Auvillar

Visit Auvillar, Midi-Pyrenees

Auvillar is a village between Agen and Montauban, on a rocky outcrop overlooking the Garonne River. It is listed as one of the 'most beautiful villages of France'.

Found along one of the original pilgrimage routes to Santiago di Compostella that pass through this region Auvillar has a history dating back to the Romans, with its importance arising from both its raised position and its access to the navigable Garonne River.

Exploring Auvillar

Perhaps best described as small but perfectly formed the village of auvillar is surrounded by ancient fortified walls, with gateways granting access to the centre. One of these passes under the 17th century clocktower.

The centre of Auvillar is based around the Place de la Halle, an attractive cobbled triangular 'square' lined with three rows of arcaded houses dating from the 17th and 18th centuries. The arcades, built in the trademark red-brick of the region, are very attractive, and the centre of the square is dominated by a very unusual circular market hall that dates from the early 19th century - built in 1825 it replaced a more conventional rectangula hall that previously stood in the same position..

Leading off from the centre, explore the streets lined with ancient houses.

Other highlights in the town include the clock-tower, which also acts as the gateway to the old town, which is unusual in that it is made from alternating stone with the typical red-brick of the region; the church of Saint-Peter, with its roots as a Benedictine priory dating from the 12th century; and the chapel of St Catherine.

Also just off from the edge of the centre (passed the Auvillar tourist office) is a large grassy area - once the location of the Viscount's castle - which has far-reaching views across open countryside, and down to the ironwork bridge that crosses the Garonne river below. Another viewpoint is found just behind the church.

The town prides itself also on its association with the arts, and frequent exhibitions are held in the hall of the office of Tourism. Several artists and potters have established themselves in the town and vicinity. There is also a jazz festival at Auvillar around the middle of July each year.

A little museum in Auvillar marks its history, in which pottery and quills (feather pens for writing) also played a significant role from the 17th to 19th centuries.

Because of its impressive raised location, Auvillar has far-reaching views across open countryside.

Attractions nearby

Well worth visiting when you are in the vicinity are the pretty villages of Bardigues, just 4km from Auvillar, and Saint-Michel et Monbrison. The cloisters at Moissac are also unmissable.

Photos of Auvillar (click any picture to start the gallery)

Tourist classifications for Auvillar: One of the most beautiful village in France (plus beau villages);

Suggested places to visit near Auvillar, France

Distances shown are direct, driving distances will be greater.

More suggestions: Brassac 17km; Gramont Chateau 18km; Bourg de Visa 22km; Beauville 23km; Laroque-Timbaut 26km; Lectoure 27km; Agen 27km; Frespech 27km; Lauzerte 28km; Fleurance 31km; Penne d'Agenais 36km; Montauban 37km; Tournon d'Agenais 38km; Pujols 39km; Villeneuve-sur-Lot 40km; Condom 44km;

See these places and more on a map at places near Auvillar

Auvillar tourism: sights and attractions nearby

Abbaye de Saint Maurin (Saint-Maurin) - religious monument (15km) : Eglise et cloitres de Saint Pierre (Moissac) - religious monument (15km) : Eglise de Saint Martin (Layrac) - religious monument (20km) : Eglise de Notre-Dame (Lacour) - religious monument (25km) : Prieuré de Sainte Marie (Moirax) - religious monument (25km) : Eglise Notre Dame (Frespech) - religious monument (27km) : Cathédrale Saint Caprais d'Agen (Agen) - religious monument (27km) : Jardin du Pèlerin - remarkable garden (28km) :

French version: see Auvillar (Francais)