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.
Visit Villefranche-de-Rouergue (Midi-Pyrenees, Aveyron) travel, gites and hotels
Best Prices on Hotels in Villefranche-de-Rouergue - Guaranteed
(see guarantee details) Reserve online, pay at the hotel
The Villefranche-de-Rouergue hotels listed feature descriptions, guest reviews, ratings, location maps, online booking etc. as well as the 'best-price' guarantee. The search for hotels in Villefranche-de-Rouergue is provided by booking.com. General holiday / vacation options- See Aveyron gites for Villefranche-de-Rouergue 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: Places to Stay near Villefranche-de-Rouergue Villefranche-de-Rouergue Car HireFind locations offering car hire nearby at Villefranche-de-Rouergue car hire VisitSee Visit Villefranche-de-Rouergue for places to visit near Villefranche-de-Rouergue including: a detailed map, villages in bloom and most beautiful villages DiscussAsk questions or leave a comment about Villefranche-de-Rouergue in our Midi-Pyrenees forum Airports near Villefranche-de-RouergueCarcassonne airport at 128 km Rodez airport at 49 km Toulouse airport at 109 km Villefranche-de-Rouergue property for saleSee Midi-Pyrenees property for sale
|
|
||||||||||||
Tourist Classifications for Villefranche-de-Rouergue
- Listed as "Plus Beaux Detour" town in France (ie recommended stopover place)
Places to visit near Villefranche-de-Rouergue, France
Explore places of interest within about 70 kilometres on a map at places near Villefranche-de-Rouergue.
Some places to visit within 30 km: 
27 km: Figeac (Attractive market town) 16 km: Najac (Most beautiful village)
See also Villefranche-de-Rouergue (version Francais)
