VTT N°19 - The Durzon spring and St-Alban
The gardens of Nant and their irrigation canal, the resurgence of the Durzon and its clear water, the hamlet of Mas du Pré as suspended in time, the Saint-Alban hill, the Romanesque chapel of Saint-Martin du Vican: all the landscaped and built jewels that mark this demanding and fresh itinerary in the heart of a bucolic valley. To discover!
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 right towards the hamlet “Mas du Pré” on the hillside. A slightly steep track at the beginning will allow you to reach a pass.
- Turn left to follow the St-Alban hill halfway up. From the pass, continue on the track on 1km then on a small single to go down on the other side of St-Alban. You will arrive near the Romanesque church St-Martin du Vican (12th century).
- Turn left on 200m then right the road towards the village.
- 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
From Millau, by the D991 (Dourbies Gorges) or the D809 and D999 (Larzac plateau).
Parking :
Accessibility
Source
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