Immerse yourself in history with this road trip of a day in search of the emblematic stages of the GR65 path to Saint-Jacques-de-Compostelle and the discovery ofhe Most Beautiful Villages in France of the Lot valley.
Step 1: Aubrac
Perched at 1300m of altitude in the heart of Aubrac regional natural park, the village ofAubrac is a true witness to the economic, human and agricultural history of the territory. Today popular with pilgrims, it is an essential passage of the GR65, road of Saint-Jacques de Compostela of the path of Puy-en-Velay. In the past, it served as a refuge for people passing through and the sick. To best discover this village, make an old-fashioned stopover Dômerie and hospital, visit its church and eat a traditional meal withAligot in a fugitive.
Step 2: Saint-Chély-d’Aubrac
Nestled in the heart of a valley, halfway between the Aubrac plateau and Lot valley, the village of Saint-Chély-d'Aubrac is an obligatory passage of GR65. Walk the streets of this village to discover church and houses with very different styles: imposing and bourgeois houses, corbelled and half-timbered houses dating from the XNUMXth century. Don't forget to go to pilgrims bridge, flagship building on the Chemin de Saint-Jacques de Compostela Puy-en-Velay route.
Step 3: Curières
Take the D900 to the pretty village of Curieres, then join the village of Estaing via the D22.
Step 4: Estaing
Located in the Lot valley and classified among The Most Beautiful Villages of France, Estaing will undoubtedly amaze you with its unique charm. This village is easily recognizable by its castle imposing which sits in the heart of the village and its gothic bridge classified in Unesco World Heritage. It is not uncommon to come across many pilgrims there, because this village is an essential stopover on the GR65. To discover Estaing, stroll through the streets and alleys to enjoy the gentle way of life on the edge of the Batch.
Step 5: Saint-Côme-d’Olt
Located on the banks of the Batch, Saint-Come-d'Olt is a charming little town classified among The Most Beautiful Villages of France. At first glance, we can only see its église consisting of a twisted bell (or flamed bell). The center of the village, almost circular in shape, was built behind the ditches of an ancient fortified city. Saint-Côme-d’Olt is today one of the many stages which constitute the GR65 of Santiago de Compostela. In this place steeped in history, each alley has a rich heritage that encourages you to keep your eyes peeled.
Step 6: Sainte-Eulalie-d’Olt
The village of Sainte-Eulalie-d'Olt is located on the banks of the Lot, in the Lot valley. This old Medieval city richly flowery is classified among The Most Beautiful Villages of France. To discover this little art village, wander the winding streets, visit the Marcel Boudou museum-gallery and explore the old barn transformed into an artistic and craft hub “Eulalie d’Art”.
Step 7: Mandailles
Classroom remarkable sites in France and Europe the hamlet of Mandailles dominate the Batch on its long rocky spur. This little village is a real Safe Haven in the middle of green nature. Athletes can do the 9 km hike leading to the Puech du Barry, leaving from the Mandailles church. The summit with its orientation table offers a superb 360-degree view of the southern slopes of the Lot valley, the Cévennes and the Aubrac.
Step 8: Bonnefon
During your visit to the hamlet of Bonnephone, you will come face to face with this imposing tour du fifteenth century. At the time the monks of Aubrac owned land and granaries in Bonnefon which were often plundered by bandits. To defend them, they built this building which has a ground floor and four floors connected by a helical staircase. The defensive system of the Tour de Bonnefon consists of loopholes and glacis in the lower part.
Don't forget to adopt the right behavior!
The Aubrac Regional Natural Park is one of the places still preserved from mass tourism and its sometimes disastrous consequences. Together, let's continue to preserve this natural and authentic environment by adopting the right gestures.
