The 7 things to do in Sainte-Énimie

Are you going to Lozère? Don’t miss visiting Sainte-Énimie, one of the most beautiful villages in the department.

By venturing into the Gorges du Tarn , one suddenly falls on a village with a certain charm that stretches from the river and others. Visiting Saint-Énimie has become over time a high place of pilgrimage and tourism, the village becoming famous for its legends. There is no shortage of activities between cultural visits, hikes and sport of living water.

This small medieval city runs on foot, and one discovers its history through different marked routes. All these assets have earned him rightly to be ranked among the most beautiful villages in the Hexagon. So, convinced? To help you prepare your visit, we have prepared the list of the 7 essentials to make in Sainte-Énimie.

1. Hermitage

On the heights of the village, the Hermitage is one of the must-sees in Sainte-Énimie. A monastery was built at the entrance of the cave where Princess Enimie finished her life. The legend tells that the daughter of King Clotaire II and sister of Dagobert I wanted to escape his father's marriage. She prayed to God to remove her beauty and became a leper.

Later, an angel appeared to him and told him to go to Burlatis, the former name of Saint-Énimie. She arrived on the spot, baigna in the Burle fountain and healed by miracle. When she tried to leave the village, the disease reappeared. She therefore decided to settle in a cave near the source of the Burle, to live in hermit. Hence the name of Hermitage!

Today, many pilgrims go to the Hermitage every year, especially during the votive feast. From the bridge you will reach it in 45 minutes. The cave is no longer visiting, but you can look inside the semi-troglodyte monastery through a grid. Continue to a small promontory that offers an exceptional view of the village below.

2. Notre-Dame du Gourg Church

At the bottom of the village, don’t miss the church, another must in Sainte-Énimie: Notre-Dame du Gourg church. This building was listed on the Historic Monuments list in 1985. We enter it through a two-way roman portal. Once in the nave, notice the vaults in the middle of a creme and the choir.

The light that enters the apse through a beautiful window does not fail to charm the visitor. The church has many wooden and stone statues. The most beautiful date of the 15th century and represents Sainte Anne in painted and golden stone. She holds on her left knee the Virgin who carries the child Jesus. It should also be noted that the presence of a ceramic retracing Énimie’s life.

3. Heritage tour

The town hall has set up a pretty heritage walk that allows you to discover all the must-sees of Saint-Énimie. You can get the plan back to the tourist office. You will go for a walk of an hour thirty, passing through the church square, the path of the Monks and the capitular room.

Different views of the city enamel the route, and interpretation panels explain the history of each monument.

4. Track game with the Baludik app

In collaboration with the Lozère department, the Baludik app offers interactive walks in different villages. A good idea if you are looking for what to visit in Sainte-Énimie with your family! To advance on the course, you will need to be ingenious and solve puzzles.

This real track game allows you to discover the cultural and historical heritage of the city while you are fun. You will leave for a walk of about two hours, at a very quiet pace.

5. Trail of the Gorges du Tarn to Castelbouc

In the heart of the Gorges du Tarn, welcome to Castelbouc, a semi-troglodyte village with a cliff. The ruined castle that dominates the homes always impresses the traveller. After being abandoned for several decades, Castelbouc gradually returned to life thanks to the new inhabitants who settled there.

You can reach it from Sainte-Énimie by following a path along the river. For 2h30, you evolve at the edge of the water and in the shadow of the cliffs in a preserved nature. A great hiking trip to Sainte-Énimie if you're looking to rejuvenate!

6. Festival BD

Every first weekend in July, a must-see is held in Sainte-Énimie for lovers of small bubbles. Recognized and independent authors are invited to share their work through dedication sessions and workshops.

The atmosphere is friendly and allows you to spend a good time with other fans of the genre. Little more, the exceptional setting and the many other activities to do in Sainte-Énimie!

7. Canoe

Many providers offer the rental of canoes in Sainte-Énimie, but also paddles and canyoning outings. Go kayaking for 6 different courses adapted to all levels.

For one hour to three days, you will discover the beauties of the Tarn Gorges. You will evolve in some of the most beautiful landscapes in the area. An activity to be done in Sainte-Énimie absolutely!

How do I go to Saint-Énimie?

La Lozère, because of its demographic density, is not the best department in France. However, there are many ways to reach Sainte-Énimie.

By car

If you choose to take your car:

• From Paris, join Clermond-Ferrand. Follow theA75 to Exit 39.1 Nimes/Mende/Chanac/Florac/Gorges du Tarn. Continue on the N88 to Chanac and then take the D31 and D44, following the signs to Sainte-Énimie;
• From Montpellier, take itA75 until exit 43 to Massegros/Gorges du Tarn. Follow the D995 to Massegros, then the D32 and D998 towards Sainte-Énimie;
• From Lyon, join Saint-Etienne by theA7 andA47 then follow the N88 to Balsièges. You then have 20 kilometers on the D986 to get to Sainte-Énimie.

By train

If you want to visit Saint-Énimie, know that this village has no station. The nearest stations are Chanac, Banassac-La Canourgue, Marvejols, Séverac le Château, Mende and Millau. From Mende you can rent a car. Know that from Lyon, Montpellier or Clermont-Ferrand, your journey will be shared between train and bus.

By plane

The nearest airports are Clermont-Ferrand, Montpellier and Rodez . You will then have to rent a car or use the public transport network to join Sainte-Énimie. To find the best deals on airline tickets, use a comparison as Skyscanner . It will present you the most suitable solutions to reach your destination quickly and at the best price.

Where to stay in Sainte-Énimie?

Sainte-Énimie is a small village but it is possible to stay there quite easily. You can choose from several holiday homes, campsites and hotels, but think to book in season because the rooms can fill up quickly.

To find the best offers, use a hotel comparison . In just a few clicks, it will uncover the casing nest that suits you best and will make you benefit from the most advantageous prices.

If you do not find your happiness in Sainte-Énimie, the neighboring villages have beautiful cottages and guest rooms. For example, you can stay in Barnassac, La Canourgue, Chanac or Le Massegros.

Now that you know what to do in Sainte-Énimie, prepare your suitcases to go for adventure!