The small village of La Roque-Sainte-Marguerite is situated in the east of the Aveyron department in the Midi-Pyrenees, and to the east of Millau.
Exploring La Roque-Sainte-Marguerite
France This Way review: we discovered the village almost by accident as we explored the impressive Gorges de la Dourbie that are to the east of Millau, and were very glad we did - it is a very picturesque village in a pretty setting.
The village is quite small, with the location being the first thing that will attract your attention as the Dourbie river passes through the village and the cliffs and steep slopes of the Dourbie gorges rise high on both sides.
There is parking in the lower part of the village, where you will also find a cafe and from where all parts of La Roque-Sainte-Marguerite are easily accessed.
There are several narrow alleys that pass up through the village, between the traditional small stone houses. The route is made more interesting by the small gardens overflowing with flowers and the traditional chimneys that you can see along the way.
While passing through La Roque-Sainte-Marguerite you will also see the two principal monuments of interest: an 11th century church and a 16th century bread oven.
Continuing to the top of the rocky outcrop you will see the defensive fortifications around the upper part of the village. The oldest part of the castle dates from the 13th century although most of what you see today is from the 17th century reconstruction.
Chaos de Montpellier-le-Vieux
An important attraction in La Roque-Sainte-Marguerite is a few kilometres outside the village at the Chaos de Montpellier-le-Vieux, an unusual landscape of rock arches and boulders which you can explore along marked trails.
Note: there are several ways to reach the Chaos de Montpellier-le-Vieux depending which direction you are arriving from. While the most direct is from La Roque-Sainte-Marguerite itself you should be aware that this road is signed as being 'very narrow and dangerous' and is closed to any vehicle larger than a car, so you might prefer to use one of the more 'normal' roads to get here!
Local attractions
A short distance further along the Gorges de la Dourbie to the east of La Roque-Sainte-Marguerite you will also enjoy a stroll around the hamlet of Saint-Veran. You will also want to explore the Gorges de la Jonte while you are in this region.
If you tire of so much natural beauty you should take a trip to see the Millau Bridge, an impressive modern bridge that is among the highest in the world.
You can find more travel ideas in the Aveyron guide and the Midi-Pyrenees guide.
To make travel arrangements to visit La Roque-Sainte-Marguerite see HERE
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Map of La Roque-Sainte-Marguerite and places nearby
Places to visit near La Roque-Sainte-Marguerite
Gorges de la Jonte
Less dramatic and less well known than the Gorges du Tarn north of here, the Gorges de la Jonte are also very scenic and a pleasure to explore
Gorges de la Jonte guide
Millau
The town of Millau is a lively traditional town, well worth a visit when you are exploring this region
Millau guide
Millau bridge
Millau Bridge (the Viaduc de Millau) is a modern bridge designed by Norman Foster, one of the highest bridges in the world, and an imposing local monument
Millau bridge guide
Les Vignes
Les Vignes is a village on the banks of the Tarn river, surrounded by impressive craggy hills
Les Vignes guide
Meyrueis
The small rivers that meet in the centre of the town and the lively atmosphere in summer make Meyrueis a popular detour with those exploring the scenic highlights in Lozere
Meyrueis guide
Peyre
Close to Millau Bridge, the small village of Peyre is listed among the most beautiful villages in France
Peyre guide... or see ALL recommended places to visit in Aveyron
Address: Roque-Sainte-Marguerite, Peyreleau, Millau, Midi-Pyrenees, 12100, France || GPS coordinates: latitude 44.1258, longitude 3.2236
Plan your visit to La Roque-Sainte-Marguerite, Aveyron
Sightseeing & tourist attractions to visit nearby
- Chaos de Montpellier-le-Vieux: site of natural beauty
- Maison des vautours (vultures): zoo or wildlife park (8 km)
- Aven Armand (grotte): site of natural beauty (15 km)
- Peyre: most beautiful village (18 km)
- Abîme de Bramabiau: site of natural beauty (20 km)
- Grands Causses: regional natural parc (22 km)
- Chaos de Nimes-le-Vieux: site of natural beauty (25 km)
- La Couvertoirade: most beautiful village (25 km)
- Parc à loups du Gévaudan (wolves): zoo or wildlife park (27 km)
- Mont Aigoual: site of natural beauty (29 km)
- Gorges du Tarn: grand site of france (30 km)
- Le Caylar: village d'etape (30 km)
The French version of this page is at La Roque-Sainte-Marguerite (Francais)