Between green hills, steep valleys and villages of character, Ségala reveals a generous nature and a strong identity.
The Ségala is a vast territory that stretches between the west of Aveyron, Tarn and Lot. Its name comes from the Occitan " Segal which means " rye "And this is no coincidence: for a long time this rustic cereal was the only one to grow on these acidic and capricious lands, shaped by schistose and granite soilsIn short, here, rye was king (and a tough king, not one to be put off by a little frost). This particularity forged the agricultural and cultural identity of Ségala, which you can still feel today as you travel through the region.
The natural side of Ségala: hills, valleys and meandering rivers
This mid-altitude country, located between 400 and 800 meters, has plenty to seduce you: plateaus, hills and steep valleys follow one another, offering a variety of landscapes where nature is generous. Chestnut and beech forests, green meadows, winding rivers... the scene is set. With its relief and contrasts, the Ségala is a dream playground for your hikes or bike rides. Here, even the least athletic calves will find what they're looking for: a quiet little path for the curious, a good climb for the more ambitious (and lovers of breathtaking panoramic views).
Ségala, from rye to potatoes (and Aveyron veal!)
Ségala also has a rich human history. Long a land of modest subsistence crops, it gradually turned towards cattle breeding and mixed farming, thanks to agricultural progress. The 19th century marked a turning point: the arrival of lime from the Causse allows the soil to be improved and finally made more fertile. Today, you can discover dynamic farms and taste quality local products, including the famous potato of Riiepeyroux and Aveyron vealHere, “local” isn’t a marketing concept: it’s on the plate, and it’s delicious. (Be careful, you might leave with a small basket of groceries under your arm.)
Ségala, a heritage that can be discovered step by step
Along the villages, like lunac, Bor-and-Bar et Najac, you will discover a discreet but authentic built heritage: schist houses with slate roofs, dry (these typical chestnut dryers), churches Romanesque, mills et swifts, like that of Lézert. Architecture and landscapes that almost give the impression of a mountain vacation. A change of scenery, just a few minutes from Villefranche-de-Rouergue.
For further…
To learn more about Ségala, its history, its architecture or its landscapes, take a tour of the Governor's House, Centre for Interpretation and Animation of the Heritage of the Bastides of Rouergue.
