Villefranche-de-Rouergue, Medieval bastide town in Aveyron, France
Villefranche-de-Rouergue is a medieval bastide in the Aveyron department of southern France, built around a rectangular main square with covered arcades. The streets run in a right-angled pattern radiating from the center, with the Gothic market hall made of stone forming the tallest structure on the square.
Alphonse de Poitiers, brother of King Louis IX, founded the town in 1252 as a fortified settlement to strengthen royal power in southern France. Over the centuries, the place developed into an important trading center in the Rouergue region while maintaining its medieval layout.
The Thursday market on the central square brings together vendors selling regional products such as local cheeses, fresh vegetables, and traditional crafts from the Aveyron area. The medieval market hall still serves as a meeting point where residents do their weekly shopping and chat under the Gothic arcades.
The town can be reached by train with regular connections to Toulouse, Figeac and Aurillac during the week. The central square is just a few minutes' walk from the station, and most attractions are within half an hour on foot.
In September 1943, soldiers from the 13th Waffen SS Handschar division rebelled against Nazi forces in the local barracks. This uprising is one of the few documented revolts inside a Waffen SS unit during World War II.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
