Estaing in Aveyron, lies at the foot of the Aubrac Mountains, at the mouth of the river that runs through the gorges of Lot. A picture-postcard village that is classified as one of the “most beautiful villages of France”, it’s about 25km from Rodez.
What to see in the captivating village of Estaing Averyon
Estaing is on the route of one of the important pilgrim trails to Santiago de Compostela. It’s a must-see place to visit for anyone in the area, not just for its beauty but also for the relics of Saint Fleuret, held in the village church. The Church of Saint Fleuret was built in the 15th century on the site of an older priory. It is home to several important works of art, in addition to the 15th century stone cross outside the church. Look out for its unusual steeple and bell-tower, you may never see another like it.
Above the village, you’ll see the towering 15th century Château of the Estaing family. It’s currently owned by ex-President of France, Valéry Giscard d’Estaing.
Estaing itself is a Medieval town, with lots of fine Medieval and Renaissance style houses. Other notable attractions in the village are a lovely wrought iron cross and gothic stone bride across the Lot river. The bridge was built in the 16th century, a listed UNESCO World Heritage site and part of the pilgrim route to Santiago de Compostella. The Renaissance Collège was originally built to house six priests from the Saint-Jean fraternity. The much smaller River Cussane meets the Lot on the edge of town. Originally four Medieval bridges crossed this river allowing villagers to get to their gardens on the left bank. Two of these bridges remain.
More on Aveyron
The captivating little town of Conques
Rodez Museum – Amazing collection of art by Pierre Soulages, and a fabulous restaurant
Villefranche-de-Rouergue on the French Pilgrimage Trail in Aveyron
