Activities and excursions
There’s a rich cultural heritage to discover…
 
The Château of Montaigut
15 minutes from the Priory
Built on rocky outcrop during the 10th century, Montaigut dominates the beautiful and colourful area around Camares known as the Rougier. Before the chateau’s contruction, the bedrock housed what remains the most important necropolis, or natural cemetery, in Aveyron.
The Château of Fayet
10 minutes from the Priory
Built on a low hill during the Renaissance, this chateau presents an elegant profile. As a country house, it played host to the French king Henri IV. Today it’s a family home, who owners welcome visitors to show them round its remarkable series of Louis XIV rooms, complete with painted ceilings and intricate plasterwork.
The Rouergue series of standing stones
All round the Priory in a 30 km radius
Standing stones, or menhirs, are found all over the world. The Rouergue series, distributed over a wide area of the southern Aveyron, is one of the the most numerous and ancient. They’re thought to date from 3500-2500 BC. The stones are carved and engraved to represent the forms of men and women.
The Abbey of Sylvanès
15 minutes from the Priory
Located in a naturally-protected corner of the southern Aveyron, in a wooded valley, this ancient abbey was founded in 1136 by a bandit who converted to Christianity. Over the past 25 years it’s become an important centre for culture, art and religious studies. During the summer it hosts and annual internaional festival of sacred music. ( www.sylvanes.com)
La The Russian Orthodox chapel
15 minutes from the Priory
Originally standing only 800km from Moscow, in 1994 the chapel was moved to Sylvanès. Designed for the Christian communities of the Byzantine rite, it complements Sylvanes Abbey, dedicated to the Latin rite. This Orthodox church is a unique and original monument, which, though unlike any other today, reflects in its general design and in some details the great Russian tradition of the 17th and 18th centuries. The church covers more than 200m2 and its bell tower is 26m high.
Roquefort
3/4 hour from the Priory
The home of the world-famous cheese, Roquefort is the oldest French appellation controlée. The cheese, popular in Roman times, is produced from ewe’s milk in a natural limestone cave system under the small hilltop town. Tours and tastings, often free, are offered by various Roquefort producers.
 
The Millau Viaduct
1 hour from the Priory
Designed by English architect Norman Foster and French engineer Michel Virlogeux and opened in December 2004, it’s the world’s highest bridge, reaching 343m above the Tarn river valley. From the adjacent visitor centre you can contemplate the landscape of the south Aveyron. vous pourrez contempler du haut de ses piliers plus de cinq mille ans d'histoires du Sud Aveyron.
The Merdelou wind farm
8 minutes from the Priory
The miraculous spring of St Méen
5 minutes from the Priory
Saint Méen et son eau miraculeuse qui rassemble chaque année à la St Jean plus de 3000 personnes pour son pélerinage annuel.
Pèlerinage à Saint Méen.
In the 16th century St Méen, a British monk, travelled Europe preaching God’s word, dedicating himself to the poor and the sick. On his way to Rome, he passed by this region and caused a spring to flow, which was found to cure local lepers. Each year on 24th June, the anniversary of the birth of St John the Baptist, more than 3000 people make pilgrimage to the saint’s spring.
The Larzac and its walled Templar towns
less than an hour from the Priory
When the Knights Templar came to the Larzac in the mid 12th century, they built their headquarters at St Eulalie de Cernon and outlying settlements at La Couvertoirade, La Cavalerie and le Viala dyu Pas de Jaux. Over 150 years, they gathered the sparse inhabitants of the Larzac around these sites and developed the region’s pastoral activity. When the Pope abolished the Templar order in 1312, their assets were taken over by the Knights St John of Jerusalem. These were the Hospitalers went on to fortify these sites during the climate of insecurity at the time of the 100 years war. Today these Templar and Hospitaler sites are preserved and restored by the Larzac Conservatory.
Saint Jean d'Alcas
Viala du Pas de Jaux
Sainte Eulalie de Cernon
La Cavalerie
La Couvertoirade
And many other marvels waiting for you to discover during your stay at the Priory.
Lying within the Parc des Grands Causses, Camarès is a protected area, designed to provide tourist services over a wide and natural region free of industrial activity.
Situated in a low mountain zone, Camarès offers walks for all levels, from the easiest to the most demanding, through coniferous and deciduous forest.
You may see fallow deer, roe deer, hawks and many other types of bird.
Just around a bend in the path, you’ll come across standing stones carved by the Celts over 5000 years ago.
We provide detailed maps, with a choice of many different tours for walking, cycling or riding.
In spring, hundeds of wild orchids bloom in the surrounding countryside.
Come friends or family – we can host groups of 12-15 people.
New: donkey rides, contact us to reserve.
The following are all available within a radius of 20km:
- Kayaking on the Tarn
- Quad biking, for beginners or experienced riders
- Paint Ball
- Rail biking
- Open air bathing at Camares’ swimming lake
- The lakes of the Lacaune mountains
- Nature discovery in the Parc Régional
- Farm visits, where local producers will introduce you to their cheeses, yoghourts and other treats
And manby other sights and activities...
Return to the home page
| 
