Aubin is best explored through its mining history. This theme takes different forms here: a historic workers’ district, museums devoted to the history of the coal basin, and a landscape shaped by former open-pit mines. Historic buildings and signposted circular trails add to the picture. You can tailor your stay to your interests without reducing Aubin to just one aspect.

Mining history in the district and the museum

The Plateau des Forges du Gua is a workers’ district whose origins are linked to the industrial use of coal and the production of pig iron and steel. It is freely accessible year-round. The two factory chimneys are also part of Aubin’s industrial heritage: they are partially listed as historic monuments. Together, the district and the chimneys offer a glimpse of the architectural side of this industrial history.

The Musée de la Mine d’Aubin, also known as the Musée de la Mine Lucien Mazars, was inaugurated in 1979. Its three rooms present the history of the Decazeville coal basin. A reconstructed mine gallery brings visitors closer to the work underground: scenes depict miners’ lives, and there is also a simulated firedamp explosion. The museum thus focuses both on the history of the coal basin and on everyday life in the mining industry.

The Maison Départementale de la mémoire résistance, déportation et citoyenneté offers a different perspective on modern history. The institution is devoted to the history of the Second World War. Across three floors, it presents stories, accounts, eyewitness testimonies, and photographs about the war years in Aveyron and France. If you want to get to know Aubin through its history, this offers a thematic contrast to its industrial and mining heritage.

Church, fort, and historic trails

The Église Notre-Dame d’Aubin was built in the 12th century and remodeled in the 15th century. Its Romanesque and Gothic elements reflect these different building phases. Inside, the church preserves Romanesque treasures: a polychrome wooden Christ, a figurative capital, an altar, and a lead baptismal font. Its architecture and furnishings thus offer different ways to explore the history of the building.

The Fort d’Aubin stands on a rocky outcrop and offers panoramic views over the town. It can be reached via a narrow lane lined with half-timbered houses. The approach and the view are two distinct aspects of the place: the houses shape the impression along the way, while at the top the view opens out over Aubin. The Chemin de Conques à Toulouse also leads to the Fort d’Aubin, making it another route to this destination.

Circular trails in the Forêt de la Vaysse

The Forêt de la Vaysse reveals another side of the mining story. Black locust trees characterize the forest, which grew on former open-pit mines; after mining ended, these areas were reforested. Today’s landscape can therefore also be understood as part of the post-mining story.

There are signposted circular trails for walks in the forest, described in the hiking guide “De Découverte en découverte.” They are considered suitable for families and experienced hikers. Unlike the museums and historic buildings, these trails turn the focus to the forest and its paths. When choosing what to explore in Aubin, you can decide whether to focus mainly on mining and wartime history, architecture, or the landscape.

Discover more destinations: Saint-Laurent-D'olt, Creissels, Saint-Amans-Des-Cots, Privezac, Le Truel, Sainte-Eulalie-D'olt, Brasc, Peyreleau

For the regional travel overview: Aveyron.