The area provides spectacular scenery and enjoys its own micro-climate which is almost Mediterranean in nature. There is an abundance of forest in the “vallee” which provides a home to a great variety of bird and wildlife including wild boar and deer. Red squirrels are here, so are Pine Martens, so you have to be quick to see them. Because of its situation there are excellent walks and cycle rides on marked routes not far from the front door of the Grange, if you feel so inclined. Alternatively you can sit by the pool and watch the red and black kites and buzzards float on the thermals over the valley. If you are lucky you will get a glimpse of our local eagle on his hunting expeditions. The grange is an all year round destination.The spring and autumn are excellent times to walk on the many official, marked pathways of the Aveyron. The Department has more marked routes for cyclists and walkers than any other in France. If you come here during the winter months there is skiing at Le Lioran and Laguiole,or if you prefer the more robust ski walking/trekking you have all the Aubrac to explore. All just an hour away.
Tourism does exist here but so far on a relatively small scale, with the predominant visitors being the French themselves. Locally there are a large variety of restaurants offering excellent value and more importantly high quality. If you want to go for the best then you must visit the Michel Bras 3 star Michelin restaurant in Laguiole, not far from us. You will however need to book well in advance.
To the north of the Grange is the town of Montsalvy which is on the route de Compostella. The next stage after Montsalvy was Conques, a famous and historic small village which is a 20 minute trip from the house down the “Vallee du Lot”.
To the south of us is Entraygues with its medieval bridge spanning the Truyere river and the old chateau standing at the confluence of the two rivers. The town enjoys lively markets on Fridays and also on Wednesday nights in July and August. During the summer there are many outdoor activities available from the town, from tennis to swimming, in either the large municipal pool or in the Lot river from the “beach” at the river confluence. There is also a Canoe/Kayak centre where one can hire a canoe and take a leisurely trip down the Lot to truly enjoy the majesty of the valley. There are also large local lakes providing a variety of watersports for the enthusiast. Horse riding and even quad biking are available in the area too. There are plenty of opportunities for those interested in fishing on any of the local rivers or lakes, but permits are necessary and are purchased in specified local shops.
However, most people visiting tend to take advantage of the many marked walks available in the area. For the more energetic there are marked cycle rides too. These are for mountain bikes primarily as they go through the countryside and woods.
After Entraygues one can travel down the “Gorge-du-Lot” to Estaing, a lovely village made famous recently because its chateau was purchased by an ex French president with the same name.
The Aveyron department itself has much to offer the culture vulture, from the historic- castles and towns like Najac and Conques - to the modern, such as the “Viaduc du Millau” a fantastic new bridge spanning the Gorge du Tarn.
