The Roc d’Anglars and the Lourdou

The route starts in the village of Belcastel, opposite the bridge over the Aveyron.

(S/E) Cross the^15th-century bridge, admiring as you pass the stone cross standing on a plinth which is a former^12th-century altar, on which five small crosses represent the five wounds of Christ. You will arrive at the church.

(1) Cross the 15th-century bridge (stone cross standing on a plinth which is a former 12th-century altar,on which five small crosses represent the five wounds of Christ). (Off the route: continue on to the Church of Sainte-Madeleine. Inside: a remarkable recumbent effigy and Stations of the Cross).  After the bridge, follow the small road to the right, skirting the river for 150 m. Turn right onto a dirt track which leads onto a path. Leave this path to the right and walk to the Roc d’Anglars and back (visit the fort with caution. To reach the Lourdou cave (Little Lourdes), on the western side of the fort, below the rock, follow the Stations of the Cross path leading there.

(2) Continue along the track to the right, following the River Aveyron, until you reach the D 285. Follow it to the right to reach the D 997. Turn right and cross the Pont Neuf.

(3) After the bridge, continue to the right towards Belcastel for 100 m (GR®©62B, from Rodez to Villefranche-de-Rouergue via the Aveyron valley). Turn left onto a dirt track leading to the Magabiès farm. Continue uphill to the left. At the first crossroads, take a “forest path” on the right, keeping level, to the Mazens-le-Bas farm.

(4) After the farm, leave the GR® and head uphill to the left towards Rignac. Afterthe third hairpin bend, turn right onto the forest track, continue straight on, and admire the panoramic view of Belcastel along the way. Turn right to descend to the castle road. Continue straight on to reach the village directly, where you turn left to go round the castle. (S/E)

- Wear suitable footwear
- Take some food and drink with you
- Hikers follow the route at their own risk. They remain responsible for any accidents they may suffer and for any damage they may cause to others (forest fires, damage to property, pollution, etc.).
- Check that your vehicle is parked in an authorised area; parking in the village is regulated (by municipal by-law).
- Stick to the marked trails and do not take shortcuts. If the route has been altered, follow the new signposting.
- Keep a low profile. We are not the only ones using the paths; be considerate of others.
- Take your rubbish away with you. Leave no trace of your visit; do not throw anything on the ground; carry a rubbish bag with you.
- Keep your dog on a lead, particularly near homes or livestock.
- Close gates and fences behind you, and walk around crops. We should respect the work of those who shape and preserve our environment.
- Observe the rules in certain areas.
- Do not light fires. Areas with dense vegetation (forests) or those that are too exposed (scrubland, dry heathland, etc.) can catch fire very quickly.
- Do not drink water from streams. Clear water does not necessarily mean it is safe to drink.
- Check hunting seasons; some routes may be dangerous.

Visit Belcastel, one of the “Most Beautiful Villages in France”, and discover the Roc d’Anglars fort, a listed archaeological site which was an inhabited motte-and-bailey castle from^{the 5th} to^{the 10th} centuries, where you can see notched huts and herringbone-patterned structures. This outpost, perched on a rock 50 metres above the River Aveyron, was used to keep watch over the ancient Carolingian road that wound its way through the valley. The Lourdou sanctuary, meanwhile, is a cave in which an altar has been set up. A statue of Our Lady of Lourdes overlooks the religious site, hence the name ‘Petit Lourdes’ (Lourdou in Occitan).