Varen offers several concrete ways to explore the area: its development is linked to a Benedictine monastery, while a stretch of water on the Aveyron and two hiking trails offer other points of interest. The historic buildings, along with the different trail lengths and walking times, can help you plan your visit. This makes it easier to decide whether to focus on Varen’s cultural heritage, an activity on the water or a particular time frame for a hike.
Monastic history and medieval traces
Varen developed in the 10th century around a Benedictine monastery founded by the Abbey of Aurillac. The Église Saint-Pierre was built as early as the 11th century and preserves exceptionally carved capitals. The building known as the Ancien prieuré bénédictin dates from the 14th century, connects the church and the castle, and is the only surviving above-ground remnant of the former monastery. The buildings therefore point to different periods in the area’s history.
Another historical trace is Varen’s past as a medieval village surrounded by walls. The Porte du Four is the last significant surviving remnant of the fortifications. The monastery and the fortifications thus represent two distinct cultural points of interest: the Ancien prieuré represents the former monastery, while the Porte du Four reflects the history of the walls. This distinction helps you avoid attributing the same historical function to both buildings.
A stretch of water on the Aveyron
Near Varen, a 3-kilometre stretch of water on the Aveyron is used for canoeing, fishing and walking. This adds a distinct choice of activities to the historic buildings and hiking trails. Conditions for canoeing and fishing may vary depending on the season. If you want to make one of these activities a fixed part of your trip, check the conditions for your planned dates.
Two hiking trails with different time frames
The PR2 Varen: Chemin de Cadiès is 6.6 kilometres long, rated easy and listed as taking about two hours to walk. It starts at 66 Route de Cadiez in Varen. The PR1 Varen: De Sol Viel à Succaillac is 13.9 kilometres long, rated moderate and listed as taking about four hours to walk. This route has two viewpoints overlooking Arnac and Varen.
The trail length, difficulty rating and walking time are useful points of comparison: the PR2 is shorter and rated easier, while the longer PR1 is listed as taking roughly twice as long. The two viewpoints are an additional feature of the PR1. You can therefore choose your trail based on the time you have and whether you want views of Arnac and Varen to be part of your hike.
Check the trail details before setting out, and for the PR2, also check the starting point at 66 Route de Cadiez.
Discover more destinations: Saint-Beauzeil, Monteils, Saint-Paul-Dʼespis, Féneyrols, Montauban, Bouillac, Lamothe-Capdeville, Lacapelle-Livron
For the broader travel overview: Tarn-Et-Garonne.
