Marcillac-Vallon walks

From Marcillac-Vallon, climb up to admire the Créneau valley on the right bank, with its waterfall gushing out in the middle of the village of Salles-la-Source. Then cross to the other bank to return first along a balcony path and then along a small road and shaded paths, inviting you to enjoy a bucolic walk that ends with a view of the valley from the famous Pont Rouge bridge in Marcillac-Vallon.

This circular route combines tarmac sections with an original route to discover four chapels located around the village of Marcillac-Vallon. Two marked sections (GR® 62 andPR®) make it easier to follow thesecond part of the route, from Saint-Jean-le-Froid, the highest point of this itinerary focused on small religious heritage sites. Please note: a return variant has just been published following the deterioration of the path in the Bruéjouls ravine.

Highlights of this walk include: - exploring a dolmen, - a panoramic view of the limestone plateaus grazed by cows, - a short detour to the source of the Roque (optional), - a walk down to La Roque waterfall, - views over the Roque and Créneau valleys.

Discover the Rougier de Marcillac and the Causse de Salles-la-Source.

At the gateway to the Marcillac vineyards, on the Causse Comtal plateau, a notch in the Vallée du Cruou splits this hub of civilisation where châteaux and manor houses dot the landscape among the devèzes, woods and streams.

A short hike suitable for everyone, ideal for children, with a few gentle slopes but no particular difficulties.

Amidst fields and meadows, shaded paths and tracks wind through a gently rolling agricultural landscape. An easy walk suitable for families.

With its beautiful views and architectural heritage, this easy walk is ideal for a pleasant family outing.

Facing south, the vines of the ‘fer servadou’ variety – known locally as ‘mansois’ and elsewhere as ‘braucol’ – are producing the next vintage of Marcillac. The vineyard was awarded AOC status in 1990.

This walking route takes you to the locations chosen by Georges Rouquier for the filming of the films *Farrebique* and *Biquefarre*, released in 1946 and 1983 respectively. Made thirty-eight years apart, these two films were shot in the same location and featured the same non-professional actors playing themselves. *Farrebique*, filmed from November 1943 to November 1945, and *Biquefarre*, from autumn 1982 to May 1983, depict the daily life of Georges Rouquier’s family, who lived in the village of Goutrens. As you move from one filming location to another, you’ll have the chance to observe the surroundings and the framing of the scenes for yourself… This will give you a better understanding of how this great filmmaker worked and, above all, when you watch his films for the first or second time, you’ll see each scene in a different light.

From Saint-Cyprien-sur-Dourdou, let's explore the ruins of a feudal castle at the confluence of the Créneau and Dourdou rivers, near the village of Nauviale with its red sandstone houses. The route is mainly on small roads with no traffic, but there is a climb up a forest track, following a section of a fitness trail and then a section along the ridge, which offers a superb view of the Duzou valley.

A short horse ride (which can easily be done on foot or by mountain bike). It is situated not far from the medieval site of Conques and theGR®65(the Way of St James from Le Puy to Santiago de Compostela). You’ll be able to enjoy the landscapes of northern Aveyron. You’ll pass through magnificent oak woods and look down over the old villages of Pruines and Villecomtal. This route can be extended to the medieval village of Estaing, and potentially over several days via theGR®65or the Camins d’Olt.

With its focus on the woodland, this walk will take you along the valley floor, beside streams, and proves particularly pleasant when you’re looking for a bit of cool relief.

Wooded ridges, fast-flowing streams rushing down from the plateau, terraced vineyards blending with the red soil, rocks, houses and the ancient town of Villecomtal: a hike full of contrasts.

This unusual old path through the woods tells a story dating back to the signing of the Concordat in 1801: that of the "enfarinés".

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.

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