The Château de Valon shows how much a single architectural detail can tell you about a place: its spiral staircase, built within the thickness of the wall in the 14th century, climbs 25 metres to the keep’s terrace. Heritage, routes and farm visits offer different ways to spend time in Lacroix-Barrez.
Trails between geology and landscape
The “Du magma à la pierre” Sentier de l'imaginaire brings to life the volcanic origins of the plateaus and valleys of Lacroix-Barrez. It is open year-round, free of charge and freely accessible; check access conditions before your visit. Another route, “Aux portes de la Truyère”, loops around Lacroix-Barrez across the basalt plateau, which gradually descends into the Truyère gorges.
Near Valon, a footbridge offers a viewpoint over the Saut du Chien waterfall, the Truyère and the village. This view of the water, gorges and village complements the historical discoveries with a perspective on the landscape.
Valon: village layout and castle
The village of Valon has been awarded the “Site authentique et remarquable de l'Aveyron” designation. Explore it on foot along its only street, which follows a ribbon-like route; explanatory panels line the way. Its architectural heritage includes sécadous—small buildings for drying chestnuts—heavy roofs made of slate slabs and dry-stone terraces.
The Château de Valon is a 12th-century feudal castle open to visitors. Visiting conditions may change; check them before your visit. The keep’s spiral staircase leads up to the terrace and illustrates how the staircase was built within the thickness of the wall.
The Musée du Cardinal Verdier
The Musée du Cardinal Verdier focuses on a clergyman born in Lacroix-Barrez: Verdier was Archbishop of Paris from 1929 to 1940. The museum is located in the church crypt. Exhibits include the cardinal’s personal belongings, family keepsakes, letters, photographs, newspapers and documents. A guided tour with commentary is available; check in advance whether it requires an appointment.
Compare cycling routes by distance and difficulty
The “Les cimes du château de Valon” mountain-bike route is rated very difficult. It is 20.3 kilometres long, has 898 metres of elevation gain and a stated duration of 3 hours and 20 minutes. A section of the route along the Camin d'Olt follows the Truyère and offers panoramic views of the Truyère gorges and the Château de Valon.
The “Gorges de la Truyère et Valon” cycling route starts at Place du Cardinal Verdier in Lacroix-Barrez. This difficult route is listed as 57.5 kilometres long, with 1,190 metres of climbing and a duration of five hours. This means there is a longer cycling route rated difficult as well as a shorter mountain-bike route rated very difficult. Check route details and conditions before setting out.
Farm visits
La ferme de Dilhac offers free visits to its organic farm by reservation. During a visit, the production methods for dairy products, ice cream and charcuterie are explained. Guests can also see the animals in their natural surroundings. Reservations are important for planning: check the visit conditions in advance.
The Ferme pédagogique des Bornottes offers farm visits and educational workshops. Workshops include hand-milking goats and making cheese; the farm also gives visitors the opportunity to interact with more than a hundred animals. The programme may vary depending on the time of year. Before travelling, check which activities are available during your visit.
Excursions in the Carladez
Quad Passion Aveyron offers quad and off-road motorcycle excursions throughout the Carladez. Participants use their own vehicle or equipment. Excursions are available for half a day, a full day, a weekend or by individual arrangement. Confirm availability and booking conditions directly before making plans.
Discover more destinations: Florentin-La-Capelle, Saint-André-De-Najac, Nant, Centrès, Le Truel, Saint-Jean-et-Saint-Paul, Verrières, Saint-Chély-D’aubrac
For the regional travel overview: Aveyron.
