The finest and most substantial town in the lower stretch of the Aveyron valley is ST ANTONIN NOBLE VAL, 16 km northeast of Penne. It is located beneath white cliffs of the Roc dAnglers on the Aveyron river's north bank. It developed in the ninth century around an abbey said to house the remains of St Antonin, whose body was carried here, according to legend, in a boat guided by two white swans. The town has experienced all the historical influences to affect the region - it sided with the Cathars, the Protestants and was punished by the norther kings.

It contains a fine heritage of houses endowed by wealthy merchants many from its medieval days when it was an important centre for linen and leather manufacture.

This visit begins in the place de la Halle, the market square, filled with bustle and market life each Sunday. Here the town's finest building and at present a museum, the MAISON DES CONSULS has Romanesque origins going back to 1125, making it the oldest civil building in France.

St Antonin is a good place to stay, with good hotels and restaurants. It is an excellent place to explore the gorge of Aveyron, where a string of interesting towns filled with ancient buildings can be visited.