An Epic Journey in Pays du Roquefort

4 steps

1. 

   Cycling

   Saint-Affrique

   Agropastoralism

   Flora

   Geology

   History and heritage

   Panorama

   • Medium
   • 4h30
   • 83,3km
   • +1749m

2. 

   Cycling

   Plaisance

   Agropastoralism

   History and heritage

   Panorama

   • Medium
   • 4h
   • 79,4km
   • +1816m

3. 

   Cycling

   Saint-Rome-de-Tarn

   Agropastoralism

   History and heritage

   Panorama

   • Medium
   • 6h30
   • 124,8km
   • +2059m

4. 

   Cycling

   Roquefort-sur-Soulzon

   Agropastoralism

   Water

   History and heritage

   Panorama

   • Medium
   • 4h30
   • 89,3km
   • +1411m

8 points of interest

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  History and heritage

  The Romanesque Church of Saint Martin

  Listed as a Historic Monument, the Romanesque Church of Saint Martin is a true gem of medieval architecture. Built in the 12th century, it stands out for the harmonious blend of styles it displays: the choir and transept reflect southern Romanesque features, while the nave, enlarged in the 15th century, adopts Gothic lines. Perched on a rocky promontory overlooking three meanders of the Rance River, this modest building offers a remarkable panorama and is instantly recognizable by its slender octagonal bell tower. Visible from afar – especially when illuminated at night – it seems to watch over the Rance Valley. Inside, a 15th-century cross, a relic of the Knights Hospitaller of Jerusalem, bears witness to the site’s rich religious history.

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  History and heritage

  The Saint-Izaire Mill

  Mentioned as early as 1461, the Saint-Izaire mill was once used to grind wheat for the village inhabitants. A witness to the area’s rural past, it has endured through the centuries by adapting to the needs of each era.

  Today, this historic mill operates as a small hydroelectric power station, continuing its energy-producing role at the heart of the village.

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  History and heritage

  Village of Saint-Izaire

  Saint-Izaire is a fortified village whose history is closely linked to its episcopal castle, the former summer residence of the bishops of Vabres. Mentioned as early as 862, the village gradually surrounded itself with ramparts during the 12th century to protect its inhabitants from feudal conflicts.

  After the Wars of Religion, the fortifications lost their defensive role: openings were made in the walls, and some fortified gates were altered to allow carts to pass and houses to expand. Despite these changes, the layout of the streets, alleys, and houses has remained almost unchanged since the Middle Ages. The 15th- and 16th-century façades and windows still give the village its historic charm today.

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  History and heritage

  The ramparts of La Cavalerie

  The fortifications of La Cavalerie, a centuries-old work against the test of time…
  Situated at the north of the Larzac plateau, La Cavalerie was created in the 12th century by the Templars of Sainte-Eulalie commandery, settled on the Larzac Causse since 1152.

  The Sainte-Marie church (1180) was included in the Knights Templars dwelling and included several buildings around a small courtyard. The village developed around this building, where the inhabitants found refuge in case of danger.

  However, this protection as well as that of the Commandery of Sainte-Eulalie was considered insufficient during the Hundred Years War, where the Larzac, a wide open plateau, badly defended but provided with cattle, attracted the people of war. The commander of Sainte-Eulalie, Bertrand d’Arpajon, fortified the important places of his commandery: Le Viala du Pas de Jaux in 1430, then La Cavalerie, La Couvertoirade in 1439 and finally Sainte-Eulalie in 1442.

  Source : Point accueil La Cavalerie.

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  History and heritage

  Ambouls

  The village of Ambouls, municipality of Nant, built on the right bank of the Dourbie River, would date from the installation of the Romans in the area of Nant.
  The hillock of Ambouls peak (641 m high) was fortified in the Iron Age from 700 or 600 BC., a clear sign of an older occupation.
  On the peak or “gallo-Roman oppidum”, pieces of pottery were discovered 40 years ago and are preserved at the Museum of Montrozier.
  On the east side we can still see todays the entrance of the “grotte des fées” (cave of the fairies), where Ernest André discovered in 1913 human bones dating from around 4500 BC.
  Ambouls is one of those agricultural hamlets, emptied by the rural exodus, but which recovers now a new soul, thanks to the city dwellers who come back and restore the houses.
  Some houses are typical with the external stone staircase, the porch and under the stable which opens on a wide arched porch.
  You can also discover an original fireplace above an old bread oven and a stone cross from 1710.

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  Architecture

  The old Bridge

  Located in the oldest area of the village, this roman bridge with a single arch spans the Dourbie River.

  Dating from the 13th century, it was the main bridge of the village until the 18th century. In the neighborhood of the old bridge, manholes still exist, hiding places dating from religion wars.

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  History and heritage

  Saint Pierre Parish Church

  Built in 1853, the neo-Gothic Saint-Pierre Church stands out for its colourful stained glass windows, sculptures and bell tower that proudly overlooks the village. Dedicated to the apostle Saint Pierre, it invites you to discover its ornate interior, revealing 19th-century religious art.
   
   

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  History and heritage

  Village of Lapeyre

  The name Lapeyre means “the stone” in Occitan, a reference to the rocky outcrop on which the village was built. Once part of the Knights Templar commandery in the 12th century, Lapeyre has preserved its medieval character, with narrow streets and old houses clustered around its tower.

  Several historic features can still be seen in the village square, including mullioned windows, a medieval tower, and remains of a former convent. The current church, built in 1844, houses a remarkable Virgin and Child statue carved in Rome in 1860 from a single block of Carrara marble.

  Lapeyre’s heritage is also closely linked to its textile industry. Established in the 17th century to process wool from the Causses, the former textile mill—still visible from the new bridge—stands as a reminder of an activity that shaped village life for centuries.