Manhac walks

Travellers at the turn of the century who took the royal road from Rodez to Toulouse, between the two coaching inns at La Primaube and Baraqueville (Baraque de Fraysse), crossed an almost deserted plateau covered in moorland and chestnut groves.Only the riverbanks and the valley slopes were cultivated. The region was plagued by famine. It was the land of the ‘black bellies’; their diet consisted mainly of rye bread and chestnuts.The arrival of the railway in 1902 made it possible to bring in lime to improve these acidic soils. Rye disappeared, replaced by crops of wheat, potatoes and maize, which enabled the establishment of high-quality cattle farming.This agricultural revolution reshaped the region and led to the creation of two new towns, Baraqueville and La Primaube.

Partly forest walk down into the Nauze and Viaur valley where the Versailles site is located: a little paradise by the stream, ideal for a picnic, a spot of fishing or simply a break.

This is the land of white water and a thousand springs that feed numerous streams and small lakes further downstream. A short detour at the town’s main crossroads allows you to see three spires: since 1997, they have stood at the centre of the crossroads where Baraqueville was founded, clearly marking the place the town intends to retain at the heart of the Ségala, that of the main hub for events and interaction. The three spikes symbolise the Ségala’s past and give way between them to the three roads of the crossroads, which, when viewed from above, form the spokes of a turning wheel.

A walk to enjoy on your own or with the family. Lots of tree-lined paths, some of which are narrow. Starting from the Basilica of Notre-Dame de Ceignac, the route follows small streams before becoming circular and returning to the start, passing in front of the oratory.

A circular walk passing through the village of Magrin. The final section of the walk offers a lovely view of the Viaur valley and the wind turbines.

Gathered around its church, Gramond is a village rich in history. The valley is wild along the Lézert with a view of Boussac that will amaze you.

A walk through the ‘Land of 100 Valleys’, following a secret and unspoilt valley, In the heart of the village of Boussac, with its traditional houses, stands a remarkable church, originally built in the 13th century and subsequently fortified by its inhabitants during the 14th and 15th centuries to protect the local population from the English invasion. Battlements, arrow slits and machicolations still bear witness today to the building’s defensive purpose.

A lovely walk through the woods between the Brienne Valley and the Aveyron Valley.

A lovely walk from the charming village of Moyrazes, which overlooks the Aveyron valley and its magnificent panoramic views.

An easy walk, combining wooded paths and tarmac roads. A pleasant, shaded route despite the undulating terrain.

Nestled in the Céor valley, a true paradise for fishermen, the village of Salmiech enjoyed a successful revival during the Salt Road era.

This circular route, which constantly goes up and down, follows mostly narrow paths through the woodland alongside a stream; it may therefore prove difficult, or even impassable, in wet weather. It is well signposted in yellow in the first section, but once you’ve left Sauveterre, there are no signposts, so you’ll need to follow the route description carefully.

Short, shaded walk along the Monastery section of the Briane and heath. Then, walk through Combelles Park with its horses and activities. On leaving, a path will take you to a limestone plateau and finally, the last part towards Istournet and its small lake will guide you to the Banocres plateau, which offers superb views of Rodez and the Aubrac.

The city of Rodez, former capital of Rouergue, perched on its "piton" (peak), is undoubtedly worth a more in-depth visit. However, during a stopover, this walk allows you to discover some of the historic centre's most iconic buildings. You can also add on a visit to the Soulages Museum.

A short, idyllic circular route through the cultivated, wooded and lush countryside of Lévézou.

A route in nature, yet very close to Rodez. You can admire three castles and old houses along the route.

This walk is situated at the confluence of three valleys and between two picturesque villages, Saint-Just and Castelpers.The site of Castelpers is an ancient fortified settlement, mentioned in the Book of Miracles of Sainte-Foy de Conques. It has become a very popular destination. Of this former seigneury and barony belonging to the Castelpers family (13th to 17th centuries), all that remains on the rock is the pre-Romanesque chapel known as Notre-Dame du Roc.This small sanctuary overlooks the Giffou Gorges from a height of 150 metres and houses a statue of the Virgin Mary crushing three black snakes.The Chapel of Saint-Jean de Castelpers (2 km away), nestled amidst the woods, was originally a small abbey which became a flourishing priory until the end of the Crusades.

Set in the heart of the Ségala’s rich agricultural landscape, the village of Colombies still boasts beautiful medieval houses, some dating back to the 15th century. This village has retained a certain harmony even in its official buildings, such as the town hall and its porch. Its Romanesque-style church, built in 1880, stands in the centre of a small square near a landscaped fountain. This walk, marked with yellow signposts, will take you to one of the Most Beautiful Villages in France, Belcastel.

La Selve, a former Templar commandery, is situated on the D902, 10 minutes from Réquista and 40 minutes from Rodez. La Selve is primarily an agricultural community, with sheep farming being particularly well established there.

A chance to explore the area around Trémolières, a hamlet in the commune of Rullac-Saint-Cirq, situated on a plateau between the Cône and Giffou valleys.

A bit of history The area overlooked by the Buenne is bordered to the south by the Aveyron valley. On its northern flank, the 11th-century Soulié Chapel is a fine example of Romanesque architecture with its remarkable altar. Higher up on the plateau, the Cistercian Abbey of Bonnecombe had established in Ruffepeyre, at the foot of the ‘draye’ – a track used for the transhumance of herds – both a manorial centre to manage all the rights and tenures it held in this area, and a seat of justice; the tower (14th century) was the main feature of this fortified house.

This walk, suitable for everyone, takes you up to the heights of Belcastel, where you can enjoy a panoramic view of the village.

This walk is suitable for everyone (although there are some difficulties accessing the Roc d’Anglars fort) and is partly shaded.

This route overlooks one of the “Most Beautiful Villages in France”: Belcastel and its castle, transporting you back 1,000 years.

A tour around the valley of one of the most beautiful villages in France, Belcastel, with several viewpoints over its castle, its old bridge and the village below. You will also pass by the Fort du Roc d'Anglars, and on the way down via the Way of the Cross, you will discover the Lourdou cave with its Virgin Mary.

Walk this trail in one of the “Most Beautiful Villages of France”: Belcastel, selected in 2023 to represent Occitanie on the television programme *Le Village Préféré des Français*. Explore over 1,000 years of history as you make your way to the Roc d’Anglars. This is a largely shaded walk throughout.

This very short walk is suitable for everyone and can be done with a pushchair. You’ll walk alongside Belcastel as far as the footbridge and return to the village via a shaded path.

This easy midday walk is best undertaken in hot or very hot weather. Indeed, it takes place entirely in the woodland and along the Viaur, and almost entirely on signposted paths. However, it is not a circular route; nevertheless, the view over the Viaur is very pleasant and, above all, it is very comfortable there, sheltered from the heat. This path is little used. It is situated on the Chemin des Planques.

A beautiful, small but challenging unpaved circuit for a half-day of physical exertion. Although classified as moderately difficult, you will need to be reasonably fit to tackle the rollercoaster ride of the Viaur. Woods, water, views and old stones are here for your viewing pleasure.

A shortened circular route to explore the Chapel of Las Planques, nestled in the woods. Although short, this route requires some effort to tackle the numerous ascents and descents that follow one another in succession.

A walk on the border between Ségala and Lévézou, passing through the beautiful Lagast forest and up to the summit of Lagast.

A walk that follows, for the most part, the Roupeyrac beech forest and offers beautiful views over the Lévézou.