Sauveterre de Rouergue is a royal, 13th-century bastide, built around the largest arcaded squarein Rouergue (60 by 40 metres) and bordered by woodframe houses.
It is one of the most intact fortified towns in southwest France. Sauveterre is classifed, additionally, among the Most Beautiful French Villages.

The Distinct Architecture of the Bastide
It was in 1281 that 60 families settled in this royal bastide, safe from suffering at the hands of brigands and the caprices of the lords of the vicinity.
The checkerboard town plan is perfect and the exceptional dimensions of the Place of Arcades speak volumes about the dwellings of this new
mediaeval city. Sauveterre has been fortified since itwas founded, is still encircled by ramparts and pierced by four gates looking upon the main streets, all of which converge at the central square. Visitors are encouraged to profit from a paid visit, guided by lecturers who will introduce their charges to an understanding of the inventive urbanism exhibited by the bastides.

Many artists have chosen to live here: painters, sculptors and print makers. Agricultural activity is equally significant and diversified: cattle, sheep, goats, pigs, field crops, seeds and tobacco. Sauveterre's production of mother-raised calves prevails over its competitors. Equally reputed, though less famous than le Laguiole, is the knife of Sauveterre-de-Rouergue, which was dispatched to Geneva in the 15th century. Sauveterre preserved its vocation as the town of active and animated exchange