Pruines walks

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".

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.

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.

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.

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.

Near Conques, there is an easy circular with beautiful views of the Aveyron countryside. It straddles three municipalities: Espeyrac, Saint-Félix-de-Lunel and Sénergues.

Set amidst lush, green farmland (cereals and livestock) dotted with hedgerows, this route offers a fascinating insight into the region’s traditional architectural heritage.

From the pretty village of Senergues to another very beautiful village, Conques. The route alternates between roads and paths through the woods. The arrival in Conques is via a long descent that is quite steep in places. The views are magnificent. The path is always marked in white and red by the GR®65. As this hike does not return to the starting point, you will need to leave a vehicle in Conques.

Espeyrac is a stop on the Way of St James. A picturesque granite village with slate roofs, in unspoilt natural surroundings, surrounded by ancient chestnut groves. You will find refreshments, a grocery store, lodges and an inn.

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

A beautiful short stage combining roads and paths. Moderate difficulty in terms of distance and elevation. Very good signposting with red and white GR®65 markings. Take advantage of the village crossings to visit the churches and fill up your water bottles at the fountains.

The twenty-fourth stage of the Way of St James. On this stage, you leave the Golinhac plateau, which offers mid-mountain landscapes, and after passing through several villages nestled in a lush green setting, you cross Senergues, an ancient village perched on a granite spur, and continue along a path dotted with remarkable buildings and sumptuous landscapes before arriving at Conques-en-Rouergues and its abbey church steeped in history.

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

Located in the heart of the Lot Valley, Conques-en-Rouergue, listed as one of the "Most Beautiful Villages in France" and "Villages of Charm in France", is an essential stop on one of the Saint James' Ways, the GR®65 - the Via Podiensis. As you walk around the Abbey Church of Sainte-Foy (12th-13th centuries) and through the narrow streets, you can admire the beautiful half-timbered houses.The hike crosses the medieval village, then passes through the vineyards, offering beautiful views of Conques and the Dourdou valley.

Twenty-fifth stage of the Way of St James. This challenging stage, starting from Conques, takes you to Livinhac-le-Haut via Decazeville, along a path known as "Lou Camin Conquet". After a long climb at the start, you will discover picturesque and varied landscapes as well as diverse architecture.