Even though it is not the only bastide founded by Alphonse de Poitiers, the brother of Saint Louis, Villefranche-de-Rouergue boasts of its prestige in a typically meridional way and lets it be known that it has a tale to tell that is way out of the ordinary.
Villefranche was a new town in the middle ages, founded by Alphonse de Poitiers, Count of Toulouse and the brother of the king, Saint-Louis.
It is laid out in the characteristic fashion of bastides: very regular, with streets that cross at right-angles, all converging on the central square which is surrounded by covered walkways, the places reserved for the town’s commercial activities and its markets. And it was precisely because of its role as a centre of commerce that Villefranche was able to build one of its finest architectural masterpieces: the Carthusian abbey of Saint-Sauveur, built in the 15th century thanks to a benefaction by a rich businessman of the town.
Be sure to take a walk around the outskirts of the town: there are some lovely walks in a natural setting that has been carefully preserved and is still in its wild state.
Not to be missed!
- Tour of the town - www.villefranche.com
- Carthusian monastery of Saint-Sauveur - www.villefranche.com
- The many walks that can be taken in the surrounding countryside - www.villefranche.com
Villefranche-de-Rouergue on the map
Our holiday offers in Villefranche-de-Rouergue
 Contact: Loisirs Accueil Aveyron Tel: +33 (0)565755550 e-mail: sla.aveyron@ wanadoo.fr |
 Aveyron - "Petits pas et Petits plats" Break (Little steps and little dishes)Using picturesque footpaths, you can wander freely on foot and encounter the people and the magnificent landscapes of the Aveyron Gorges, the Lot valley and the immense plateau. Short break of 3 days/2 nights. Full board. One and a half days of unguided walking. From €210/pers in hotels or B&BsFIND OUT MORE |
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