Photo : Krzysztof Golik / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Gorges de l'Aveyron
A tributary of the Tarn, the Aveyron has carved deep gorges between Bruniquel, in Tarn-et-Garonne, and Villefranche-de-Rouergue. The most spectacular stretch lies downstream of Saint-Antonin-Noble-Val, where the river winds at the foot of high limestone cliffs; further upstream, between Saint-Antonin and Laguépie, the valley widens and is less enclosed.
Together with the Vère valley, the gorges have been a listed natural site since 1985 and a Grand Site of Occitanie since 2018. Canoeing and kayaking start from Saint-Antonin-Noble-Val, and waymarked cycle routes on quiet roads are suited to experienced cyclists. The route links several hilltop villages, including Bruniquel and Penne, crowned by their castles.
