Located in the town of Campoured, the Bes-Bédène site is one of the Remarkable sites in France and Europe, an association that brings together authentic, preserved and timeless sites. The hamlet of Bes-Bédène, perched on its granite rocky outcrop, set in a circus shaped over the centuries by the river Selves and dominated by the Puy de Montabes, is the true definition of scenic spot. A unique tourist spot in Aveyron.
Le village
The site takes its name from the woods that once covered its peninsula. The birches are called "besses" in patois. As for "bedene", it would be a deformation of the word Viadène, territory on which the hamlet is built.
A fun visit to the village
Discover this unique place using the Baludik application. Download the application and follow the steps to learn the history of this small hamlet.
The church
At the end of the XNUMXth century, a holy priest, Saint Gausbert, driven by a desire for solitude, came to settle in Bes-Bedene. He took possession of the abandoned hermitage and used part of his patrimony to build a church, dedicated to Our Lady. Struck by the simple life of Saint Gausbert, several disciples came to ask him to put themselves under his direction. Thus was built a small monastery, which can still be seen on the west side of the church, the ribs of the arches of the cloisters.
Nowadays, theéglise with its comb bell tower, contains a magnificent perfectly restored XNUMXth century altarpiece, depicting the mysteries of the Rosary, a beautiful XNUMXth century naïve statue in polychrome wood of Saint Gausbert, the stained glass windows by Claude Baillon which enliven the choir with their colors, statues of Jacques de Verdal in Lot limestone in the niches of the church and an exhibition of priestly vestments in the choir.
Bridge
Continuing the small winding road, you will come to the bridge. It was built in 1329, when the Bishop of Rodez, Monsignor Pierre de Castelnau, granted a 30-day indulgence to those who made an offering to help with its construction. It is 39,90 meters long, has a single semicircular arch, very slightly broken, and 13,50 meters high. It is built in granite. Below flows the Selves which flows into the Truyère, a few kilometers from Entraygues-sur-Truyère.
The museums of Bes-Bédène
Charles De Louvrie
Two exhibition rooms are dedicated to Charles de Louvrié, a French engineer who pioneered the jet engine (patents filed in 1863). Among the exhibits, the models concretize the inventions.
Charles Delouvrier was born in Combebisou, commune of Campouriez, on July 3, 1821. As a young child, Charles distinguished himself from his classmates by his lively, open and intuitive mind. After studying at the seminary, he left for Paris and worked for the railways. During a trip, he met the Baronne d'Orcet whom he married on July 5, 1851. At her request, he changed the spelling of his name and now wrote it with the particle: of Louvrie. In 1861, he became one of the most active members of the "Society for the Encouragement of Aerial Navigation by means of heavier than air" founded by Nadar. On August 27, 1863, he submitted his memoir entitled “Aerial locomotion: the aéronave”, an aviation device which was to be towed by a propeller engine. Thereafter, Charles de Louvrié will add three Memoirs of improvements where he will remove the propeller by the jet engine. And in September 1877 he filed a patent for the Anthropornis. This device looks like a mechanical bird powered by a motor and springs. For many years, Charles de Louvrié will seek the patron capable of providing the funds necessary for the manufacture of his device, in vain.
From 1884 to 1888, he was mayor of Campouriez but his work absorbed him and he gave up his duties. He continued to maintain numerous correspondences with the French Air Navigation Company, and with the wealthy American engineer Chanute.
He died alone on March 11, 1894 in Combebisou.
The classroom of the 1930s-1960s
Also to be discovered in Bes-Bédène, the museum which simulates a classroom from the 30s and 60s with magnificent school objects highlighted. Black apron, inkstand, books, geographical maps of France…. The oldest will reminisce about more or less distant memories and the youngest will discover the school of yesteryear.
Temporary exhibitions
In summer, temporary exhibitions are held in the old building near the cemetery, where different art movements follow one another: patchwork, paintings, etc... and often we have the joy of welcoming André Lavergne, a native , painter, designer engraver of postage stamps, including the Bes-Bédène stamp, issued on July 20, 2020.
Outdoor activities
Surrounded by woods, the priory of Bes-Bédène (also spelled Bez-Bédène) is the ideal setting for recharging your batteries and exploring this preserved nature.
Walk
Several hikes are marked out from Bes-Bédène. A difficult circuit, with steep relief, (3 km, 2 hours) which goes around the site and another which takes you to the Selves dam or Maury dam entitled “Le circuit de Maury” (10,4 km, about 2h40). A short walk will also take you to the rocks at the end of the spur.
Climbing
Le Bes-Bédène climbing site is exceptional, it is made up of 48 routes, ranging from 3b to 7b. The routes are spread over several cliffs.
Superb site both in terms of climbing and for its environment
Accommodations
To spend a good holiday in the town of Campouriez, in Viadène, near this magnificent site, and more widely in Aubrac, several methods ofaccommodation can welcome you depending on the composition of your tribe: camping, rentals, hotel and even a house in the priory of Bes-Bédène.
The tourist information office of Saint-Amans-des-Cots will help you prepare for your stay. Also find the hiking sheets around the village.
