VTT N°18 - The Durzon Spring
From the « Place du Claux » in Nant, go for a refreshing breakaway in the Durzon valley. From irrigation canal to stream, water is the blue thread of this route that leads you to the resurgence of the Durzon, where the water flows in a green landscape of undergrowth. An exciting ride to share with your family!
2 points of interest
ArchitectureThe covered Market
The city of Nant obtained in 1369 the right to have fairs and markets, right granted by the Duke of Anjou. In the 15th century, the privileges of the city are confirmed: weekly markets are held there, 4 annual fairs are conceded, one of which lasted 3 days on November, 2, 3 and 4.
The covered market was rebuilt in 1706 an 1707, the first stone was laid on March, 13, 1706.
It is a squat, rectangular construction (30 m long and 8 m wide) with 12 pillars supporting the vault, interconnected by a semicircular arch.
On a pillar, a plaque commemorates the events of August 14 and 15, 1944 when two Nant’s civilians and seven maquisards from “Maquis des Corsaires” were shot.
Listed in the inventory of Historic Monuments since April 13, 1944.
GeologyThe Durzon Spring
Located at the foot of the Larzac Causse, in the south-west of Nant, the Durzon Spring is a karstic resurgence whose supplying basin extends over 100km² between L'Hospitalet du Larzac, Le Caylar, Cazejourdes and Egalières. The Karstic system doesn't retains water on surface and constitutes big undergroung water reserves.
The flow of the source varies between 0,8m3/s and 35m3/s and has an average temperature of 11,13°C. The Durzon river runs for 6km and flows into the Dourbie river at the place "La Mouline".
Description
- From the parking, pass the old market and go to the square « Place St-Jacques ». Take the path called “Chemin des Vernèdes hautes”, a beautiful little path between the gardens, which follows an irrigation canal on 600m before finding on a small road (D178) towards the spring “Source du Durzon”
- Turn left and continue on the road for 5km before reaching the spring. Let’s take a break and admire this special and peaceful place.
- Go back on the right bank of the Durzon: cross the small concrete bridge and turn left on a path along the stream with a luxuriant vegetation, moss covers trees and the light has difficulty to land on the ground.
- At the end of the path, at the cross, take left and pass on the bridge, then turn right on the road to go back to Nant by the same way.
- Departure : Nant
- Arrival : Nant
- Towns crossed : Nant
Altimetric profile
Recommandations
Information desks
Tourist Office Larzac et Vallées
Place du Claux, 12230 NANT
Located on the ground floor of the Town Hall (mansion of the 18th century), The Tourist Office welcomes you all year and offers tourist information on the Larzac and its valleys, the department of Aveyron, and also on neighboring counties. Free Wifi access.
Opening hours :
From Novembre to February: Tuesday morning 9:00-12:30
March and October : Tuesday to Friday 9:00-12:30
April : Tuesday to Friday 10:00-12:30 and 14:00-17:30
May, June : Tuesday to Saturday 10:00-12:30 and 14:00-17:30
July and August : every day 10:00-12:30 and 14:30-18:00
September : Tuesday to Saturday 10:00-12:30 and 14:00-17:30
Transport
Access and parking
Parking :
Accessibility
Source
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