Auvillar - a place to visit
Auvillar - is a stunning bastide village which is about 30 km north north east from Last. It is just north of the autoroute and south east of Valence. You will find it by taking the D40 north from St Clar. After about 19 km turn right to SP Mansonville. Follow D3 to T junction and then go left on D11, passing Bardigues, under the autoroute. On approaching village take left turn, go down the hill and find one of the many parking places. Walk on down the hill to the T junction and turn right.
This is not really an outing for kids. The ideal time to arrive is 1100 hrs. Book a table for lunch at L'Horloge Restaurant, which is beside the entrance archway, on your way into the village.
Walk through the arch of the brick tower and, before you go to explore this lovely village, the second shop front on the left hand side, is La Savonnerie. The shop, which is painted green, is about 15 m into the village from the archway on the left. It is run by a charming lady (who speaks a little English) who makes all the lovely soaps etc. She said she only opens on Saturdays and Sundays out of season - I think - but she said it is always best to check first by calling her on 05 63 95 47 12.
There are stunning views from high up above the Garonne from the back of the village. Really worth a visit and described as one of the most beautiful villages in France.
