Auroux lies on the eastern edge of Margeride. The deeply cut Chapeauroux Valley runs through the village. Rounded upland forms, meadows, fast-flowing streams, deep forests and weather-worn granite boulders characterise Margeride. Auroux is considered a mountain commune; its average elevation ranges from 900 m to 1,275 m at the western boundary of the commune.
Margeride and the Chapeauroux Valley
Its location in the valley and on the eastern edge of the granite region gives Auroux a distinctive landscape. Those planning a trip around nature and local history will find a range of points of interest here: the landforms and waterways of Margeride, as well as the valley that runs through the village. Part of the Lac de Naussac catchment area lies in the northeast of the commune. The villages of Briges and Naussac are in this northeastern part of the commune.
A route to the Croix de Parpaillon crosses the Chapeauroux on a bridge and passes through woodland and heathland, as well as a fir forest. The Croix de Parpaillon lies to the left of the path.
Getting to Auroux
The C.D. 988 runs through Auroux from south to north. The C.D. 26 connects the village with Langogne. For rail travel, Langogne is the nearest station, with Mende the next nearest. Check current train connections before your trip. This gives you road links and railway stations as separate reference points for planning your journey.
Croix de Briges: granite, basalt and a date
The Croix de Briges is one of the oldest crosses in Lozère. Its prismatic shaft is made of granite, while the cross is made of basalt; its arms are grooved. The date 1572 is inscribed at the foot of the shaft. The materials, shape and date offer several details to focus on when looking at the monument: the change from granite to basalt, the design of the arms and the position of the date.
Events and when to visit
Since 1977, the Amicale Motocycliste Chams Auroux has organised enduro races in Auroux. It also holds on-road motorcycle rallies in spring and autumn. If you would like to plan your trip around an event, check the dates for the relevant year in advance.
The Galopeur Fou organises a Christmas trail run covering 12 km with 356 m of positive elevation gain. Its Endurathlon combines an 8.5 km mountain bike loop with a 3 km trail running loop in the countryside. The formats are quite different: the Christmas trail focuses on a single trail distance with a specified elevation gain, while the Endurathlon centres on a combination of cycling and running loops. If you are interested in taking part, check the latest dates and participation information in advance.
The Comité des Fêtes d’Auroux organises the celebration on 13 July and the celebration in mid-August, both with music and dancing under the village hall. Dates may vary from year to year; check them before travelling. Spring and autumn events, a Christmas trail run and the two village celebrations therefore offer different possible event themes to consider when planning your trip.
Discover more destinations: Le Bleymard, Meyrueis, Florac, Marchastel, Pied De Borne, Le Malzieu-Ville, Aumont-Aubrac, Chastanier.
See the regional travel overview: Lozère.
