Take a cultural journey through French Occitanie

Discover historical heritage in Aveyron

One of the places you definitely shouldn’t miss when travelling through the Aveyron department in France is the charming medieval town of Villefranche de Rouergue. Founded in 1252, this bastide is characterised by a rich cultural heritage. Wander through the narrow streets, admire the many monuments and settle down on the square in the heart of the town. Here you will also find the gateway to the historic jewel of the town, the Church of Our Lady Notre Dame, which towers over the town at 58 metres. In the summer months, climb the 163 steps of the Bell Tower of Notre Dame and enjoy a breathtaking view of Villefranche de Rouergue. Then visit the Chapel of the Penitents, a pearl of Baroque art built in the 17th and 18th centuries. Step inside and admire high painted ceilings, gilded altars and life-size paintings.

^{Foto: Yves Banza}

On this cultural journey, a stop in the historic village of Najac is a must. One of the reasons is its unique location: Najac is perched on a rocky outcrop above the Aveyron gorge and is surrounded by a green and mountainous area. Stroll through the narrow streets full of limestone houses, colorful awnings and blacksmith signs. Climb to the top of the village and visit the medieval fortress where you will learn all about the history and the area surrounding the fortress.

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Northwest of Aveyron you will find the pilgrimage site of Conques, with the impressive Abbey of Sainte-Foy as a cultural highlight. The Romanesque masterpiece from the 11th and 12th centuries has been on the UNESCO World Heritage List since 1998 as part of the pilgrimage route to Santiago de Compostela. Admire the stained glass windows designed by the French artist Pierre Soulages and take a look in the treasury of the reliquary of Sainte-Foy.

Read more about the cultural highlights of Aveyron here >

^{Foto: M Hennessy}

Phosphate mines, nature parks and craft products in Lot

In the south of the French department of Lot, you will come face to face with ancient fossils. In the Phosphatières du Cloup d'Aural, former phosphate mines have been found that you can visit with a guide. Until two centuries ago, this place was filled with a millions-year-old mixture of clay and phosphate-rich fossilized animal remains, but now there is a large gaping hole to be found. In the 19th century, fossils were mined and crushed here, including millions-year-old sabre-toothed tigers and crocodiles. In the meantime, this place has been completely taken over by nature and ferns and moss grow on the damp rock walls. Do you want to learn more about these phosphatières and the fossils? Take a guided tour of the Phosphatières du Cloup d'Aural.

^{Foto: Paulien van der Werf}

Just above the town of Rocamadour you will find La Borie d'Imbert, a farm where they make, among other things, the Rocamadour AOP cheese. The passionate farmers strive to make artisanal products in an honest, simple and local way. As a visitor you can take a look at the production process of the rural products. Walk between walnut trees and vineyards, taste various local cheeses and enjoy the peace that the countryside has to offer.

Continue your cultural journey to the Aubrac Regional Natural Park, a plateau that stretches across the Occitanie region. Drive through vast green landscapes with lakes, waterfalls and flower fields and visit Maison de l'Aubrac, a country house where you will learn all about the history, cultural heritage, gastronomy and traditions of the Aubrac Regional Natural Park.

Read more about the cultural highlights of Lot here >

Discover the ancient crafts and rich history of Lozère

In the middle of the French department of Lozère you will find the historic city of Mende. Due to its central location, this city is the ideal base for visiting surrounding nature reserves such as the Cevennes or Gorges du Tarn. The beating heart of the city is the Musée du Gévaudan, where you can learn everything about the history of Mende and the department of Lozère. The interactive museum was reopened in 2022 and has been free to visit since then. Admire medieval showpieces, fossils from the Jurassic period and life-size paintings from the 17th to 19th centuries. And it is not only the museum's collection that is impressive, the restoration of the historic building from 1665, where old and modern architectural elements are interwoven, is also a gem in itself!

^{Foto: Lourenzo Boogert Photography}

Centuries-old crafts kept alive by modern techniques, Atelier Tuffery shows that it is possible. The French jeans brand established itself in 1892 in the picturesque village of Florac and since then Atelier Tuffery has been the place where traditional craftsmanship, textiles and innovation come together. The brand is now run by the fourth generation of the Tuffery family, Julien Tuffery. The Atelier Tuffery store is not just any store: at the back of the store you can see the entire manufacturing process of the jeans. Dozens of rattling sewing machines, mountains of fabrics and cheerful employees with whom you can have a chat as a visitor. By safeguarding the knowledge and craftsmanship of tailors in a modern, pleasant environment, Julien fulfills his task of preserving the artisanal heritage of the 130-year-old family business.

You can also discover age-old crafts in the Cevennes National Park. Did you know that in addition to impressive nature, you can also find cultural heritage in the Cevennes National Park? Visit the Silk Museum Musée de la Soie in Saint-Hippolyte-du-Fort and discover everything about the three centuries of silkworm farms that have shaped the Cevennes landscape.

Read more about the cultural highlights of Lozère here >

^{Foto: Benoi Colomb}

This special was created in collaboration with Explore France and Lot, Aveyron, Lozère – Extraordinary enjoyment . You can find more travel inspiration about this region on our theme page Extraordinary enjoyment in Lot, Aveyron and Lozère >