The three valleys

Saint-Affrique

The three valleys

Agropastoralism

History and heritage

Panorama

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This undulating loop extends from the red lands of the Saint-Affrique area to the sumptuous medieval village of Brousse-le-Château. It is irrigated along the way by the Dourdou, Tarn and Len rivers.

This long getaway has several demanding ascents, curves, and hairpin bends in store for you, but at each elevation and each turn, a new reward awaits you. The red sandstone village of Saint-Izaire, the fortress of Brousse and the three rivers with their meanders intersperse this very refreshing route situated in the heart of a landscape displaying a fantastic variety.

4 points of interest

Archeology

Ardeliès 2 Carved Standing Stone

This statue was subjected to several changes during prehistoric times as it displays both feminine and masculine attributes: one breast is visible and so is the masculine “object” which is a sort of dagger. This object is particularly detailed: ring and decorations with chevron ornaments that could represent the dagger sheath. The belt is represented by criss-crossed patterns and constitutes the only decoration of this kind, along with the grid pattern, which suggests the formation of the fingers of the hands. On the back, shoulder blades, belt and perhaps hair, represent the outline of a female figure.

Archeology

Ardeliès 1 Carved Standing Stone

This statue displays several masculine features: the harness passing over the right shoulder and holding an “object” with a ring. The belt ornamented with a buckle, and the legs are clearly visible. The facial features are difficult to identify. On the back, the lines that extend arms or harness come to a stop on a central element with an unknown meaning. By analogy to the masculine objects, some suggest it may be a harness, but is it a warrior attribute, a body ornament or part of a garment? The issue remains unresolved.

Archeology

Ardeliès 6 Carved Standing Stone

This statue must have represented a masculine figure as the trace of a harness is noticeable on the left side on the back. Arms and buckled belt are also still visible. The features of the face and back were achieved by picketing the rock. This technique was frequently used on the statues of the Ardaliès either for the engraving of figurative elements (Ardeliès 6) or to smooth the surface on which embossed elements emerged in relief (Ardeliès 9).

Archeology

Ardeliès 9 Carved Standing Stone

This statue has undergone some changes, it displays breasts as feminine attributes together with a harness holding the”object” which are masculine features. Moreover, the ring of the “object” and one breast become confused. The belt chevron ornaments are meticulously crafted, and legs appear in relief on an evenly pitted surface. The back, shoulder blades and belt are depicted along with a central item. This could be an harness with a ring like those on the Ardeliès 1 statue, the Bancanel statue (Saint-Affrique) or the one of Saint-Jean-de-l'Hôpital (Montclar), all of these statues are not far away from one another.

Description

From the Tourist Office located on Boulevard Aristide Briand in Saint-Affrique, take a right towards the RD54 and the hamlet of Savignac.
Turn to the left, cycle across the walkway, then turn right onto RD25.
Cycle across the village of Le Cambon, then before the stone bridge, carry straight on to «Ourtiguet ». A small winding road will lead you up to Saint-Izaire.
The ascent to Faveyrolles (2 km with a 5% gradient) awaits you on the left side at the hairpin bend.
Take a right, then ride along the Gos and the Tarn up to the splendid village of Brousse le Château.
Ride across the village before starting the ascent (3.5 km with a 6% gradient) to Broquiès.
Once in Broquiès, carry on towards Saint-Izaire.
Turn to the left, then ride along the Len towards Bournac.
At a place called Moulin du Len, turn to the right in the direction of Bournac, then stay on the main road up to Saint-Affrique.

Departure : Tourist Office in Saint-Affrique

Arrival : Tourist Office in Saint-Affrique

Towns crossed : Saint-Affrique, Vabres-l'Abbaye, Calmels-et-le-Viala, Saint-Izaire, Brousse-le-Château, Montclar, Broquiès, Les Costes-Gozon

Altimetric profile

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

Getting around by bus or by train: https://lio.laregion.fr/

Carpooling: BlaBlaCar, Rézo Pouce, Mobicoop, Idvroom, LaRoueVerte, Roulez malin

Access and parking

Saint-Affrique is situated 31 km southwest of Millau via the D 992 and D 999 roads.

Parking :

Bus station car park, boulevard Aristide Briand in Saint-Affrique

Accessibility

Emergency number :

114

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 ?

HEALTH INSTRUCTIONS (dated June 06 2020)

Dear visitors

The Saint Izaire municipality is pleased to welcome you to this natural campsite. All measures have been taken to guarantee that you have a safe and enjoyable stay. We simply require that everyone conforms to the following health and safety instructions.

• You are free to choose the location of your pitch, provided that you respect the clearly marked spaces and adequate distancing between the pitches that are already occupied; if any problem arises or in case of overcrowding, the municipality reserves the right to change the pitch location of newcomers to ensure a homogeneous distribution within the campsite.

• As a basic principle, you are required to comply with safety distancing measures within the reception area at all times. Groups of more than ten people or of several campervans or caravans will be split to ensure health and safety conditions.

• If safety distancing cannot be respected (e.g: using the toilets), we highly recommend that you wear a fitted mask (covering your nose and mouth).

• Door handles and sanitary facilities will be cleaned on a regular basis. However, we request that you follow the current precautions by using a hydro alcoholic solution if necessary. Outdoor games areas will also be cleaned regularly; However, in line with the precautionary principle, the set of outdoor games (children's slide - climbing frame) will not be open.

• Upon leaving the campsite, you will be asked to leave your name and telephone number to comply with our adequate health monitoring obligations, in case of any future alert. These contact details will only be kept for two months.

We hope you will enjoy your stay in this natural site that is made available for you while complying with our safety instructions. Shops are at your disposal in the immediate vicinity (service station – inn). In case of any difficulties, please call 06.29.11.62.30

« 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 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.

Where to sleep ?

Terraced village house with access to the second floor: equipped kitchen (dishwasher, washing machine, tumble dryer microwave), lounge (TV, DVD player, zed-bed), 1 bedroom and WC. On the the first floor: a bedroom with queen-size bed, vaulted shower room, access to the garden. Garden furniture, barbecue, on the banks of the small "Alrance" river.

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 sleep ?

Gite on the farm listed "Accueil Paysan" open all year round in the South Aveyron. On a hillside and situated 200 metres from the farm (currently converting to organic produce) in the Saint-Izaire area, our gite offers comfort and calm, with a terrace, veranda and relaxing green spaces. Swimming, hiking, mountain biking, walks, horse riding and canoeing all nearby. If you wish to find out more about sheeps milk production in organic farming we can give you a guided visit around the farm. We produce sheeps cheese and yoghurt to sell in the farm shop.

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 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 sleep ?

Free garage for bikes or motorbikes.

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 ?

In one of the "Plus beaux villages de France" (most beautiful French villages), the wonderfully preserved fortified château dating back to the Middle Ages peacefully watches over the Tarn Valley. In this privileged site, Le Relays du Chasteau caters for those who love peace and quiet and good food. Two-star Hotel with 12 rooms and a car park. The restaurant seats 40 and serves traditional food. Cultural and leisure activities: guided tour of the château and church, swimming, fishing, rambling trails...

« Trekking experience »

Selfguided walking and cycling holidays in Grands Causses Régional Natural Park, Tarn valley, Gorges du Tarn and Pays de Roquefort.

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 ?

Single-storey detached gite set in a hamlet with two other gites situated nearby. The gite comprises 3 bedrooms (each of them with a 140 double bed), a bathroom, a kitchenette (washing machine and dishwasher), a living room (sofa, digital TV set), an additional electrical heater. A 15 m² private unclosed terrace and a 29 m² private enclosed terrace, garden furniture, barbecue, Tourist Tax included in price. The owner lives in the Sajac hamlet during the renting periods.
Shared facilities: (5x10) swimming pool, Communal room and a 70 m² terrace, Internet/wyi-fi access available on the 29 m² terrace and in the living room), table tennis, enclosed playground (600 m2), petanque strip, swing golf strip and basketball backboard.

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

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 ?

Situated in the heart of the village of Montclar, this restaurant features traditional cooking. You will enjoy the panoramic terrace.

« 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).

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 eat ?

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

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 ?

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 ?

Bed and Breakfast « La Maison de Marie »

La Maison de Marie offers a panoramic view over the magnificent 7 vallons. You'll be housed in an old 19th century mansion that we have restored ourselves, where we set up our bed and breakfast accommodation with a private bathroom.

Clamensac is an 8 minute drive from the picturesque village of Coupiac and its Medieval Castle, you'll find plenty to keep you occupied in the surroundings: hiking, cycling, canoeing, and a lot more… Explore the Millau Viaduct, the Pays de Roquefort, the Gorges du Tarn, to name but a few… Aveyron and Tarn departments are territories where nature is un-spoilt and magnificent. Such a breath of fresh air !

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

Where to sleep ?

Chantefriboule holiday Accommodation -

Located in the south of the Aveyron and at the entrance of the Tarn, in the Grands Causses Natural Regional Park, between 2 UNESCO World Heritage listed sites: the Causses Cévennes, Albi and its cathedral, these gites are the ideal place for good walks.

Detached gîte in a hamlet on two levels, three other gites are located in the hamlet. The gite comprises three bedrooms (6 single beds that can be twinned), shower room, kitchenette (dishwasher) / lounge (fireplace, tv set, sofa and Wi-Fi), central heating, 32 m2 unclosed terrace and balcony, garden furniture, and barbecue. Bed linen and household linens are provided. Shared facilities: covered swimming pool (18 x 9), playground, games - communal room (fireplace, tv set, video library, snooker table...,), washing machine / tumble dryer, telephone.

Open all year round

Where to sleep ?

Chantefriboule holiday Accommodation - GH19

Gîte on one level, another gite on the 2nd floor and two others are located in the hamlet. The gite comprises two bedrooms (4 single beds that can be twinned), shower room, kitchenette (dishwasher) / lounge (fireplace, tv set, sofa and Wi-Fi), central heating, 150 m2 unclosed courtyard, garden furniture and barbecue. Bed linen and household linens are provided. Shared facilities: covered swimming pool (18 x 9), playground, games - communal room (fireplace, tv set, video library, snooker table...,), washing machine / tumble dryer, telephone.

Open all year round

Where to sleep ?

Chantefriboule holiday Accommodation - GH20

Gite on the 1st floor, another gite in the hamlet with a floor-level access. The gite comprises two bedrooms (4 single beds that can be twinned), shower room, kitchenette (dishwasher) / lounge (fireplace, tv set, sofa and Wi-Fi), central heating, 50 m2 unclosed courtyard, garden furniture, and barbecue. Bed linen and household linens are provided. Shared facilities: covered swimming pool (18 x 9), playground, games - communal room (fireplace, tv set, video library, snooker table...,), washing machine / tumble dryer, telephone.

Open all year round

Where to sleep ?

Chantefriboule holiday Accommodation - GH22

Open all year round

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

Where to sleep ?

La Maison de Marie Holiday Accommodation

You'll be housed in an old dwelling dating from the 19th century which we have restored ourselves, and converted into a B&B with a private bathroom and a gite that can accommodate 5 people, with a kitchen and a private bathroom.
During the long summer evenings you can enjoy the swimming pool and the adjoining terrace.
Indulge yourself with our Table d'hôtes where you will enjoy Patrick's delicious world cooking.

The gite is a 8 minute drive from the picturesque village of Coupiac and its Medieval Castle. You'll find plenty to keep you occupied in the surroundings...hiking, cycling, canoeing and many more! Go and discover the Millau Viaduct, the Pays de Roquefort, the Gorges du Tarn...Aveyron and Tarn are regions where nature is unspoiled and magnificent and provides a true breath of fresh air.

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

What to see

Saint-Izaire castle and archery museum

Formerly a bishop's summer palace, this building is a listed Historic Monument that has kept some of its original features when the bishops had a way of life similar to the great feudal lords.

20 rooms to discover during the visit: Museum of rural art and traditional archery. Reconstruction of a classroom, an ancient kitchen and the bishop's chamber dating from the 17th century. Free visits with guide book/information sheet. Discovery game for accompanied children from 6 to 12 years old. Duration: 1 hour

HEALTH INSTRUCTIONS

• During peak periods, entries to the castle will be regulated to allow a smooth flow of visitors. Groups of more than ten people will be split up to ensure sanitary health conditions within indoor spaces.

• We highly recommend you to wear a fitted mask (covering nose and mouth) throughout the visit to avoid any risk of spreading the virus from one person to another if safe distancing cannot be implemented.

• A one-way system has been specified to guarantee a smooth flow of people, to avoid them from passing each other. It is incumbent upon each person to regulate his or her speed of progression. During the visit, despite the layout of the circuit, three points where people pass each other remain (landing – staircase – corridor) but which are wide enough to ensure physical distancing. In the staircase, priority is given to people going downstairs.

• The handing of collector's items is forbidden! Even though all contact areas (door handles – ropes – guidebooks – handrails and others are disinfected on a regular basis, the collector's items are not. A hydro alcoholic solution set up in several points throughout the visit is at your disposal.

• Upon leaving the castle, you will be asked to leave your name and telephone number to comply with our adequate health monitoring obligations, in case of any future alert. These contact details will only be kept for two months.

« 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 sleep ?