12 Aveyron, Midi-Pyrenees
The Aveyron département in the Upper Lot Valley is in the north of the Midi-Pyrenees region of France, its main towns being Rodez, Millau and Villefranche-de-Rouergue.
With budget airlines now flying into Rodez, and the newly completed A75 autoroute connecting north and central France with Pezenas and Beziers on the Mediterranean coast (via the wonderful Millau viaduct), the area is likely to see more visitors in coming years, attracted by a hitherto unknown part of France.
See our customised Google Map of the Aveyron
….a breathtaking area of extraordinary landscapes: of hills, valleys, and spectacular gorges.
Thanks to the spectacular Millau Viaduct designed by British architect Norman Foster this hidden corner of south west France, is now only two hours away from the Mediterranean. Aveyron offers all the pleasures of the region: traditional welcome, beautiful scenery, dramatic landscapes and picturesque villages.
Aveyron is the home of the famous Causses, the limestone plateaux around the town of Millau, which is equally famous for its luxury-glove-making. The majestic Gorges du Tarn, the Lot and the Aveyron Valleys, the charming classified villages of Najac and Conques (an important stopping place on the Way of St James de Compostela), and the Bastide towns, are all to be found here. And there’s more, there are unique Templar villages and the beautiful Lévezou lakes thrown in for good measure.
Aveyron is also renowned for its excellent cuisine: every auberge has rural delicacies, delicious cheeses (including the unique Roquefort cheese) and local wines for you to try. Other famous product of this area include the splendid Laguiole cutlery and pocket knives.
From the heights of the Aubrac mountains to the depths of the Tarn gorges, everything is to be found here, whether you are searching for a chance to unwind or a physical challenge, taking care of body and soul or just chill. With every step there’s a new discovery !
The Lot is home to Cahors and its wines, the rich tannic Malbec red wine. The Lot valley meanders its way from east to west across the departement. and offers a variety of landscapes from deep river valleys, high moorland, expansive oak forests.
The land of Gaillac wines, the striking edifice of Albi Cathedral (and a Toulouse Lautrec museum) and the medieval village of Cordes-sur-Ciel (in the sky). Lautrec holds an annual Garlic festival.
The heart of Gascony = wine (Cotes de Gascogne, Cotes de St Mont, Madiran, Pacherenc du Vic Bilh, Floc de Gascogne and Armagnac + duck and goose = foie gras!
