Estaing - Midi-Pyrenees, France travel

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Estaing ('most beautiful villages of France') is about 25 kilometres north of Rodez, in the Aveyron department of the Midi-Pyrenees.

Tourist Information

Estaing is a picture-postcard village in a lovely setting at the base of the Aubrac mountains, at the mouth of the the Lot River gorges in the northern part of Aveyron.

It is on the route of one of the important pilgrim trails to Santiago de Compostela, in part because the relics of St Fleuret are held in the village church. The church was built in the 15th century on the site of an older priory, and also holds two or three important works of art, in addition to the 15th century stone cross outside the church.

The village is dominated by the Chateau of the Estaing family, also dating from the 15th century (currently owned by ex-President of France Valery Giscard d'Estaing). Estaing itself is a very attractive medieval town, with lots of fine medieval / renaissance houses to admire.

Other notable attractions in the village are a lovely wrought iron cross, which is next to the equally fine stone bridge across the Lot river.

The first sunday of July is the day for the fete of St Fleuret, celebrated in the village since the 11th century with a costumed procession. And if you are in the region around the middle of August try not to miss the firework display in the village.

The setting of Estaing, surrounded by gorges, mountains, crashing streams and rivers makes it the perfect place for a wide range of outdoor activities, including walking, cycling, fishing and canoeing.