Rougier de Camarès

Southern Aveyron is the artist’s palette of Aveyron ! The blood red of  the impressive ‘rougiers’ contrasts with the deep blue of the sky and the lush green vegetation here at the heart of Pays de Roquefort and the Parc Régional des Grands Causses, a region steeped in history and traditions and a land of rich contrasts.

The red sandstone which gives the area its identity is also a symbol. The rivers and climatic conditions have shaped a lunar landscape with distinctive relief like that of a desert. Many statue-menhirs were discovered here and are on display at the Musée Fenaille in Rodez. Climb up to the Château de Montaigut (castle) for a splendid view of the whole Vallée du Rougier. This is also the land of famous Lacaune sheep whose milk is used to make legendary Roquefort cheese.

The Abbey de Sylvanès, a magnificent ensemble of architecture is a major cultural and spiritual centre. The abbey church, a jewel of Cistercian art, has exceptional acoustics and is the venue every July and August for a Festival International de Musique Sacrée et Musique du Monde (International Festival of Sacred Music and World Music).

This unspoilt area is a wonderful place to enjoy walking, water sports, relaxing and sight-seeing.

The amazing colours of Rougier de Camarès provide a picturesque backdrop for walking, cycling and horse riding. You can admire the beauty and diversity of the scenery and a wealth of historic buildings along the many signposted footpaths through the hills and little valleys around Saint Affrique. The 10th century Château de Montaigut perched atop its rocky spur is the starting point for many walks as well as offering many games and activities in summer.

Numerous statue-menhirs, dating from between 3500 and 2300 B.C., i.e. late Neolithic and early Bronze Age, have been discovered here. These are stones planted upright in the ground, whose surfaces are carved in bas-relief or engraved to represent human faces. You can see replicas of them along several trails !

The originals are on display at the Musée Abbé Bec Damien at Saint-Crépin and the Musée Denys Puech at Rodez. Historic building enthusiasts will love the Abbaye de Sylvanès, one of the first Cistercian abbeys built in the Rouergue region in the 12th century. Its monastic architecture represents one of the greatest spiritual and artistic periods in the West and since its restoration its cultural and spiritual reputation knows no bounds with the annual Festival International de Musiques Sacrées - Musiques du Monde. Those who are attracted by curiosities will love the « wooden cathedral » above the priory, a Russian Orthodox Cathedral built by Russian carpenters in Russia who then transported and rebuilt it here in 1994. Other historic attractions include the collegiate churches of St Sernin and Belmont sur Rance, both listed monuments featuring the remains of medieval castles, majestic porches and a pretty sundial. The 17th century Chapelle Notre Dame d’Orient at Laval Roquecézière is an absolute delight to behold and full of treasures !