Beautiful Villages From Millau
(a) Base: Millau
Millau used to be a very popular stopping point for those travelling from the north to south of France. It was so busy that there were traffic jams. This all changed in 2004 when the Millau Viaduct was constructed and became part of the A75 Autoroute between Paris and Montpellier and Béziers. It crosses the Tarn Valley and is the highest bridge in Europe.
I think the bridge is an architectural masterpiece and absolutely stunning. Keep in mind that you are not able to get out of your car to take pictures. The only way I could do this was run La Course Effiage du Viaduc de Millau. Tours are available from the visitor centre beside the bridge.
One place I’d recommend for lunch or dinner is at Côté Marché. If the weather is good, eat on the terrace. I had an excellent chevre salad (cassolette de Cabecou de Causse goat cheese) and sea bream fish.
(b) Excursions From Millau
Peyre
One of the best spots to get great photos of the Millau Viaduct is from Peyre. This is a tranquil little village that has a cave church, Eglise Troglodyte Saint-Cristofol, built into the rock.
Located 11 minutes (8 kilometres) west of Millau [and the drive there is beautiful!]
Brousse-le-Château
Although Brousse-le-Château is a sleepy little town, it does have an interesting château (Château de Brousse) that provides lovely views of the Tarn Valley and it is worth visiting. [Note: be careful walking around the château as the cobblestone paths are uneven.]
There seems to be only one hotel/restaurant, Logis Hôtel le Relays du Chasteau and this is where I was lucky enough to eat lunch (it was very good). If you decide to visit this village and are thinking of having a meal, make a reservation.
Located 1 hour (58 kilometres) southwest of Millau.
La Couvertoirade
Walking through the fortified town of La Couvertoirade is like walking back in time. It is a medieval fortress with two towers, ramparts and the only Templar castle in France. But you’ll also find shops and cafés scattered throughout the village. Don’t miss going on the high hill just outside of the town to get a better perspective of this beautiful walled-in village.
Located 40 minutes (44 kilometres) southeast of Millau.
(c) Where To Stay In Millau
As I was attending a running race across the Millau Viaduct, I wanted to be near one of the pick up points. The hotel was perfectly fine, cheap, and near a grocery store and if you just want to use it as a base to do excursions, it’s perfect, but you’ll want to drive into Millau to explore the city. The centre is too far to walk. The other hotels I’m suggesting are ones that were on my list; however, they were fully booked when I tried to reserve a room.
Hotels In Millau To Consider:
5. Excursions To Beautiful Villages From Espalion
(a) Base: Espalion
I really liked staying in Espalion and found it to be the perfect size for walking around town (not too big) and for the views along the Lot River (exceptional). You can’t miss the 13th century Le Pont-Vieux, a pedestrian-only bridge that is the oldest monument in the city. It is not only a National Monument, but also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
There is also a weekly market that covered a fairly large area and I picked up some great local food here. Dinner was at Maison Burgarella, located in the centre of town. It’s one of the recommendations in the Michelin Bib Gourmand guide. The dishes were creative, very tasty, and they used local ingredients. I had the plat/entrée menu and glass of wine for 35 €.
(b) Excursions From Espalion
Estaing
If the name “Estaing” rings a bell, it might be because you’re thinking of Valéry Giscard d’Estaing, who was the President of the French Republic from 1974-1981. He was a member of a French family that was active in politics and finance. Although he is not related to the extinct aristocratic family, d’Estaing, he and his family bought the Château d’Estaing in 2005.
Within the castle there are some rooms devoted to his political career and achievements. But it’s the views of the village that are breathtaking.
Located 10 minutes (10 kilometres) northwest of Esaplion
Saint-Côme-d’Olt
Saint-Côme-d’Olt in the Lot Valley has preserved the medieval features of this fortified village including the ramparts and gates and 2 towers from the 14th century. It has a 15th century gothic church, Église Saint-Côme-et-Saint-Damien, with a rare flamed bell tower (twisted spire) and Château de Castelnau. As Saint-Côme-d’Olt is on the GR® 65, the road to Santiago de Compostela, the village has also created a rest centre.
I found this village to be quite beautiful and you’ll come upon some interesting sties, such as the Chapelle des pénitents (Chapel of the Penitents) which was originally a hospice for pilgrims. On display is a model of the twisted bell tower as well as information about the brotherhood and the Romanesque church.
Located 5 minutes (5 kilometres) east of Espalion
Saint-Eulalie-d’Olt
While I visited on a rainy day, I was impressed nonetheless by how beautiful Saint-Eulalie-d’Olt was. Perhaps it’s because it is known as a village that promotes the arts. While it was pretty quiet, you could tell the town had put much effort into making it very picturesque.
As you wander around town, you’ll pass by many stone and half-timbered buildings, remains of the old mill, posters celebrating the village’s history, as well as Château de Sainte-Eulalie-d’Olt.
Located 29 minutes (24 kilometres) southeast of Espalion
(c) Where To Stay In Espalion
I rented an Airbnb that faced the park and river and I had free parking right in front. It was only a 10 minute walk into town. In this town you’ll find more chambres d’hotes
(Bed and Breakfasts) or apartment rentals rather than hotels.
Hotels And B&Bs In Espalion To Consider:
6. Other Posts About Aveyron
- Trip #35 To France-Itinerary For The Month Of May In Paris And Rural France
- Trip #39 To France-Autumn Adventures In Paris And Occitanie
Have you visited any of Aveyron’s 11 most beautiful villages? Please share your impressions.
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Hi Jan — I see that doing these trips really requires a car. Unfortunately I don’t really drive. Do you have a recommendation – anywhere in France really — for a base and some lovely villages that could be reached without too much trouble by public transportation? Merci mille fois.
It’s certainly possible to visit small, picturesque villages in France but more time will be needed to get there as you’ll usually have to take train(s) and buses. What I would do is stay in a major train hub town (ie. Millau, Rodez, Aix-en-Provence, Avignon) and then see about regional (TER) trains and busses that go to or through smaller towns. Rome2Rio or even Google Maps could give you some idea of your options.
I did a check for Millau and you can take a train to Rodez; however, I didn’t see a route that would have you stop in any of the “Les Plus Beaux Villages de France”. When I checked Avignon to Gordes (my favourite hilltop village in Provence), there were many busses that headed there, so it is doable.
For visiting the Aveyron department and the beautiful villages there, I’d consider Rodez or Millau as they are the largest cities. For visiting Provence, I’d consider Avignon, Aix-en-Provence, and possibly Saint-Rémy-de-Provence.
Another area to consider is the Dordogne. I have taken the train between Paris and Brive-la-Gaillarde. From Brive you could visit the villages in the Dordogne (ie. Sarlat). Very picturesque with lots of prehistoric caves.