Auvillar
Auvillar ('most beautiful villages of France') is a village between Agen and Montauban, on a rocky outcrop overlooking the Garonne River.
Tourist Information and places to visit
Auvillar is found along one of the original pilgrimage routes to Santiago di Compostella that pass through this region. It has a history dating back to the Romans, with its importance arising from both its raised position and its access to the navigable Garonne River. Auvillar is perhaps best described as small but perfectly formed.
The village is surrounded by ancient fortified walls, with gateways granting access to the centre. One of these passes under the 17th century clocktower.
The centre of Auvillar is based around the Place de la Halle, an attractive cobbled triangular 'square' lined with three rows of arcaded houses dating from the 17th and 18th centuries. The arcades, built in the trademark red-brick of the region, are very attractive, and the centre of the square is dominated by a very unusual circular market hall that dates from the early 19th century - built in 1825 it replaced a more conventional rectangula hall that previously stood in the same position..
Leading off from the centre, explore the streets lined with ancient houses.
Other highlights in the town include the clock-tower, which also acts as the gateway to the old town, which is unusual in that it is made from alternating stone with the typical red-brick of the region; the church of Saint-Peter, with its roots as a Benedictine priory dating from the 12th century; and the chapel of St Catherine.
Also just off from the edge of the centre (passed the Auvillar tourist office) is a large grassy area - once the location of the Viscount's castle - which has far-reaching views across open countryside, and down to the ironwork bridge that crosses the Garonne river below. Another viewpoint is found just behind the church.
The town prides itself also on its association with the arts, and frequent exhibitions are held in the hall of the office of Tourism. Several artists and potters have established themselves in the town and vicinity. There is also a jazz festival at Auvillar around the middle of July each year.
A little museum in Auvillar marks its history, in which pottery and quills (feather pens for writing) also played a significant role from the 17th to 19th centuries.
Because of its impressive raised location, Auvillar has far-reaching views across open countryside.
Nearby
Well worth visiting when you are in the vicinity are the pretty villages of Bardigues, just 4km from Auvillar, and Saint-Michel et Monbrison. The cloisters at Moissac are also unmissable.
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Visit Auvillar (Midi-Pyrenees, Tarn-et-Garonne) travel, gites and hotels
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The Auvillar hotels listed feature descriptions, guest reviews, ratings, location maps, online booking etc. as well as the 'best-price' guarantee. The search for hotels in Auvillar is provided by booking.com. General holiday / vacation options- See Midi-Pyrenees gites for Auvillar holiday rentals - Holiday villages in Midi-Pyrenees Holidays nearbyLooking for something close by? See a wide choice of hotels, holiday villages and holiday rentals at: VisitSee Visit Auvillar for places to visit near Auvillar including: a detailed map, villages in bloom and most beautiful villages DiscussAsk questions or leave a comment about Auvillar in our Midi-Pyrenees forum Airports near AuvillarBergerac airport at 93 km Toulouse airport at 70 km Auvillar property for saleSee Midi-Pyrenees property for sale
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Tourist Classifications for Auvillar
- Most beautiful villages in France
Places to visit near Auvillar, France
Explore places of interest within about 70 kilometres on a map at places near Auvillar.
Some places to visit within 30 km: 
23 km: Beauville (town) 22 km: Bourg de Visa (town) 18 km: Brassac (small village) 14 km: Castelsagrat (town) 35 km: Fleurance (town) 28 km: Frespech (traditional village) 28 km: Laroque-Timbaut (village) 33 km: Lauzerte (Most beautiful village) 21 km: Moissac (Falous cloisters) 14 km: Montjoi (village) 17 km: Puymirol (town)
See also Auvillar (version Francais)
