VTT N°4: The cirque of Tournemire
From the granary-tower of Viala-du-Pas-de-Jaux, ride through a landscape shaped by the agropastoral tradition before reaching the cliffs of the Tournemire cirque. Vast horizons, large expanses and breathtaking landscapes await you throughout this family itinerary in a sumptuous natural paradise.
2 points of interest
GeologyThe Tournemire cirque
Situated in the southwest of the Larzac Causse, the Tournemire Cirque is a remarkable geological area marking the bondary beetwen the fore-causses and the great causses. It presents limestone ledges and rocky escarpments with caves and cavities where raptors such as the eagle owl and the golden eagle nest.
History and heritageTower of Viala du Pas de Jaux
The Lord of Tournemire gave to the Templars knights the lands of Viala du Pas de Jaux in 1150. In the 12th and 13th centuries, the Viala consisted of a few farms.
After 1312, when the Hospitallers took possession of the Templars’ property, they decided to create in this place a village and for that they built farm buildings, managed by the brothers of the order. They constructed for them a dwelling and a church dedicated to St-Jean-Baptiste, the patron of the Hospitallers.
Until 1430, the inhabitants of Viala du Pas de Jaux and the surroundings took refuge in Ste-Eulalie de Cernon during the periods of insecurity which occurred on the Larzac. Because of the high distance between the two village, the inhabitants asked the authorization to the Grand Prior of Saint Gilles, to build a fortified tower to be able to take refuge inside with their possessions. This is the first fortification built on the plateau.
Today the 30 meters high tower has been restored. The vaulted ground floor, the five floors, its terrace and the dwelling dating from the 14th century are now accessible.
Description
From the car park, get to the village.
- Take the street that goes up in front of the Tower. At the crossroads follow the GR on the right (red and white markers).
- 400m further, turn left on the track. At the intersection, follow yellow signs on the right.
- Once on the edge of the cliffs, follow the single path that runs along them until the cross.
- To come back to the village, take the road first and then the track on the right (GR 71 C).
- Departure : Viala du Pas de Jaux
- Arrival : Viala du pas de Jaux
- Towns crossed : Viala-du-Pas-de-Jaux and Tournemire
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
36km south of Millau by the D809 and the D23.
Parking :
Accessibility
Source
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