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Saint-Antonin-Noble-Val

Visit Saint-Antonin-Noble-Val (Midi-Pyrenees, France)

Saint-Antonin-Noble-Val is found to the south-east of Tarn-et-Garonne, close to Najac (Aveyron department) and Cordes-sur-Ciel (Tarn department).

Well placed for exploring the impressive scenery of the area, Saint-Antonin lies close to the beautiful Gorges de l'Aveyron and was historically a stopping point on the pilgrimage path to Santiago de Compostela.

Exploring Saint-Antonin-Noble-Val

It is the medieval part of Saint-Antonin that is of interest to visitors, and has a great deal to discover in the narrow medieval streets of the town.

Start your visit with the buildings around the Place de la Halle, featuring the medieval market hall on it's sturdy stone legs, and the great architectural highlight of the town - the 12th century town hall with its belfry (the Town Hall now houses a small museum of prehistory). This is the oldest civil building in all of France and really is quite stunning. The Place de la Halle is is a great place to sit out and enjoy a coffee or a beer surrounded by the superb architecture of the town.

Saint-Antonin-Noble-Val has its origins in a Benedictine Monastery built in the 8th century. Some of the buildings of the main square and the surrounding streets date from the first half of the 12th century - notably older than most 'medieval villages'.

There are numerous small alleys to explore, lined with attractive houses many of which feature fascinating historical features - a small bridge, a statue, or an ornate window - which make an exploration very rewarding.

Among the most notable medieval houses are the Kings House, the lower part in stone and with ornate windows, and the upper storey half-timbered, the Maison de l'Amour, and the Maison de l'Ave Maria although you will discover many others as you explore.

Four of the buildings in Saint-Antonin are classified Historic Monuments. These are: the town hall; the arcades of the 'Maison d'amour'; the 'Maison Fonsagrives-Muratet' and the Moulin à huile de noix (walnut-oil mill). There is also an ancient 14th century tannery to see and the tourist office is housed in the attractive 18th century Convent of the Genovefains.

Amble also a little way along the Aveyron River for an attractive look back across the town, then set off to the 'Roc d'Anglars', the cliff that towers over Saint-Antonin-Noble-Val, for a spectacular view across the valley and town.

Any Sebastian Faulks fans may recognise Saint-Antonin-Noble-Val from the film of his book 'Charlotte Gray'.  The film was released in 2001 and starred Cate Blanchet.

Attractions in the region

This is one of our personal favourite regions of France and you are spoiled for choice whether you are looking for scenic highlights such as the Gorges de l'Aveyron or small towns and villages to explore - among those we particularly recommend that you visit are Cordes-sur-Ciel (to the south-east) and Bruniquel (to the south-west) but you will find your own favourite hamlets as you drive around.

On your way towards Bruniquel take a diversion to the left along the 'Route de la Corniche' for some exceptional views.

For a change from all the scenic highlights visit the substantial cave system at the Grotte du Bosc.

Photos of Saint-Antonin-Noble-Val

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Address: Saint-Antonin-Noble-Val, Montauban, Tarn-et-Garonne, Midi-Pyrenees, 82140 || GPS: latitude 44.1528, longitude 1.75583

Map of Saint-Antonin-Noble-Val & places nearby



 

Highlights close by

More suggestions: Bruniquel 13km; Parisot 15km; Cordes-sur-Ciel 19km; Najac 19km; Castelnau-de-Montmiral 21km; Realville 22km; Gaillac 30km; Villefranche-de-Rouergue 31km; Montauban 35km; Saint-Cirq-Lapopie 35km; Cajarc 38km;

See lots more places to visit nearby and a more detailed map at places near Saint-Antonin-Noble-Val.
See Midi-Pyrenees and Tarn-et-Garonne (the region and department for Saint-Antonin-Noble-Val) for more travel ideas...

Suggested tourist attractions to visit near Saint-Antonin-Noble-Val, France

• Beaulieu en Rouergue Abbey - national monument (10km)
• Jardins de Quercy - remarkable garden (10km)
• Bruniquel - most beautiful village (13km)
• Cayriech - ville fleurie 4* (14km)
• Jardin de Paradis - remarkable garden (19km)
• Najac - town of art and history (19km)
• Gaillac - recommended detour (30km)
• Villefranche-de-Rouergue - recommended detour (31km)
• Saint-Cirq-Lapopie - most beautiful village (35km)
• Montauban - secteur sauvegarde (36km)

Market days in Saint-Antonin-Noble-Val: Regular market(s) are held in Saint-Antonin-Noble-Val each Sunday. (Markets are held in the morning unless stated.)

The French version of this page is at Saint-Antonin-Noble-Val (Francais)