Aveyron
Named for the beautiful river running through, think civilised wilderness. The landscape is roughly one third mountains and two thirds gorges and hills, making it a hugely popular destination for hikers, bikers, outdoor sports and adrenaline junkies.
Gorgeous hilltop medieval villages abound, including 10 of the 150 or so officially most beautiful villages in France
Here’s a stunning example at Najac.
Don’t miss the larger medieval market town of Villefranche-de-Rouergue on the river.
The addition of the spectacular Millau viaduct in 2004 has made journeying through and beyond this amazing place easier and quicker.
The airport at Rodez makes splendid isolation a choice rather than a necessity.
But don’t rush off! Stay a while.
Aveyron fact file
Land area: 8,735 square kilometres
Population: 275,000
Population density: 32
Main town: Rodez
Local property styles
‘Causses’ is a word you’ll see and here relating to property styles. It’s origins are from the protected valleys that abound. Limestone is ‘the’ traditional material.
So stone-built, external staircases, towers, steep-pitch tiled roofs.
