The Aveyron remains one of the most unspoilt and least discovered regions in France with something of interest for everyone. Even in August we are far from the madding crowds (except perhaps on market day!) and there are non of the usual traffic jams common in other parts of the country.

Local attractions include:

• Viaur River - runs through complete wilderness making it one of the cleanest rivers in France. Fantastic for swimming, paddling, fishing or rockclimbing, with riverside path for walking or cycling. Even in August you can still find empty secluded stretches and spot dazzling kingfishers.
• Dolmens - near Villefranche at Martiel there is a stunted oak forest on the dry limestone 'causse' with numerous dolmens more than 4000 years old.
• Cave Paintings - just over the border in the Lot department near Saint-Cirq-Lapopie are the prehistoric cave paintings of Pech-Merle.  
• Cap'Découverte - new multi-activity centre near Carmaux with longest synthetic ski slope in Europe, 35km of cycle paths, huge indoor/outdoor skateboard park, lake with beach for swimming and watersports, toboggan run and chair lift.
                   
  Historic local towns include:

Najac, one of the most beautiful villages in France

• Najac - picturesque medieval village with 12th century castle perched high on a rocky outcrop overlooking the spectacular Aveyron River gorge which you can canoe, walk or cycle through.
• Villefranche de Rouergue - unspoilt medieval 'bastide' town on the banks of the Aveyron River famous for its traditional market every Thursday morning.
• Cordes-sur-Ciel - medieval hilltop town renown for its arts and crafts, its designer gardens 'Jardins des Paradis', and medieval pageant/festival every July.
• Gaillac - centre of the local wine producing region. Visit some of the 144 vineyards for complimentary wine tasting.
• Albi - situated on the banks of the River Tarn dominated by a colossal red brick cathedral famed for its gruesome frescoes and centre of the Albigensian Crusade against the Cathars. Also, home of artist Toulouse-Lautrec with excellent gallery exhibiting his work.
• St Antonin-Noble-Val - bohemian medieval town on the banks of the Aveyron River with popular market every Sunday.