Villeneuve

Aveyron
Art & crafts
Jean-Marie Périer Photo Gallery
Bastides
Place of safety and fortified planned town
Way of St James
The Conques to Toulouse path (GR®62B)

Villeneuve: a gateway to the heart of a medieval town full of surprises!

In Villeneuve, eight centuries of history come to life in the open air!

Stroll amongst covered squares, medieval alleyways and beautiful stone houses that tell the story of this charming town in the Aveyron.

As you stroll along, do pop into the fascinating gallery dedicated to the photographer Jean-Marie Perrier, famous for his portraits of 1960s icons, which adds a decidedly unexpected touch to your outing.

Medieval heritage and culture in western Aveyron

From the fortified gates to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, via the Jean-Marie Perrier Gallery, Villeneuve invites you on a journey where medieval heritage meets photography. Prepare to be surprised...

Galerie Jean-Marie Périer Les Plus Beaux Villages de France

Galerie Jean-Marie Périer

Step back in time and immerse yourself in the world of Salut les copains and the 1960s through the iconic photographs of Jean-Marie Périer. This internationally renowned photographer now calls Villeneuve home.

Learn more
Église du Saint-Sépulcre SPL Ouest Aveyron Tourisme

Église du Saint-Sépulcre

This church is notable for both its architecture and its mysteries. Built in two phases, the 11th-century Romanesque section adjoins the 13th-century Gothic section, creating the impression of two separate churches.

Learn more
Les tours-portes de Villeneuve Julien Herrero - SPL Ouest Aveyron Tourisme

Les tours-portes de Villeneuve

The fortified town of Villeneuve was once flanked by four towers. Today, two of these remain: the Cardalhac gate tower at the southern entrance and the Soubirane gate tower at the eastern entrance.

Learn more

Word of Mouth

Have you heard of the ‘pompe à l’huile’? It’s nothing to do with car mechanics – and it’s far tastier! This traditional pastry, made from sweet brioche dough flavoured with oil and filled with a mixture of eggs, crème fraîche and sugar, is a speciality of the Aveyron region that you can find at the village bakery...!


Your experiences to live in Villeneuve

Explore the medieval village by torchlight

Explore the medieval village by torchlight

Step back in time to the heart of the Middle Ages and into the night! Among the guided tours offered by the Tourist Office, the night-time tour available in summer (booking required) promises a mysterious and intimate atmosphere as you discover the history and heritage of the bastide, illuminated by the glow of torches...

Stock up on local produce at the Sunday market

Stock up on local produce at the Sunday market

Come along on Sunday morning to Place des Conques for the weekly market in Villeneuve. Alongside seasonal fruit and vegetables, you’ll find local specialities such as aligot, farçous, cheeses from the Aveyron region and gâteau à la broche. Please note: special events are organised at the market on the four Sundays leading up to Christmas.

Walking the Way of St James

Walking the Way of St James

Follow in the footsteps of the pilgrims on a hike along the route from Conques (another ‘Most Beautiful Village’!) to Toulouse. An easy 13.1 km stage (allow approx. 30h30’s walking time), starting from Villeneuve, will take you via the GR®62B to the royal bastide of Villefranche-de-Rouergue and its magnificent collegiate church.

Ideas for everyone, all the time

Marché de Villeneuve, le dimanche matin

From Jan. 1, 2026 to Dec. 31, 2026

Marché de Villeneuve, le dimanche matin

Market on the Place des Conques on Sunday mornings.

The market of Villeneuve d'Aveyron will welcome animations dedicated to local craftsmen and good local products during the four Sundays before Christmas. Visitors will enjoy a moment of conviviality in the heart of our splendid bastide to make their market in the respect of the sanitary rules, and to exchange with passionate professionals who will know how to delight their papillae during this festive period!

Next dates:

  • From 01/01/2026 to 12/31/2026
12260 VILLENEUVE
Livret-découverte Galerie Jean-Marie Périer

From June 1, 2026 to Jan. 3, 2027

Livret-découverte Galerie Jean-Marie Périer

Take a trip back to the 1960s and explore the rooms of the Jean-Marie Périer gallery, looking at the famous photographer's pictures in detail!

Detailed observation games, "who's this?", mazes and connect the dots will plunge young and old into a carefree era when Johnny Hallyday, the Beatles and the Rolling Stones ruled the musical planet! Booklet-game for 6-15 year-olds available from the gallery reception desk (included in the price of admission)

Next dates:

  • From 06/01/2026 to 09/30/2026
  • From 10/01/2026 to 11/01/2026
  • From 11/02/2026 to 12/18/2026
Villeneuve en fête

From Sept. 11, 2026 to Sept. 13, 2026

Villeneuve en fête

From September 11 to 13, in Villeneuve d'Aveyron, come celebrate the village festival! Throughout the weekend, there will be rides at Sol de la Dôme, entertainment, and plenty of fun.

Meet at Place Sol in the 10th arrondissement for the carnival rides! Friday, September 11: 7:00 p.m.: Pre-concert drinks in the heart of the village (Place des Conques) at Villeneuve’s bars and restaurants. You’ll find food stands and a refreshment stand, as well as musical entertainment (bands, bandas, DJs). You’ll also have the chance to watch a fireworks display. Saturday, September 12: 9:30 a.m.: Hike organized by Les Randonneurs de Villeneuve. Departure from the community hall. 2:00 p.m.: Friendly pétanque tournament at the Foirail. 3:30 p.m.: Mountain bike ride. 8? per person; free for children under 12. The ride starts at the Salle des Fêtes. To register: 06.47.89.82.21. Evening at the Salle des Fêtes (Raymond Audouard Socio-Cultural Center): 7:00 PM: Sangria reception with live music by the band “Les Contre Temps.” Free sangria from 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM. Dinner starting at 8:00 p.m.: melon and cold cuts, duck confit with potatoes, cheese, apple pie, and coffee. 20? per person, 12? for children under 12. 11 p.m.: Concert featuring the band “Jam Cat.” Sunday, September 13: Flea market all day along the town’s ring road, combined with the weekly market. 8 a.m.: Tripe breakfast at Place Saumade. 10? per person. You can enjoy country-style soup, cold cuts, tripe and potatoes, cheese, and fouace. 3:00 p.m.: Traditional threshing in the field below Sol de la Dée. 3:00 p.m.: Botanical tour and exploration of edible plants. Reservations at the Tourist Office. 6:00 p.m.: Musical aperitif with L’Amassada and Les Arcades. Place des Conques. Food available at the Brasserie des Arcades.

Next dates:

  • From 09/11/2026 to 09/13/2026
Fête votive de Villeneuve

From Sept. 11, 2026 to Sept. 13, 2026

Fête votive de Villeneuve

Fair, dance, entertainment, old-fashioned hype...

Programme to come

Next dates:

  • From 09/11/2026 to 09/13/2026
12260 VILLENEUVE
Vide-greniers spécial musique

The Sept. 13, 2026

Vide-greniers spécial musique

A garage sale dedicated to music.

If you're looking for musical instruments, sound equipment, vinyl records, CDs, and more, this yard sale is for you! There will also be an open stage with a drum set and amplifier on site. Booths are free.

Next dates:

  • 09/13/2026
RD 922 Bois du Fûmat
12260 VILLENEUVE
Marché aux bestiaux de Villeneuve

From Sept. 21, 2026 to Dec. 21, 2026

Marché aux bestiaux de Villeneuve

Accessible to the public, please keep a safe distance from the animals.

There are several fairs a month, on the 1st, 3rd and 5th Mondays.

Next dates:

  • 09/21/2026
  • 10/05/2026
  • 10/19/2026
Route de Mondésir
12260 VILLENEUVE
Biblis en Folie : Forro do sol

The Oct. 2, 2026

Biblis en Folie : Forro do sol

A concert featuring Brazilian music is scheduled as part of Biblis en folie 2026.

The duo Forr%F3 do Sol puts a fresh spin on traditional music from northeastern Brazil. Let yourself be carried away by the warm harmonies of the guitar as it flows over the pulsating rhythms of Brazilian percussion. A vibrant concert that will take you on a journey through all the styles of this popular music. Audience: All ages Duration: 1 hour

Next dates:

  • 10/02/2026
4 rue Pavée
12260 VILLENEUVE
Foire de Villeneuve

From Oct. 5, 2026 to Dec. 7, 2026

Foire de Villeneuve

Stalls selling men's, women's and children's clothing, socks and stockings, shoes, lingerie?

Next dates:

  • 10/05/2026
  • 11/02/2026
  • 12/07/2026
12260 VILLENEUVE
On ne parle pas avec des moufles

The Oct. 16, 2026

On ne parle pas avec des moufles

Featuring Anthony Guillon, a deaf actor, and Denis Plassard, a hearing dancer. A high-energy double one-man show performed in French Sign Language (LSF) and French

Have you ever imagined being stuck in an elevator with someone who doesn't speak the same language as you? “You Can’t Talk with Mittens On” is a farcical tale—the tragic comedy of a hearing person and a deaf person—stuck in a broken elevator.One can’t hear, the other doesn’t understand sign language. The elevator then becomes a ring where an absurd battle unfolds between the two protagonists, both equally talkative! A truly bilingual production, in which the interactions between the two “castaways” help us %AB%A0almost%A0%BB %E0 understand the one who doesn’t speak our language. The performance is followed by a Q&A session with the artists and an interpreter in French Sign Language.

Next dates:

  • 10/16/2026
4 rue Pavée
12260 VILLENEUVE
J'avancerai vers toi avec les yeux d'un sourd

The Nov. 20, 2026

J'avancerai vers toi avec les yeux d'un sourd

%AB I Will Walk Toward You with the Eyes of a Deaf Man %BB by L%E6titia Carton (Epicentre Films - 2016).

%AB%A0This film is dedicated to my friend Vincent, who died ten years ago. Vincent was Deaf. He introduced me to sign language. Today, I’m sharing with him news from his world—that unknown and fascinating world of a people fighting to defend their culture and identity.%A0%BB. %A0In memory of her friend Vincent, who took his own life, director Laetitia Carton paints a panorama of what she calls the Land of the Deaf. To do so, she profiles deaf individuals, such as these five “walkers of silence” who are attempting to reach Milan to draw attention to their cause... The screening will be followed by a discussion with people who are deaf. Suitable for all audiences The film will be screened with subtitles for the French deaf and hard of hearing, as well as the visually impaired. Runtime: 1h52

Next dates:

  • 11/20/2026
4 rue Pavée
12260 VILLENEUVE

A walk to the Giant’s Tomb

Take the family on a very easy 3.9 km walk (approx. 1 hour 15 minutes’ walk) to discover Villeneuve’s flora and fauna, as well as its megalithic heritage. Thanks to the “Baludik” treasure hunt, which you can download, this educational trail will allow you to share an informative and fun experience with the little ones!

A guided walk with birds of prey

Enjoy a unique experience up close with birds that follow your calls. Your guide, Isabelle, from the Les Horts de Walhalla association, will introduce you to the art of falconry. A magical moment and an original way to explore nature…

Minimum of 3 people and by booking only.

First hot-air balloon ride

Treat your loved one to an unforgettable moment suspended in the air… both literally and figuratively! Le Ballon du Causse offers a hot-air balloon ride over the magnificent landscapes of the Causse de Villeneuve and western Aveyron. A unique, magical and romantic experience to share with your partner!

Our recommendations

Art et Galets Art et Galets

Art et Galets

Restaurant

At Gaëlle and Nicolas's restaurant, the food is cooked over a wood fire. At their restaurant, which also functions as a delicatessen, chef Nicolas Moreu serves creative cuisine in a warm and authentic setting.

Map of Villeneuve

Extend the visit to near Villeneuve

Capdenac-le-Haut

(17 km)

Najac

(24 km)

Belcastel

(25 km)

Prepare your stay at Villeneuve

Office de Tourisme Bastides et Gorges de l'Aveyron

Office de Tourisme Bastides et Gorges de l'Aveyron

How to get here?

Accessibility
Villeneuve

# Accessible aux personnes à mobilité réduite : Accessible aux personnes à mobilité réduite et aux poussettes

# Parking : Stationnement gratuit toute l'année

# Aire de stationnement pour camping-car : Aire de stationnement pour camping-car à moins de 15 mn à pieds