Albaret-Sainte-Marie is a village in Lozère, Occitania, on the borders of the departments of Cantal and Haute-Loire, about 25 km south of Saint-Flour.
The municipality is also the northern gate of the Aubrac natural region, a volcanic plateau of the Massif Central which culminates at about 1500 m and has developed a pastoral farming activity (farming) preserving a severe natural environment in winter but at The flora and fauna varied.
Albaret-Sainte-Marie which has about 580 inhabitants is made up of a village and a dozen hamlets.
Taken towards agriculture, the village is also open to tourist activity. The motorway A75 (which connects Clermont-Ferrand to Béziers) crosses the municipal territory and a service and leisure area has been set up at Albaret-Sainte-Marie. It is accessible without taking the A75.
In terms of built heritage, one can begin the visit of the ruins of the castle of La Garde, built in the 14th century. Plundered after the second war, the site reveals what majesty it was in the days of its splendor.
Built in the 19th century, the pretty residential castle of Orfeuillette was owned by a doctor and politician, and then bequeathed to a religious congregation. It was later transformed into a luxury hotel and restaurant, but one of its former outbuildings houses an antenna at the University of Montpellier, the Institute of Business and Management Sciences (Hotel Tourism).
In the village, the Romanesque church of the 14th century dedicated to Saint Mary does not lack charm. A few steps away, in the old bread oven of the village, was the museum of Albaret-Sainte-Marie, recorded in the book of records as the smallest museum in the world (12 m²)... Initiated and maintained by enthusiasts, It traces the history of the village and its surroundings through documents and models. Free admission.
On the service area of the A75, called Aire de la Lozère, an arboretum has been planted which highlights the species of the local forest, hard hit by the storm of 1999. Its entrance is free, like that of the Geoscope, An open-air geological museum in an old quarry at the back of the reception building.
Discover the structure of the subsoil and the geological history of Lozère via a map, sections, tables, and a rocks exhibition (45 samples).
For lovers of nature and hiking, many marked trails and trails (to walk or mountain bike) have been developed on and around Albaret-Sainte-Marie. For further information, please call +33 4 66 65 60 00.
Every August 15, Albaret-Sainte-Marie celebrates his patronal feast. After an office in the village church, friendly animations are programmed.
