A 40 km south-east of Millau, this village is ranked among the most beautiful villages in France.
La Couvertoirade is located in the Regional Natural Park of Grands Causses in southern Aveyron, at an altitude of 800 meters. Commune of 6000 hectares, it is populated by 189 people spread over the town and several hamlets. Standing majestically in the heart of the Larzac plateau, the city is well worth a detour for delving into the mood of the story.
Two orders from the military and religious crusades have built this city. This is the Order of the Temple (the Templars) and the Order of the Hospital or the Knights of the Order of St. John of Jerusalem (the Hospitallers). After the dissolution of the Templars, the Pope gives the castle to the Hospitallers. They will build the church and the walls, still intact today.
SIGHTSEEING
The walls and fortifications of the city:
In the 15th century to the insecurity caused by misdeeds of bandits and looters, the Hospitallers were obliged to build the walls and fortifications of the city. It Deodat Alaux, master mason of Saint Beauzély who was responsible for carrying out this work from 1439 to 1445. The wall, in a fine state of preservation has square towers at the entrances and round towers at the corners.
Visiting the walkway offers breathtaking views of the city and landscape caussenard.
Castle:
The castle built in the 13th century remains the only witness to the presence of the Knights Templar to La Couvertoirade. It depended on the commander's Sainte-Eulalie-de-Cernon (cultural tour).
The castle built on a rock is classified as historical monuments. It keeps the old tower and including the remains of the primitive fortification: the barbican.
The church of Saint Christopher: it was built in the 14th century opposite the castle. The Cross of the Order of Malta adorn the keystones in the nave. Its cemetery is decorated with steles discoidal.
The lavogne: discover the lavogne, natural pond that was once used to water the sheep, specific limestone plateau.
You can stroll through the streets of the city that are home to many craftsmen: potters, leather workers, weavers, santonniers, modelers and sculptors ...
Discover:
Cultural Circuit Larzac Templar.
Adventure in the rocks.
Hiking trails departing from La Couvertoirade and hamlets of the commune.
During the summer, take part in activities: The Masquerades, Days Children (Family treasure hunt), the Summer of Larzac, shows, concerts ...
ATTRACTIONS, LEISURES AND ACTIVITES AROUND
The tourist office offers many tours to discover the territory. Here's an example: "Bridges and lavognes Larzac"
Saint-Jean-du-Bruel is located at the entrance to the gorge of the Dourbie, here begins the circuit. An old bridge from the 13th century, a donkey passes over the River. This is limestone, the stone of the mesa, and tuff. The new bridge offers a picturesque view on the banks of the Dourbie. It has a large main arch semicircular. Be sure to take a look at the halls from the 18th century that are all the charm of the heart of the village.
After a short visit of St. John towards Nant. By D999. Between the two villages on the right are the four towers of the castle of Castelnau. The old village of Nant still has buildings which reflect its role as a Catholic stronghold. Take the road towards the bridge Prade. It dates from the 14th century and has a beautiful arch of limestone country. Since the chapel Claux, the memorial of the religious wars, visitors will have a good view of the bridge. Now back on the Larzac, direction La Couvertoirade which has a beautiful lavogne. For the D999, D55, D7.
Coming from the D55, La Couvertoirade rises suddenly on the desert landscape Larzac like a treasure buried in the middle of the plateau. The former possession of the Knights Templar Commandery depended on the Sainte Eulalie. La Couvertoirade, in Occitan, means "water pool". The tanks were essential to the survival of the village due to the lack of water on the plateau! Beside the church is a natural cistern carved into the rock called "conch." Outside, south of the city, you will see an example of lavogne (recently renovated). This is a natural pond which aims to collect rain water and used to water the "muttons" (sheep). Continue to Infruts and Blaquererie.
By D7, D55 and N9. Leaving La Couvertoirade, turn right (backtrack) and 200 m further, turn left towards the Infruts. It is a small country road with many turns. Go straight to Infruts roundabout then head Blaquererie. Shortly before the village, on the left, the area of the Blaquererie was constructed near a lavogne. It is an ideal place to relax and to enjoy the break! A little further, do not miss the beautiful landscape of rocks ruiniform. Two of them were named Adam and Eve! You can recognize them by their large size.
Back to St. Jean du Bruel the D999. Once past the village of Blaquererie, continue to Sauclières. The winding road is dotted with bridges once used by the railway. A Sauclières, turn right at the fork, towards Saint-Jean-du-Bruel.
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30 € per person
Auberge La Cardabelle
9.2
SPECIAL OFFER
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28 € per person
Auberge le Cévenol
La Cavalerie
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70 € the double room
Le barry du grand chemin
8.7
Le Caylar
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Located 5.6 km from La Couvertoirade
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Chateau du Cros
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From 210 € to 420 € per week
Domaine de Tapies
Cornus
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Room from 38 €
La Gare aux Anes
7.9
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Room from 45 €
P’tit Dej Hôtel Millau
7.4
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