N°3 La Quille, mountain of the British
Saint-Affrique

N°3 La Quille, mountain of the British

History and heritage
Panorama
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A circuit without special difficulties during the ascent but which requires some technique when heading your way down… perfect if you want to increase your adrenalin shot.

This name is in reference to the British soldiers who laid siege to the town during the 14th century. During your ascent, you will definitely have the opportunity to watch flocks of sheep of the Lacaune breed (which milk is used in the manufacturing of the Roquefort cheese) for the track goes past two farms. After a refreshing cycling across the plateau, off you go riding downhill to Vailhauzy on a technical and stony track.

 


1 point of interest

  • Dolmen

    Tiergues dolmen

    Listed as a historical monument, the Tiergues dolmen is part of the 20 or so dolmens which have been recorded in the area, some of them being poorly-preserved. The excavations of these megaliths were carried out by Emile Cartailhac during the 20th century and today their artefacts are scattered throughout Midi- Pyrennées (Rodez, Toulouse…)

Description

From the F. Fabié square, take the D50 (usually called the graveyard road) for 2.5 km up to the Moulin du Juge.

  1. Before crossing the small bridge, take the path on the left hand side (2nd signpost).
  2. Cycle up the vale to the road intersection close to the well known dolmen de Tiergues (it is a 2 km ride there and back to have a look at it). Then take a wide and steeper path which leads to the hamlet of Tiergues. When you leave the hamlet, cycle up to the crest by the path leading West.
  3. Carry on for 100 m up to an intersection where you’ll see a cross. Take the path to your left which runs alongside the road.
  4. At the intersection, cross the road and cycle to the Canissac farm.
  5. Cycle around the left side of the farm by following a wide trail. Enjoy the views over the avant-Causses among which is the Mont Combalou that shelters the village of Roquefort, made world famous by its cheese.
  6. A path lined with box trees (bouissière) leads you up to the edge of the plateau. From there, a technical downhill ride allows you to reach Vailhauzy where you can enjoy a nice view over its splendid 19th century castle. The route back to Saint-Affrique is on a small road halfway up the slope which reaches the bottom of the relay mast.
  7. On your left, a small steep path leads you straight to the town centre.
  • Departure : From the tourist office join the place François Fabié
  • Arrival : At the tourist office
  • Towns crossed : Saint-Affrique

Altimetric profile


Recommandations

Box tree moths are active from May to October. During the caterpillar phase, they feed on the leaves of box trees. They crawl down trees and move on long silken threads, although these threads are annoying when hiking they do not pose any health risk

Information desks

Saint-Affrique Tourist Office

Boulevard Aristide Briand, 12400 Saint-Affrique

http://www.roquefort-tourisme.fr/contact@roquefort-tourisme.fr0565585600

OPENING TIMES:


The Tourism Office is open all year round, the opening hours are:

·July and august:

From Monday to Saturday: 9h – 13h & 15h – 19h

Sunday: 9h – 13h

·From September to June:

From Tuesday to Saturday: 9h – 13h & 14h – 17h

Closed: Sundays, Mondays and bank holidays

From November to April, the office is also closed on Saturday afternoon.

Find out more

Transport


Access and parking

Parking :

Place Maréchal Foch or Place du Général Leclerc

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