I'll take you on a bike ride to the heart of the bastides and gorges of Aveyron! Follow me from Villefranche de Rouergue to Najac via Villeneuve d'Aveyron to admire beautiful landscapes...
From Villefranche de Rouergue, saddle up!
Having barely arrived in Villefranche-de-Rouergue , I decided to gain some altitude, heading towards the Calvary with its exceptional view over the rooftops of the Royal Bastide and, on the other side, a little higher up, a view of the verdant gorges of the Aveyron . From here I could make out the course of the Alzou , the river I would be following upstream towards Farrou.
I take a gently curving road to reach the small village of Saint-Rémy, a few kilometers away. I take a few minutes for a refreshing break by the pond, a stone's throw from the charming town of Saint-Rémy.
Head to the causse
It's now time to continue my journey. I get back on my bike and hit the road again. Along the way, the landscapes of gorges give way to those of the limestone plateau . As I pass, sheep and lambs gallop across the meadows, seeking refuge in the shade of the oak trees.
I arrive and discover the charming village of Villeneuve d'Aveyron . A beautiful cobbled square, the Place des Conques, lovely facades including that of the building housing the Galerie Jean-Marie Périer, limestone buildings in shades of white and ochre, the Soubirane gate and its tower . No doubt about it, I'm in a peaceful medieval village in southwestern France. I take the opportunity to enjoy a relaxing and refreshing break on a café terrace, in the shade of the arcades.
I hop back on my bike for my next stop: the dolmens of Martiel . I zip through the oak woods , passing cows, buzzards, and even a deer! Once on the dolmen trail, I make some wonderful discoveries… Surrounded by nature, I observe several megaliths, remarkable millennia-old treasures! Not far from there, I discover one of the region's rare two-story cazelles (dry stone huts).
In the morning I visited...
You too, make this trip by bike and discover the sites that I liked! The Calvaire viewpoint, the contemporary art exhibition in Saint-Rémy, the medieval city of Villeneuve, the incredible exhibition by Jean-Marie Périer… Everything is to be seen!
For lunch, I decided to take a detour (easy! it's completely flat) to the bird lake and eat at La Table de Bannac in the shade of the oak trees next to the old windmill. On the menu were several local specialties such as duck sausage, farçou (a type of savory pancake), cabécou cheese, and croquande (a type of pastry), all accompanied by a craft beer. The place is calm and peaceful , ideal for a little nap in the grass under the oak trees by the water. Lying next to my bike, I let myself be lulled by the birdsong before putting my helmet and backpack back on.
From Martiel to Najac
It's time for me to head back to La Rouquette to admire the sculptures of Pierre Prévost , an artist-poet, and his "enchanted path." To get there, I climb the hill towards Léonard and then follow the Combarel path.
What an overflowing imagination, what colors and what humor! A parenthesis of fantasy! My child's soul is pointing the tip of its nose.
Direction Monteils following the shady road that runs along the Assou stream. It's a little hot at the start of the afternoon, I take advantage of the feeling of the air on my skin, in my hair. On the handlebars of my bike, I feel free and closer to the elements that surround me...
From the village of Monteils, the serious things begin, a long and regular climb through woods and meadows to arrive at the four roads of Mazerolles. I chose to go through this hamlet to enjoy one of the most beautiful panoramas which invites contemplation.
From there it's a steady descent to the Aveyron river. Descent at more than 40 km/hour assured and hair in the wind. Fire ! the village of Najac parades before my eyes, built along a rocky ridge as if it were riding on the backbone of a dragon, from the faubourg district to the pause district. I clearly distinguish the royal fortress et Saint John the Evangelist Church. My end goal for the day is facing me.
After the ascent towards the village of Najac, I end my day of cycling with my head full of images and indelible memories.
In the afternoon I visited…
You also take a trip to Lake Bannac, stop off at La Rouquette to contemplate the works of Pierre Prevost before going to visit the fortress and the church of Saint-Jean de Najac!
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