“Gorges de l'Aveyron” is the French name for the canyon cut by the Aveyron river in the limestone of the causses du Quercy. It is one of the nicest country sides in South-West France, with unspoilt nature and marvellous sights. The canyon connects three well-preserved medieval villages: Saint-Antonin-Noble-Val, Penne and Bruniquel.
History has left its traces: the bastides were fortified villages and towns, as a defence system against conquerors, and in order to re-populate the French South-West after the crusaders devastated the region in their war against the Cathar heretics. During the Hundred Years War, the English destroyed many places, ransomed the inhabitants and occupied large territories. The Religion Wars have opposed neighbouring villages one against the other, Catholics killed their Huguenot neighbours and vice versa, commerce and industry were brought to a standstill, infrastructure was annihilated. Famine and Black Death decimated what was left of the impoverished population. The situation improved a little bit in 19th century thanks to a relative peace; then the 20th century took his toll. The Great War decimated the male population, and afterwards people leaved the country-side in the hope for jobs and a better life in the cities.
The area is certainly one of the finest for tourism: not only landscapes and villages are relatively unspoiled, it remains a quiet region, with habitants open and nice to foreigners. The best way to visit the canyon is slow travel: walking or cycling, perhaps even canoeing.
And a canyon is more than the river alone, it is also the surrounding landscapes. From the Aveyron river, it takes only a few kilometre to enter the Gresigne Forest, the largest oak forest in the South-West, full of treasures from nature. A good place to stay during your visit to the Aveyron canyon is Artichaud, an eco-friendly B&B near the gorges.
We are located perfectly in the middle of the the most worthwhile visiting points in this part of the South-West: the gorges de l'Aveyron, the bastides albigeoises and the Gaillac vineyards. We are walkers ourselves, we have a large documentation and a series of maps; we can provide first-hand experience, tips and suggestions to our guests. Our guest house is very comfortable; we serve delicious meals with organic food and excellent Gaillac wine.
Please check our walking holiday arrangements.
More information on the tourist roads and areas:
Text & pictures: © Bed and Breakfast Artichaud
