N°7 The relays

Saint-Affrique

N°7 The relays

Panorama

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This biking tour leads you from the Sorgues and Dourdou valleys to the avant-causses landscapes situated west of Saint-Affrique and enables you to discover the agricultural wealth of this region.

A long and challenging circuit with steep slopes to cycle up and down and some more technical parts providing a great variety of terrains: paths through the undergrowth, on the red soils or along the former railway line

4 points of interest

History and heritage

Village of Vabres l’Abbaye

Vabres has kept many testimonies of its eventful history: in 863, a Benedictine monastery was founded in Vabres by the Count of Toulouse. Vabres abbey soon became the great abbey of the southern Rouergue amassing a wealth of lands and churches. In 1317 Pope John XXII, second French Pope in Avignon selected Vabres abbey as the seat of a new diocese comprising all the parishes situated south of the Tarn river. Vabres was thus under the Bishop’s and the Count’s authorities for almost five centuries up to 1790. Throughout its history, Vabres has undergone some tumultuous periods: the One Hundred Years War and the violent religious wars, yet the Gothic cathedral with its exceptional organ, the Episcopalian palace and some old aristocratic mansions have been preserved.

Architecture

Pont Vieux in Vabres l’Abbaye

This bridge is also called the Bethléem Pont Vieux, the chapel that carries the same name is located on the right bank of the Dourdou river downstream from the bridge and is listed as a historic monument.

The bridge was buit in 1278 and was probably the place where the turnpike called Peyralbe collected tolls. This arched bridge is composed of 4 semi-circular arches with triangular front and rear beaks.

Cars still drive over the bridge.

Panorama

Peyralbe interpretative board

Here you will enjoy an outstanding all-round 360º view with two fully documented viewpoint indicators. These boards provide information about the local geology, the various types of rocks to be found, the reason why this area is called the Rougier de Camarès, as well as how a meander is formed, a phenomenon which can be observed further down with "le fer à cheval" (the horseshoe) a meander created by the Dourdou river. The second board provides information about the village of Vabres l'Abbaye and on the creation of the bishopric in 1135.

Carved standing stones

Bournac carved standing stone

This engraved statue is made of Permian sandstone and was discovered in 1980. A chevron decorated belt and the round shape of the knees are visible.

Description

As you cycle along the boulevard A. Briand, go past the EDF building, then turn to your right and follow the road towards Vabres l’Abbaye. This road is a former railway line and leads you to a tunnel. After you have passed through the tunnel, take a left turn on to the D999 and follow it for 200 m.

Then turn right towards the shopping area and cycle through the hamlet of le Bourguet.
Cycle under the bridge and join Vabres l’Abbaye. Head towards the Pont Vieux and cross the river.
Immediately after the bridge, take a path to your left situated between the river and the greenhouses. Pass under the D999, and eventually you will reach the Miral farm. Cycle up the slope for 4 km until you reach Canteloup. Here you can enjoy the beautiful view over the Rougiers de Camarès and the Monts de Lacaune.
At the intersection, carry straight on along a red soil path running north.
When you reach the next intersection, take a right, then the first left on to the D117 up to the Mas de Nicouleau. A path takes you above the building to join the crest line up to Peyralbe. You will see the relay and a natural heritage indicator board located at the 524 m vertical benchmark. Retrace your way back down the way you came and then cycle towards Boussy, le Poujol and then follow the former railway line up to the village of le Cambon. Cycle through le Cambon towards Bournac. This village is built out of red stone and clings to the steep hill side.
Cross the Dourdou river and take the road to the right that leads to Solages.
(7)Follow the D54 to the left, cycling down the slope and then take the path to your right through an oak wood up the la Pale pass (608 m).
(8)Retrace your way back by taking the road to your right that leads to Touloupi. 1.5 km further on you will see a path which will bring you back to Saint-Affrique.
Panoramic view from the TV relay (4km cycling there and back)

Departure : Saint -Affrique

Arrival : Saint -Affrique

Towns crossed : Saint-Affrique, Vabres-l'Abbaye, Calmels-et-le-Viala

Altimetric profile

Recommandations

A few road crossings require you to be careful because of the heavy traffic such as the one situated right at the start of the circuit across the D999.
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.fr

0565585600

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

Travel by bus or train: http://www.mobimipy.fr/

Carpooling : BlaBlaCar, Rézo Pouce, Covoiturage-libre, Idvroom, LaRoueVerte, Roulez malin

Access and parking

Saint-Affrique is situated 31 km South West from Millau via the D992 and D999 roads.

When driving from Clermont-Ferrand or Montpellier via the A75, take exit n°46, then follow the road D999 up to Saint-Affrique.

From Toulouse/Albi follow the road D999 up to Saint-Affrique.

Parking :

Recommended carparks: on Maréchal Foch square or on Général de Gaulle square

More information

Report a problem or an error

If you have found an error on this page or if you have noticed any problems during your hike, please report them to us here:

Close by

Where to eat ?

Where to sleep ?

Traditional catering or cafeteria-style for groups. Bar with terrace. Outdoor swimming pool, fitness centre. 3 meeting rooms with accommodating 15 to 150 people.

COVID 19 MEASURES

The safety of our clients and our staff is priority number one. In response to the coronavirus disease, we have taken additional health and safety measures to ensure our guests security.

We have strengthened our cleaning team and increased the frequency of disinfection of bedrooms, common areas, hotel private areas and especially areas and facilities used by everyone (entrance hall, lifts (by now unauthorised use), door handles, toilets, Reception Hall, room access cards and others).

• The staff is currently trained to prevent the spread of the coronavirus by means of new cleaning and disinfection techniques appropriate for today's conditions.

• We have provided our employees with personal protective equipment.

• We use specifically recommended cleaning products for the disinfection against COVID 19.

• The storey's staff will not carry out the daily cleaning in occupied rooms to prevent anyone to entering your room.

• Change of bathroom linen will be available at the Reception if needed.

• Alcohol-based disinfectant hand gel is available to our clients in the Reception Hall and in each floor.

• Your access badge will be disinfected and placed in an envelope. Upon your leaving, please put it in the box provided for this purpose, in the Reception Hall.

• A reminder of the appropriate physical distancing measures is displayed in the Reception Hall and on each floor.

• We have implemented directional floor marking in the Reception Hall and a one-way system has been put in place on each floor.

• We ensure that clients maintain a safe distance from each other.

We will continue to make sure that cleanliness and hygiene are our top priorities throughout all procedures and thank you for respecting the physical distancing measures (1.5 m).

We thank you, for the trust you put in us and wish you a pleasant stay with us!

Where to sleep ?

5 rooms from 16 to 35 m2. Table d'hôtes with regional cooking and garden vegetables in season.

Where to sleep ?

Free garage for bikes or motorbikes.

Where to eat ?

Home-made cooking based on local produce (meat, fruits and vegetables). Meat and vegan options available.
Booking is advised. The table du Lieu-Dit also organises evening meals on booking, we can also bake you cakes and wedding cakes.

Where to sleep ?

Small 4 storey house located at the end of a blind alley and set in a quiet environment with fine views onto the surrounding hills.

Street level: a bicycle shed

- 1st floor: entrance, kitchen and eating area

- 2nd floor: lounge, shower room and toilets

- 3rd floor: hall and bedroom with a 140 double bed

- 4th floor: bedroom on a mezzanine with a 160 double bed and a study area

The house has been recently refurbished in a contemporary style:

Due to its architecture this accommodation is not appropriate for mobility-impaired persons and/or young children.

The gite is non-smoking and pets are not allowed, bathroom linen can be hired.

Where to eat ?

We offer homemade cooking based mainly on fresh, local produce and a different menu every week. Booking advisable.

- Treat yourself to our delicious specialties either cooked on a pancake or on a slice of bread.

- Pancakes, homemade ice creams and coffee served with a selection of delicious delights

As for drinks we provide a range of Aveyron traditional lemonades, organic cider, wine by the glass and Aubrac beer.

Monthly cheese tasting evenings

Restaurant mentioned in le Petit Futé guide in 2017 and 2018.

Where to eat ?

Our cooking gives preference to the home made food which emphasizes our local aveyronnais quality produce. Thus, you may treat yourself to the roquefort trilogy, the aveyronnais veal with balsamic sauce and lamb shoulder with aligot.

Where to sleep ?

The peacefulness of the setting with its panoramic view and traditional building style full of character will enchant you. This place is perfect for families and groups.Situated 1 km from Vabres lAbbaye and 5km from St-Affrique, set in a hamlet comprising 6 rentals.

Fully equipped: Internet, swimming pool, petanque strip, hiking trail.

Single family traditional stone built detached houses, charming and full of character.

The distinctive interior decor and the wood burning stove give this rental a very welcoming atmosphere.

Where to sleep ?

The Gite is a converted farm house full of character near to Saint-Affrique and Vabres. Distinguished buiding comprising a large living space 90 m2 + 2 bedrooms. To the exterior a large garden, porch, barbecue, tables and chairs for outside dining, impressive view over the mountains and surrounding countryside. Possibility to savour local specialities, home-grown vegetables and homemade products.

Where to eat ?

Traditionnal French cooking and regional specialities with lamb, Roquefort and foie gras based courses, beef.

Where to sleep ?

Above the village of the Viala-du-Dourdou, you will be welcomed by Nathalie and Xavier in a traditional detached gîte which is full of character. The gite comprises of a living room with a fitted kitchen, a mezzanine equipped with a sofa bed, a bedroom with a double bed, a second bedroom with 2 single beds which can be converted into a double bed, a bathroom and separate toilets. The outdoor terraces are equipped with garden furniture and if you are keen on walking, there are several hiking trails winding their way nearby.

Where to eat ?

The fresh produce and the homemade food cooked in the sunny Mediterranean style
Inviting summer terrace and air conditioned dining area.
Quick and tasty set menus for lunch. Other menus available.

Where to sleep ?

The peacefulness of the setting with its panoramic view and traditional building style full of character will enchant you.

Situated 1 km from Vabres lAbbaye and 5km from St-Affrique, set in a hamlet comprising 6 rentals.

Fully equipped: Internet, swimming pool, petanque strip, hiking trail.

Single family traditional stone built detached houses, charming and full of character.

Large rental at ground level with living room, bedroom and shower room accessible for people who are mobility impaired.

Where to sleep ?

Situated 1 km from Vabres lAbbaye and 5km from St-Affrique, set in a hamlet comprising 6 rentals.

Fully equipped: Internet, swimming pool, petanque strip, hiking trail.

Single family traditional, stone built, detached houses that are charming and full of character.

A large and fully equipped kitchen which can accommodate up to 25 persons is at your disposal during your stay.

The peacefulness of the setting with its panoramic view and traditional building style full of character will enchant you. This place is perfect for families and groups

Wath to do

To celebrate our 4 star award, the 1837 SPA is now accessible to non-resident persons who can enjoy our high-level facilities within easy reach of the Southern Aveyron area. Several options are available among which are:

The relaxing moment: 30€ per person for 2 hour, or 135 € for a 10 x 1 hour non-transferable package (from Monday to Saturday).

Day SPA session: 45€ per person for an afternoon from 14.00 to 19.00 (from Monday to Friday).

Each option comprises access to the heated indoor overflow swimming pool, to the SPA facility with sauna, hammam and 2 jacuzzis and to the cardio training room.

The 1837 SPA provides you with a bathrobe and a bath towel and is pleased to serve you a free cup of tea!

If you wish to book a time slot, please feel free to contact us at 05 65 97 63 30 (excluding the mid July – mid August period).

The 1837 SPA offers also a wide range of à la carte beauty treatments: extra face and body care that can be performed in one of the individual or double cabins by appointment only. So, if you want to get the most out of the 1837 SPA facility or give a gift to your friends, don't delay!

Where to sleep ?

« Trekking experience »

We offer you several horse trekking trips in the heart of Aveyron, within the Grands Causses Natural Park.

Enjoy a great horseback ride across the wide-open spaces of the Larzac plateau, land of the Templars, towards the Raspes du Tarn, or the Rougiers contrasting lands…

These magnificent and varied landscapes will make these horse trekking trips unforgettable experiences. Two to five day trekkings with the night spent bivouacking or in a gite according to your desires.

We offer:

-Trekking “Between Causse and Rougier” (2 days)

-Trekking “Towards the Raspes du Tarn" (3 days)

- Trekking “Summer Trekking” (2 days)

-Trekking “Larzac, land of the Templars” (5 days)

Where to sleep ?

The 1837” has reopened its doors from May 15th 2020…with new sanitary practises to ensure your safety, as well as that of our employees !

The success of our unique hotel is the result of an Aveyronnaise family in love with their region, and a beautiful building that is nearly two hundred years old. Come and spend green holidays and enjoy overnight, or week-long stays in spacious and comfortable suites (fully equipped apartments with, among other features “fitted kitchen, dining area, living room with an office space, free wifi internet access” which can accommodate from 1 to 6 persons), private terraces opening onto a large green terrain, with free and private access to all of the 1837 facilities (with time slot-booking) and providing a unique atmosphere. Situated a few steps away from the small town centre of Saint-Affrique and close to numerous hiking and cycling circuits, the 1837 combines wonderful open spaces, refinement and services in the heart of southern Aveyron.

On the subject of services, please note that from now on, the 1837 offers you packed breakfasts using only local produce, which we leave for you outside the door of your apartment. And if you do not feel like preparing a meal, going to the drive-through or shopping at the local grocery store, we can also deliver midday and evening meal trays to you!

Revitalise yourself and enjoy the simple things in life: spend the siesta hours in the shade of the park, picnic with your family on the river's edge, take a walk and live simply, while enjoying the 1837 facilities (heated indoor overflow swimming pool, SPA facility with sauna, hammam and 2 jacuzzis, cardio training room and a billiards room.

Book now with complete peace of mind and pay later by calling us at 05 65 97 63 30 or sending us an e-mail to contact@le1837.fr

We invite you to share all our wonderful facilities so that you have a relaxing and enjoyable stay !

« Trekking experience »

This track, which is over 180 m long, comprises a series of challenging humps and turns.

The name of this track featuring raised turns and humps refers to the “bending-pushing” movements carried out on the bike through the combined action of legs and arms. This pumping action performed on hollows and humps allows the cyclist to gain speed without pedaling.

This facility is available with free access and is adapted to all levels of proficiency, from young children with their balance bikes to the most experienced riders.

This track is part of a plan aimed at the development of urban sporting activities in relation to the green lane.

A 4 km ride along the green lane towards Vabres l‘Abbaye will allow biking enthusiasts to test their skills and challenge their balance on another site: the Vabres l'Abbaye skatepark situated in the park of the bishop's palace.

Safety rule: To avoid collisions between riders, compliance with the direction of the traffic is compulsory, as is the wearing of a helmet for all users. Children under 10 years of age must be accompanied by an adult. Pumptrack is not under supervision and regulations must be read prior to use.

Where to eat ?

Enjoy outstanding local food prepared with Roquefort and served in a trendy and refined setting. The Chef is dedicated to offering you high quality cuisine made with Aveyron products. Join us for a nice time in our restaurant.

« Trekking experience »

Equestrian and multi sports weekly stays taking place in a rural environment within an eco-hamlet and a diversified agricultural exploitation that combines multiple cropping, meat and cattle breeding and an equestrian farm.

A maximum of 6 participants will be accommodated to ensure a family, eco-friendly

and a participative stay.

Accommodation in tents (mattress supplied), permanent kitchen, shower and dry toilet.

Equi-Ploof stays: Every morning: equestrian learning sessions during which you will make acquaintance with the horse (lungeing, ethological equitation, horse riding, horse-acrobatics and more). Every afternoon: water activities (swimming pool, pedalo, water games and more).

Multi-Sport stays: Each day will be dedicated to a different sport (horse-riding, treetop adventure, canoeing, paddle, swimming pool, circus arts and more).

What to see

A WALKING TOUR INTO TOWN

ALL YEAR ROUND: Ask for the leaflet at the reception desk of the Tourist Office, it will enable you to enjoy the visit by yourself and at your own pace!

Where to sleep ?

Cap hotel complex

Traditional restaurant or cafeteria. Bar with terrace. Outdoor swimming pool, fitness centre, free Wifi access at the hotel bar

What to see

DOLMENS TOUR

Four stages will allow you to locate:

-Tiergues dolmen

-Fontcouverte dolmen

-Crassous dolmen

-Saint-Martin de Boussac chapel and its stunning scenic view.

How to obtain this tour?

-download the pdf file below

-or go to he Tourist office, you will be given the leaflet

What to see

Enjoy a digital walking tour in Saint-Affrique

Surrounded by seven hills, Saint-Affrique is located along the banks of the Sorgues, in the heart of the frontal causses. From the Middle-Ages to the industrial era, History has left its mark on the town through built heritage and more subtle evidences. During your stroll you'll be able to unravel the Historical past of the town. Saint-Affrique which is set in a rural environment is rich in traditions of inventiveness and resistance and has been able to preserve its vitality! Saint-Affrique with its kind nickname “la Villote” (small town) is receiving you with great affection. Welcome to you!

Free application « Balades des Grands Causses » available on iOS or Android

Duration of tour: 1h30 – 2h

Wath to do

INTERMUNICIPAL INDOOR SWIMMING POOL

A wooden terrace and a lawned area with relaxing chairs welcome you to enjoy sunbathing.

Activities: water aerobics, aqua cycling, aqua fitness, swimming baby, aquatic playground for toddlers, water school for children, and aquaphobia sessions.

Lesson timetables are available by clicking on the link below:

Wath to do

La Gravière outdoor leisure base

During the summer season, discover Saint-Affrique Plage and enjoy the paddling area and the sandy beach which are set on the river Sorgues banks.
Leisure area: open all year round
Beach patrolled in July and August
Dogs even on a leash are prohibited

What to see

Maison de la Mémoire (House of Memory) in the Saint-Affrique area

The Maison de la Mémoire du Pays Saint-Affricain collects, conserves and promotes the heritage of Saint Affrique in all its forms. Inside youll find:
-A floor dedicated to temporary exhibitions, continually updated throughout the year, where you will discover the culture and heritage of Southern Aveyron.
-A museum of Aveyronnaise society which allows visitors to stroll through time and discover the old local trades and daily life: the displays are set out in five visiting rooms. The Maison de la Mémoire also holds the municipal archives department, a working and regional studies library, and an activity area for children and adults (more info on www.saintaffrique.com).

Where to sleep ?

Municipal caravan park

What to see

Puppet Museum

The Museum displays a new exhibition: « Bande de Guignols »:

You will learn about Guignol who was born out of poverty and thirsting for justice. You will meet his ancestors and his cousins, Polichinelle, Punch, together with other « Guignols », all of which the major 19th century upheavals have given rise to throughout the European continent.

Compulsory wearing of a mask

« Trekking experience »

THE MUNICIPAL EQUESTRIAN CENTRE ST-AFFRIQUE

You will find high quality infrastructure comprising two 40m x 20m indoor riding rings, two 80m x 40m outdoor jumping arenas. Horses suitable for every level of rider are available, and all lessons are supervised by 2 instructors and 5 monitors. During school vacation period the equestrian centre provides training courses from beginners to experienced riders. Short rides and long treks are also organized during July and August by the Rial leisure center.
All the supervisory staff are qualified instructors.

What to see

Vabres L'Abbaye digital stroll

Through these two routes, visitors will circulate through the municipality to discover its history. No less than ten stages make up the walk in the centre of the village: gardens at Pont Neuf passing through the Cathedral and many other places and monuments to discover. They will also discover the hamlets thanks to the work of the students of the École Jean de La Fontaine. These digital routes, enriched with photos, video or audio, are a playful and participatory way to discover our beloved village.

Download the Guidido application from the App Store or from Google Play, open the application and look for the Vabres l'Abbaye tour. Off you go! Have a nice walk!

Where to eat ?

Where to sleep ?