Around Conques

Culture and sightseeing

Villages and vineyards

20 minutes away :

• The villages of the Vallon de Marcillac: in this gentle valley dotted with isolated dwellings among the vineyards and fortified houses, the bluish stone roof tiles, hazel-coloured tufa limestone and red sandstone are what give villages such as Marcillac, Salles-la-Source, Clairvaux and Valady their charm. These are the villages of the Marcillac AOC vineyards, which may be small (180 hectares) but have a big reputation for quality red wines. Signposted circuit around the wine estates. Tél. 05 65 71 13 18

25 minutes away:

• The villages of the upper Lot Valley : in particular Entraygues-sur-Truyère and Estaing, historical places full of character set in the heart of the tiny vineyards of Estaing, Entraygues and Le Fel (Vins Délimités de Qualité Supérieure).

Museums

20 minutes away :

• Terra Olt, Saint Parthem : interactive museum all about the River Lot (Olt in the local language). A lovely family-friendly attraction set in the meandering Lot Valley. Tél. 05 65 63 27 96 – www.tourisme-aveyron.com

35 minutes away :

• Le Don du Fel, Le Fel : Le Don du Fel is the name of this amazing futuristic European centre of contemporary ceramics set up by an Anglo-American couple in Le Fel, a picturesque wine village clinging to the slopes of the upper Lot Valley.
  Tél. 05 65 54 15 15 – www.galeriedudon.com

Châteaux

20 minutes away :

• Château de Pruines, Pruines : a fine château containing a remarkable collection of antique pottery (oil jars, traditional 'cruches de barques' jugs, salting dishes, etc.). Tél. 05 65 72 91 64 – www.aveyron.com

20 minutes away:

• Château de la Servayrie, Mouret : this superbly restored château is home to a series of innovative recreated scenes of life from the Middle Ages to the 18th century. Tél. 05 65 72 82 97 – www.chateau-servayrie.fr

30 minutes away :

• Château du Colombier, Mondalazac : 14th century château, medieval garden, live animal collection, events and more…Welcome to the property of the counts of La Panouse. Tél. 05 65 74 99 79 – www.chateau-du-colombier.fr

Other Top Tourist Destinations in Occitania / Pyrenees-Mediterranean

45 minutes away :

• Rodez, the principal town of Aveyron, with a remarkable heritage. http://tourisme.grand-rodez.com/

59 minutes away :

• Figeac in Lot, the home town of Jean-François Champollion. www.tourisme-figeac.com

Outdoor activities

Walking

From Conques :

• 'Sainte Foy de Conques' walk: climbing above the village, this walk follows a section of the Le Puy route (GR65) of St James's Way to Santiago de Compostela, on which Conques is a major staging post. An easy 7km ramble. Route description (in French) in the walking guide Midi-Pyrénées à pied (published by the Fédération Française de Randonnée Pédestre). www.tourisme-conques.fr

White water sports

35 minutes away :

• Canoeing, kayaking and rafting at Entraygues: descending the clear waters of the Lot, which flows down from the high ground of the Massif Central. An easy, recreational descent. Special kayaks for 5 to 10-year-olds (beginners). Starting in Entraygues at the Base Canoë Nature. Tél : 05 65 44 54 90 – www.asvolt.com

Viewpoints

10 minutes away :

• Several viewpoints of Conques: to the south at Le Bancarel (take the road to Rodez and then the road to Montignac). To the north is a road offering a series of views of the village from above. To the east, at the deserted hamlet of Guillebastre is a broad panorama towards Conques. To the west, after the Roman bridge, there are other viewpoints on the road that winds steeply uphill.

Fairs and festivals

25 minutes away :

• Hier, un village, Flagnac : spectacular scenes recreating the lives and history of the people who lived in this part of the Lot Valley. In July/August.

45 minutes away   :

• Estivada, Rodez : a major celebration of the Occitan culture common to France, Spain and Italy. Music, song, literature, theatre and more… In July.