From Ruynes-en-Margeride in south-east Cantal all the way to Entraygues-sur-Truyère in north-east Aveyron, the River Truyère winds its way among beautiful, unspoilt green landscapes. On its well-preserved banks are the magnificent Truyère gorges, a remarkable natural site carved out by the river with the passing of the years.
Located south of Saint-Flour, these spectacular gorges contain three dam lakes: Grandval, Lanau and Sarrans. You can also access them from the Garabit Viaduct, designed by Gustave Eiffel, which is also a starting point for boat trips in the gorges.
The Natura 2000-listed Truyère gorges are the place to enjoy many water activities: fishing, swimming, canoe, catamaran, sailing dinghy, windsurfing, stand up paddle… Near the famous viaduct, Garabit water sports centre rents out boats and jet-skis for power boating. The Mallet centre offers sailing, kayak, rowing and supervised bathing in July-August. At Lake Lanau, dragon boats and rabaskas await visiting adventurers!
A tourist trail of around sixty kilometres starting from Saint-Flour also enables visitors to discover the region's historical heritage: Chassan Castle in Faverolles, an elegant house in the Classical style built in the 18th century on the site of a medieval castle, of which some ruins remain, and the remarkable site of Alleuze Castle, where the ruins of an old 14th-century fortress appear perched on a rocky peak.
Ramblers will be delighted by the many hikes available, dotted with plant and wildlife-spotting opportunities. Stunning landscapes can be admired from belvederes like the Mallet belvedere, with its superb views of the gorges and Lake Grandval. There is also a very beautiful view of the woodland environment from Tréboul suspension bridge, the first version of which was due to the English and is a listed Historic Monument. But to enjoy the view from the old 14th-century stone bridge, you will need to wait until the Sarrans lake dam is next emptied, as the old bridge is now totally submerged!
The exploration continues on the north side of Aveyron, in Carladez, between the Sarrans dam and the Couesques dam, not far from Entraygues-sur-Truyère, where the Truyère's winding gorges continue to unfurl. An extremely green natural area dotted with wonderful sights to see, like the feudal castle of Valon - in the municipality of Lacroix-Barrez - which towers proudly over the gorges from its hillside location, and viewpoints over the gentle meanders of the Truyère…
