Church architecture, archaeology and outdoor trails give Sébazac-Concourès several distinct ways to explore. Its historical periods range from prehistoric settlement by Neanderthals to churches with different building phases. When planning your visit, it is worth keeping these themes separate: Saint-Géraud and Saint-Barnabé represent different building histories, Rescoundudou offers archaeology, while the trails add graves, a viewpoint and a children’s discovery trail.
Churches with different building histories
The Church of Saint-Géraud in Concourès was once a priory of the Benedictine Abbey of Aurillac. The present-day church was built through restoration and reconstruction campaigns in the third quarter of the 19th century. Surviving parts of the medieval bell tower may date from the second half of the 12th century. These details therefore refer to different periods: the former priory describes the site’s history, the possible date concerns parts of the bell tower, and the 19th-century work relates to the present-day church.
At the Church of Saint-Barnabé in Sébazac, a different architectural question comes to the fore. Its floor plan appears to date from the late 15th or early 16th century. Above the two chapels are two levels of refuge chambers. Comparing the churches thus highlights different features: Saint-Géraud is notable for its building phases and possibly older tower sections, while Saint-Barnabé is notable for its floor plan and the arrangement of its spaces.
Rescoundudou: an archaeological time horizon
The prehistoric archaeological site of Rescoundudou bears witness to Neanderthal settlement in the area between 115,000 and 80,000 years ago. Since 9 February 1993, part of the site has been protected as a Monument historique. It is one of the sights of Onet-l’Église. Rescoundudou thus offers a different historical perspective from the churches: its focus is on the area’s early settlement rather than later building phases.
Trails among graves, viewpoints and discoveries
The Le nord de Sébazac-Concourès route follows a small, winding path between Visigothic graves. Halfway between Sébazac and Lioujas, the route offers a view of Plomb du Cantal. This brings historical traces and a viewpoint together on one route, although they are distinct experiences. Route conditions may change; check the latest information before setting out.
The Igues et Wisigues trails offer children an orientation, play and discovery trail. This adds a trail specifically designed for children to the churches and prehistoric archaeological site. If you are looking for an activity for children, you will find orientation, play and discovery combined as elements of the trail.
Plan your journey
Agglobus Line G serves Sébazac-Concourès; an on-demand transport service is also available. Check the current route names and transport services before travelling. This lets you plan your journey around the information available rather than assuming a particular connection will be available during your stay.
Discover more destinations: Olemps, Graissac, Cornus, Centrès, Villecomtal, Castanet, Saint-Affrique, Réquista.
For the broader travel guide: Aveyron.
