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Saint-Eulalie d’Olt (Aveyron)

Well done to the inhabitants for restoring the half-timbered houses of their listed medieval town “one of the most beautiful villages in France”.

From the elegance of The Hôtel Renaissance to its 17th century mill the commune supports the spirit of the village and to revive the regional arts and crafts industry it founded the Small Arts School, with workshops open all year (with lessons and courses ).

Visit idea : come and watch a traditional horse-drawn caravan being made using the authentic methods. Atelier Les Roulottiers

More information on Saint-Eulalie d'Olt

Saint-Geniez d’Olt (Aveyron)

Formally a major hub for tanners and drapers, the village has preserved its 18th century hotels and prestigious religious monuments. The Augustins cloister and its 14th century chapel as well as the Pénitents-Noirs one of 17th century are a few examples. Nowadays, the town is famous for its strawberries.

Saint Côme d'Olt

Saint-Côme d’Olt nestles in a hollow in the Lot valley. Its almost circular tour de ville (circular street surrounding the village centre) and its ramparts, that have become the façades of the houses, give Saint-Côme d’Olt an exceptional appearance.

The heart of the village has kept its mediaeval character with its three fortified entrance gateways and its alleyways. Here you will find the manor of the Sires de Calmont built in the 12th century that boasts two imposing 14th century towers but also two monuments listed as historic monuments: the château de Castelnau, dating from the 13th century and today housing the Mairie as well as the Chapelle des Pénitents, formerly a hospice for pilgrims and now an exhibition room.

Visit Saint Côme d'Olt

The Valley of Célé (Lot)

Marcilhac-sur-Célé

overlooked by cliffs, a fine collection of Renaissance houses, snuggling around a Benedictine abbey church in ruins : back in the 11th century it was almost as important as Conques!

Espagnac-Sainte-Eulalie

former priory from the 13th century and its wooden bell tower really adds to the charm of the village, giving it the air of a little paradise. Stopover gite for the jacquaire pilgrims in the priory.

In the surroundings area : Musée de l'Insolite (museum of the unusual) at Cabrerets www.museedelinsolite.com

The Truyère Gorges of the Pays d'Olt

Le Malzieu (Lozere)

This stronghold is a real gem with its fortifications flanked by towers, its medieval houses and its romanesque chapel. A ideal base for you : eco-tourists!

Mur-de-Barrez (Aveyron)

Former fiefdom of the princes of Monaco, it has kept its narrow little streets, its medieval houses and its fortified towers. To explore : the dream footpath, set to the rhythm of artistic creations

Close by :

The Garabit Viaduc (Cantal)

built by Eiffel in 1882, just before he built the Tower! Guided tours with the Margeride Ecomuseums.

From Laguiole (Aveyron), a village famous for its knives and its factory, reviewed and remodelled by Philippe Starck, we go on to reach Nasbinals (Lozere) and Saint-Urcize (Cantal) where we visit their Romanesque churches, passing along the way throughout the village of Aubrac (Lozere), which is one of the stages along the Saint James way.

Marcolès

Situated on a jacquaire path, it still boasts some medieval and Renaissance homes, which you can explore as you make your way along the carrierons, which are typical little streets. Artists’and craftsmen’s workshops.

Website www.marcoles.fr

Maurs

Founded in the 10th century, a round city, full of charm, baptised "the Nice of Cantal" for its micro-climate. What you should see : the Saint-Césaire Abbey church and its reliquary and the horse fairs, in May and October, famous throughout the Midi-Pyrénées.

Website www.chataigneraie-cantal.com