A getaway on the Causse du Larzac
The gradual climb up to the plateau, from the verdant banks of the Dourbie, is the most challenging section of this route, which subsequently proves to be relatively easy going. Winding its way through barren moorland, fertile sinkholes and villages, the route then forms a loop across the vast expanse of the Larzac, whose terrain is more undulating than it first appears!
1 point of interest
Chemin de ronde vu intérieure - Point Accueil La Cavalerie 
History and heritageThe 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.
Description
- From Place du Claux, head towards Millau. On leaving the village, turn left towards La Cavalerie, Millau (D999) to begin the climb towards Les Liquisses (5 km). Once on the plateau, pass through the hamlets of Les Liquisses Basses and Les Liquisses Hautes. Then follow the military training area to reach La Cavalerie. Pass in front of the ramparts and head for the junction with the D809 at the old coaching inn.
- Carry on to the left towards L’Hospitalet du Larzac, passing by the aerodrome. Pass through the village of L’Hospitalet du Larzac (fountain, archaeology centre) and continue on the D809 to the hamlet known as “Les Places”.
- At the roundabout, turn left and follow signs for La Couvertoirade and Nant (D7), go over the motorway, continue to La Blaquèrerie and carry on straight ahead to the junction with the D55.
- Turn left to head back down towards Nant. At the junction with the D999, turn left to reach the village centre.
- Departure : Nant
- Arrival : Nant
- Towns crossed : Nant, La Cavalerie, L'Hospitalet-du-Larzac, La Couvertoirade, and Sainte-Eulalie-de-Cernon
Forecast
Altimetric profile
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 09:00-13:00
September : Tuesday to Saturday 10:00-12:30 and 14:00-17:30
Access and parking
33 km south-east of Millau via the D809 and D999 (Causse du Larzac) or via the D991 (Dourbie Gorges).
Parking :
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