Explore Sauveterre de Rouergue

In the Ségala area, a Royal Bastide labeled among the “Most Beautiful Villages of France”!

Enter through the Saint-Christophe fortified gate and walk the Medieval alleys. They will drive you to the central square with its 47 arches surrounded by covered passageways. There, are gathered the big and beautiful houses that were owned by shopkeepers, magistrates and other prominent citizens. Prolong your immersive experience with a gourmet break.

What is a “bastide”?

It is a new town built between the 13th and the early 14th centuries. Its map is regular and distributed around a central square. It was founded by a king, a count, a lord, an abbot or a bishop. Want to learn more about this topic? Have a look at the French website of Pays d'art et d'histoire des bastides du Rouergue

From 13th century…

Sauveterre-de-Rouergue was founded in 1281 by Guillaume de Macon, Seneschal of Rouergue, on behalf of King Philip II known as Philip the Bold. His aim was to gather the farming population, develop economy… and enhance his authority, of course! Trade and crafts played a major role in the bastide's history, a trend that carried on until nowadays.

…to 21th century!

Today, Sauveterre-de-Rouergue hosts an Art Profession Centre. In there, are gathered craftsmen and craftswomen, who are members of the Association Art & Savoir-faire and practice in various fields: ceramics, glasswork, engraving, drawing, painting, photography, string-instrument making, sculpture, cabinetmaking…

Outside the bastide's ramparts, you will also find other workshops-stores: Max Capdebarthes Leather Craft and the Sauveterre Knife.

In the central square and close by, shops with craft or decorative items play a part in bastide's life.

Famous festivals and events and summer-night markets give rhythm to Sauveterre-de-Rouergue all year round. To learn more, have a look at our agenda.

Explore our other sites with tourist maps: Naucelle, Saint-Clair de Verdun, Baraqueville and Gramond.