The commune of Salelles is located in the Lozère department, in the Occitanie region, 12 km southwest of Marjevols (by road).
Its territory of 10 km² oscillates from 580 to 940 m above sea level, crossed by the course of the Lot and various streams.
The locality, which includes a town, established on the left bank (south), and various hamlets, is covered by agricultural areas (30% of its surface area), forests (28%) and even meadows (20%).. This rural and bucolic environment is also marked by the presence of areas protected for their biodiversity.
In the 1970s, archaeological excavations in the hamlet of Chabannes, to the east, uncovered a necropolis from the 6th and 7th centuries, thus attesting to a very ancient human presence on the banks of the Lot.
Subsequently, the village developed on the other bank, downstream, around a Romanesque church. But over the centuries, the floods of the Lot have frequently marked the small town, accessible via a bridge whose architecture is adapted to the tumults of the river...
Nowadays, if Les Salelles has less than 200 inhabitants, the proximity of the A75 which "descends" towards Millau and the Cévennes has stopped the decline of the village. Its heritage, its preserved living environment and its range of “nature” leisure activities (hiking) make the town a pleasant stopover during a stay in the region.
The Notre-Dame-de-Bon-Secours church is the main heritage site of the locality. Its oldest parts date from the 12th century, first having the status of a chapel and then depending on the Benedictine monastery of Monastier (a few km to the northwest). However, it became the seat of a parish from 1155. From this Romanesque period, the base of the walls and part of the apse remain. The church was rebuilt from the 16th century and benefited from a major renovation in 1835 (this date remains engraved on the front door). The facade is then reworked and the bell tower is erected. Finally, in 1877, the building was given painted decoration. Architecturally, well maintained, the church has a single nave covered with a barrel vault (only "departures" of the primitive ribbed vault remain) which ends in a cul-vaulted apse. de-oven. We observe several side chapels, the roofs of the nave covered with slate and the bell tower later attached to the apse. The interior painted decorations are beautifully crafted (choir, apse), notably representing the dove of the Holy Spirit and crowned angels. Furthermore, a statue of the Virgin from the Chirac monastery has been preserved: a legend relates that the work had been lent by the monks, but that it was impossible for the parishioners to return it because it had become so heavy, it was impossible to return it. to move it…
Fortified elements on certain residences (at the Besset farmhouse for example), a war memorial in the shape of an obelisk and several characterful dwellings made of local material typical of the Causses and the Haute Lot valley still mark a walk in the small town, which belongs to the "Country of art and history of Mende and the Lot in Gévaudan".
We must also highlight the bridge over the Lot which allows you to reach the town from the RN 88 (road which linked Lyon to Toulouse) on the right bank. Made up of two arches, it has an imposing spout facing the watercourse to protect it from floods. A cross has also been installed on the central pile.
On the leisure side, the town has pétanque courts, an esplanade suitable for walking and extended by the banks of the river.
From the picturesque village, a number of hiking trails lead to the nearby Causses (the Grands Causses region which covers Lozère and Aveyron is a UNESCO heritage site). These routes punctuated by protected natural sites, heritage elements and unique landscapes are for the most part accessible to two-wheelers.
Maps and information from the intercommunal tourist office on +33 4 66 48 29 28.
On returning from a walk, a gourmet break is possible at the Malzac Gardens, which a market gardener cultivates. Contact on +33 6 36 92 62 22. Also note the unique campsite offering accommodation in the form of teepees, at a place called Montet: information on +33 6 84 12 53 64.
July 14, national holiday with fun and musical activities.
August 15, patronal festival with procession, convivial meal on the banks of the Lot and traditional dances.
The third Sunday in September, friendly bread festival around the old common oven.
