From the great steppes of the Aubrac to the charming villages of the Lot Valley, and from the gentleness of the Vallon to the plateaux overlooking it, you will be swept away by this land full of history and emotions listed as UNESCO world heritage.
Crossing the Aveyron, from the Aubrac to Livinhac-le-haut in the Lot valley, over 102km, walkers discover the GR65 in 5 days and heritage lovers will discover and admire the cultural heritage classed as UNESCO world heritage.
Last stop on the Aubrac before the Lot Valley, the village of Saint-Chély is situated in one of the most beautiful valleys of the Boraldes. You can walk through the village and admire the houses of traditional architecture, freshen up at the old lavoirs washhouses and fountains and cross the Pont des Pèlerins.
At the heart of the village, the church, extended in the 19th century, holds two altarpieces: a painting – copy of “the Descent from the Cross” by Rubens – and a 14th century bas-relief representing Christ and his apostles, exhibited at the Musée du Louvre in 2009 during an exhibition of “the first altarpieces”.
Before reaching Espalion, the GR65 crosses the communes of Castelnau and Saint-Côme-d’Olt (mediaeval village listed amongst the “plus beaux villages de France” (most beautiful villages in France) with its fortified walls punctuated by 3 gateways and that possesses a curious flammé spire).
In Espalion, you will appreciate the Romanesque church of Perse, the Pont Vieux over the Lot, the Old Renaissance Palais, the Chapelle des Pénitents, the Museums of popular Arts and traditions, of diving suits and of Lifestyles and Customs, and the château de Calmont d’Olt (with its mediaeval animations) that overlooks the town. Close by, in the commune of Bessuéjouls, the church of Saint Pierre houses a chapel high in the spire.
Towards Estaing, on the right bank of the Lot, the GR65 unfolds all the riches of an exceptional heritage. Crossing the fertile plain, reaching the hills, it continues through luxuriant vegetation where ancient vineyards spread out along their terraces.
Step by step, this emblematic section offers the rural church of Trédou, the authentic hamlet of Verrières… When, at the end of this protected itinerary, Estaing appears as you come round a bend! Majestic, its château stands at the heart of a welcoming village that pilgrims discover after having crossed the Lot. Cross the famous Pont Gothique and contemplate the wrought iron cross and the statue of François d’Estaing.
Since its foundation, Conques abbey has never ceased to welcome pilgrims from all across Christian Europe who come to venerate the relics of Sainte Foy. The Livre des Miracles (Book of Miracles) is witness to this popular fervour.
In addition to the traditional pilgrims, more and more modern walkers, for a multitude of reasons, now take to this cultural itinerary. A privileged occasion for meeting people and discovering an exceptional architectural and artistic heritage.
Discover Conques
Founded in the 19th century by Duke DECAZES, Decazeville has always been an important industrial, economic and commercial centre. From verdant undulating scenery to panoramic viewpoints that surround it on all sides, notably thanks to the river Lot, Decazeville offers walkers cultural riches to be discovered.
To see: the real artistic treasure of Notre Dame church: 14 canvases form a unique symbolist Way of the Cross, painted by Gustave Moreau in 1863. Decazeville has also managed to conserve its heritage linked to its industrial and mining past.
