Saint-Rome-de-Tarn is a locality of Aveyron, Occitanie region, 20 km southwest of Millau.
Vast 52 km², the territory of the town is along the north by the upper valley of the Tarn.
The village was fortified in the eleventh century to resist invasions and part of these ramparts remain visible. Protestant stronghold, the locality is however ruined at the end of the wars of Religion and rebuilds slowly.
In the nineteenth century, enjoying a climate almost Mediterranean, Saint-Rome-de-Tarn is a prosperous city thanks to its vineyards, the cultivation of almonds and the establishment of tanneries along its rivers.
During the twentieth century, demography has declined (nearly 900 inhabitants now) and the economy is concentrating on dairy production of ewes destined for Roquefort cheese-making and calf breeding. Silviculture and beekeeping are also present.
Having preserved a quality historical heritage, the town has also turned to tourism, a leisure base on the Tarn and a preserved environment attracting holidaymakers wishing to combine nature and tranquility.
For those who appreciate the historical heritage, a discovery of the small city with authentic charm can be done through the interpretation panels that line the town and retrace its history. At the discretion of the route, we can take a break at the church, destroyed in the sixteenth century and rebuilt in 1734. In the square, near the former priory stands the Abbey of Conques, which owns a remarkable cellar. Exhibitions and concerts are regularly organized (information on +33 5 65 58 44 00).
See also the fortified gates inherited from the medieval walls, while the village itself is crossed by narrow streets with many old houses still adorned with mullioned windows. One of them saw the birth of Denis Affre, archbishop of Paris in the 19th century, who died after having wished to intervene between the belligerents during the Revolution of 1848. This is a house with turrets (called visettes in the region).
The Place de la Poudrière, which offers a remarkable panorama of the Tarn and the gardens which border it, irrigated by canals already built by the Romans, as well as the old curved bridge of the 11th century are also worthy of interest.
In hamlets or so-called places, we note some major sites such as the remains of two feudal castles at Auriac or the former fortified hideout of Mazéga. More modest but characteristic of the region, the bories of shepherds who line the trays overlooking the village.
As for the natural environment, we will appreciate the waterfalls on the Tarn, which forms at the foot of the town a large enough basin before sinking into a narrow gorge.
This is how a beach and leisure center with supervised bathing in summer, sports fields and playgrounds and picnic areas have been developed. You can also rent canoes, kayaks and paddles and even boats without a license for walks on the Tarn up to Millau and its viaduct or short walks on site. Open from April to September. Information on +33 5 65 58 14 69.
Many hiking or mountain biking are also possible, routes incorporating the majority of historical or natural sites remarkable locality. Documentation and information on +33 5 65 62 50 89.
Fishing enthusiasts are not forgotten, they want to enjoy the Tarn or its tributaries... Contact +33 5 65 97 59 52.
