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.

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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.

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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.

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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 Oct. 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 10/01/2026 to 11/01/2026
  • From 11/02/2026 to 12/18/2026
  • From 12/19/2026 to 01/03/2027
Semaines d'information sur la santé mentale - Exposition "Parenthèses de vie rurale"

From Oct. 5, 2026 to Oct. 18, 2026

Semaines d'information sur la santé mentale - Exposition "Parenthèses de vie rurale"

The 37th edition of this national public health campaign (October 2–18, 2026, in western Aveyron) will focus on the following theme: “For Our Mental Health, Let’s Open Ourselves to the Arts.”

Come discover the exhibition "Parenth%E8ses de vies rurales," a showcase of photographs of local people (caregivers, residents, etc.)

Next dates:

  • From 10/05/2026 to 10/18/2026
Boulevard des Douves
12260 VILLENEUVE
Semaines d'information sur la santé mentale - Exposition "L'art qui nous fait du bien"

From Oct. 5, 2026 to Oct. 18, 2026

Semaines d'information sur la santé mentale - Exposition "L'art qui nous fait du bien"

The 37th edition of this national public health campaign (October 2–18, 2026, in western Aveyron) will focus on the following theme: “For Our Mental Health, Let’s Open Ourselves to the Arts.”

Come discover the exhibition "Art That Does Us Good" at the Community Social Action Center (Inclusive Housing) in Villeneuve.

Next dates:

  • From 10/05/2026 to 10/18/2026
Place des Conques
12260 VILLENEUVE
Semaines d'information sur la santé mentale - Exposition "L'art qui nous fait du bien"

From Oct. 5, 2026 to Oct. 18, 2026

Semaines d'information sur la santé mentale - Exposition "L'art qui nous fait du bien"

The 37th edition of this national public health campaign (October 2–18, 2026, in western Aveyron) will focus on the following theme: “For Our Mental Health, Let’s Open Ourselves to the Arts.”

Come discover the exhibition "Art That Does Us Good" at the Villeneuve Support and Respite Center.

Next dates:

  • From 10/05/2026 to 10/18/2026
Boulevard des Douves
12260 VILLENEUVE
Webinaire retraite

The Oct. 13, 2026

Webinaire retraite

Retirement %E7a is just around the corner! Choose the retirement path that's right for you.

Next dates:

  • 10/13/2026
20 boulevard Cardalhac
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
Concert ensemble instrumental et orgues à l'église du Saint Sépulcre

The Oct. 18, 2026

Concert ensemble instrumental et orgues à l'église du Saint Sépulcre

Come enjoy %E0 a concert featuring an instrumental ensemble and organ music %E0 at the Church of the Holy Sepulcher %E0 in Villeneuve!

Nathalie Tuffery (flute) James Coles (violin and viola) Joseph Malherbe (organ) Works by J.S. Bach, Handel, Corelli, Telemann, César Franck... Concert presented by the "Musique Vivante et Orgue" association. Admission: 10?, free for those under 18

Next dates:

  • 10/18/2026
12260 VILLENEUVE
Marché aux bestiaux de Villeneuve

From Oct. 19, 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:

  • 10/19/2026
  • 11/02/2026
  • 11/16/2026
Route de Mondésir
12260 VILLENEUVE
Foire de Villeneuve

From Nov. 2, 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:

  • 11/02/2026
  • 12/07/2026
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
Exposition : Mon petit point m'a dit

From Dec. 8, 2026 to Jan. 5, 2027

Exposition : Mon petit point m'a dit

Exhibition: “%AB My Little Stitch Told Me? %BB” by Mes mains en or.

Guided by Helen Keller, Louis Braille, and Valentin Haesy, come discover the history of Braille and adapted tactile picture books. How do you write in Braille? What’s the secret to a good tactile image? What does an illustrated book accessible to blind children look like? Thanks to the Braille activity wall and the sensory box, discover text and illustrations in a whole new way! An exhibition that invites young and old alike to discover and experiment! For all ages, ages 6 and up Accessible to the visually impaired (audio, Braille books, tactile exploration).

Next dates:

  • From 12/08/2026 to 01/05/2027
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!

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