The 8 things to do in Estaing

Would you like to visit Estaing? Then discover the 8 things to do in this most beautiful village of France!

If you are going to visit Estaing, you will discover a rich cultural and historical heritage. Located in the Lot Valley, in the Aveyron , this village is ranked among the most beautiful French villages. Don’t hesitate to visit its imposing castle, steeped in a path, on a rocky sparrow.

But there are other activities to do! This is why you will find in this article the 8 things to do in Estaing during your stay!

1. The castle of Estaing

The imposing castle of Estaing, classified as the Historical Monuments, dominates the village. Winned in 2005 by the former President of the Republic Valéry Giscard d’Estaing , it was built in the 13th century around a pentagonal dungeon. The visit will immerse you in the history of the famous family of Estaing.

At the top of the dungeon are five turrets and a terrace. By climbing to the top of the towers, you will then enjoy stunning views of the Lot and the surrounding area!

2. Estaing Bridge

If you come to visit Estaing, you will obviously not fail to borrow its bridge. It is one of the other emblematic monuments of the village. It allows you to cross the Lot between Sébrazac on the left bank and Estaing on the other bank.

Built from 1490, this work is made of shale with a limestone crowning. Its central battery is surmounted by two architectural elements facing each other. Upstream, you will contemplate a cross, and on the swallow, the statue of François d’Estaing.

3. Medieval village

The medieval village of Estaing is full of small wonders to discover. Among them are the Cayron Hotel, currently the town hall of the village, or the old college. During your walk you can also admire other beautiful facades dating from the 16th, 17th and 18th centuries.

You can also visit Estaing during his Medievals every second weekend of September. You can then immerse yourself in its unique atmosphere and immerse yourself in the past!

4. The church of Saint-Fleuret

We can't visit Estaing without going to discover this beautiful church that houses the relics of Saint-Fleuret. Built in the 15th century, it is thus classified as Historic Monument. Before entering the building, take the time to admire the carved stone cross that is on its platform.

The latter reminds us that we are on the paths of Santiago de Compostela ! Inside the building, you can admire a 15th century Christ and a 17th century pietà. There is also the statue of Saint James in a golden altarpiece, as well as the relics of the Saint.

5. La Chapelle Saint-Jean de l’Ouradou

This chapel is another must-see monument in Estaing. Built between 1524 and 1529, it is about one kilometre northwest of the town. However, don’t miss going to contemplate it, and above all to enter inside.

The chapel houses several artifacts and curiosities. Among them, one can note the choir decorated with a retable with a flamboyant Gothic style niche.

6. La Maison de la Vigne, du Vin et des Paysages d’Estaing

Held by the Vignerons d’Olt, the Maison de la Vigne, du Vin et des Paysages d’Estaing allows you to learn more about this vineyard, the smallest of origin in France. If you come to visit Estaing and you are wine lovers, don't miss discovering this place! The visit obviously includes tastings as well as the sale of local wines.

7. The descent of the Lot en canoë-kayak

If there’s a must-see activity in Estaing, it’s the canoe-kayak downhill! Several kayak tours, accessible to all, allow you to cross the Lot valley.

Located at the swallow, Estaing is thus the arrival point of many hikes through the water. You can leave Espalion and then go down quietly until this most beautiful village of the Hexagon!

8. Hiking around Estaing

Estaing is located on the via Podiensis (GR® 65) of the Compostela pilgrimage. For a medium difficulty hike, you can choose the beautiful portion of Estaing on the Golinhac plateau that offers medium mountain landscapes.

It extends over 14 kilometres. The most courageous will be able to choose the way to Santiago de Compostela d’Aubrac to Conquests . This 72-kilometre path will allow you to discover the beautiful landscapes of Aveyron and 10 beautiful villages!

How to get to Estaing?

By train

The nearest train station is in the city Rodez . To go to Estaing from this station, you will then have to opt for a taxi. The buses are rare between Rodez and Estaing or Espalion, nearby town. Note that the train routes between Rodez and Toulouse are still quite frequent.

By car

If you have a car, join and then visit Estaing will be easy. To go to the Aubrac, here are various routes that you can follow from the big cities around:

• From Toulouse, follow theA68 towards the N88. You'll be around then. Albi then continue on the N88 to Onet-le-Château. You will then have to follow D988 towards Estaing;
• De Montpellier, take itA75 through the Great Causses. In Severac-le-Château, take the N88 to Laissac and then the D28 and follow the signs to Estaing;
• From Lyon, take itA89 up to Clermont-Ferrand. Then follow theA75 and get out to Saint-Flour. You will then have to cross the Aubrac Regional Natural Park via the D921;
• From the northwest you will have to reach Brive-la-Gaillarde or Tulle. From Brive-la-Gaillarde, follow theA20 until Montfaucon then D802 and D840. From Tulle, follow the D120 to Aurillac and then the D920 to Estaing.

By plane

If you come by the air, land at Rodez-Aveyron Airport and then drive for 40 minutes to get to Estaing. In order to find a ticket at the best price, we advise you to use a flight comparator as well Skyscanner .

Where to stay in Estaing?

If you plan to visit Estaing, you will necessarily ask yourself the question of accommodation! Fortunately, the accommodation options are not missing in this most beautiful village of the Hexagon.

In particular, you can choose charming hotels or holiday homes. We can find it for every budget. You can also choose to stay at home via the platform Airbnb for example, or in a treed campsite in the region. To find the solution that best suits you, do not hesitate to use a hotel comparison .

All you have to do is pack your bags and go to the village of Estaing!