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Villefranche-de-Rouergue
Villefranche-de-Rouergue is in the Aveyron department of the Midi-Pyrenees, 40km west of Rodez.
Villefranche-de-Rouergue is unusual among the 13th century bastide towns in the south-west of France in that it is very largely uncommercialised. It comes very close to being a 'typical French town'. Perhaps this is because it is a little off the beaten track - there are few other large towns close by. (This has led perhaps to a bit too much low-rate development on the edges of the town).
There are two main streets in the town, both attractive, that lead to the main square. The square itself is an almost perfect bastide town centre, with intact arcades around the edges of the square, and attractive medieval houses above. The square is also on a slope, so you can look down on the lower half. The houses surrounding the square are taller than those found in most other bastide towns.
One corner of the square is, to say the least, dominated by the church and its oversized belltower and entrance porch - take a look at the 15th century stained glass windows in the church.
Also well worth a look are the Chapelle des Penitents-Noirs, and the Chartreuse St-Sauveur (just out of town on the Gaillac road), which has a lovely cloister - one of the largest in France - and some good woodcarvings on the interior stalls.
You should also wander down to the river, and take a look at the 'old bridge' and the riverfront.
Market day for Villefranche-de-Rouergue is Thursday, and is perhaps the best time to visit.
Villefranche-de-Rouergue: tourist information, map, travel plans and gites
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Map of Villefranche-de-Rouergue, France |
Places to visit - Villefranche-de-Rouergue
Explore places within about 70 kilometres on a map at Visit Villefranche-de-Rouergue.
Some of the closer places are listed below (distances from Villefranche-de-Rouergue are approximate and direct - as the crow flies. Only places listed on the france this way site are shown!)
Tourist Classifications for Villefranche-de-Rouergue
- Listed as "Plus Beaux Detour" town in France (ie recommended stopover place)
Information and photos
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