Nearby tourist attractions

Around the Pays d’Aurillac, the neighboring départements abound with tourist sites and emblematic places to discover. From picturesque villages to majestic landscapes, each bordering territory offers unique experiences and heritage to explore. Whether you’re attracted by history, nature or culture, these border regions offer a multitude of possibilities to enrich your stay and extend your discovery of the Auvergne and beyond. Meet these neighboring destinations and be inspired by the diversity and richness of their attractions.

Les Tours de Merle

The Tours de Merle, a medieval jewel in the Corrèze region, invite you to immerse yourself in history. Set in a wild, verdant landscape, these imposing towers stand proudly on a rocky spur above the Maronne River.

A former stronghold of powerful lords from the XIIᵉ to the XVᵉ centuries, this exceptional site bears witness to feudal rivalries and the daily life of the inhabitants in the Middle Ages.
This fortified complex was a castrum, a grouping of several lordships cohabiting in a single location. At its peak, the site boasted seven towers, seigneurial dwellings, a chapel and a fortified village, forming a veritable impregnable eagle’s nest.

Conques-en-Rouergue

Ranked among the “Most Beautiful Villages in France”, Conques-en-Rouergue is a must-see destination for lovers of history, architecture and nature. This medieval village, on the route to Santiago de Compostela, fascinates visitors with its authenticity and cobbled streets, where time seems to stand still.

In the heart of Conques, the abbey church of Sainte-Foy and its contemporary stained-glass windows by Pierre Soulages attract visitors from all over the world. This masterpiece of Romanesque art, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is famous for its tympanum depicting the Last Judgement, a true marvel of sculpted art. Pilgrims and visitors can also explore the Treasure of Conques, which contains precious relics and sacred art objects.

Conques-en-Rouergue is also a natural setting, nestled in green hills ideal for hiking. A number of footpaths offer exceptional panoramic views over the Dourdou valley. A stroll through the village is also an opportunity to meet local craftsmen, taste Aveyron specialities and enjoy a unique, warm atmosphere.

With its emblematic sites and enchanting setting, Conques-en-Rouergue is not only an invitation to travel back in time, but also a lively destination, combining culture, spirituality and nature.

Gouffre de Padirac

The town of Padirac, nestled in the Lot department, is world-famous for its Gouffre de Padirac, a natural wonder that attracts thrill-seeking visitors every year. Considered one of the most impressive chasms in Europe, this exceptional site plunges visitors 103 metres into the bowels of the earth. After a vertiginous descent, they embark on a boat ride on an underground river, guided by spectacular galleries, immense chambers and fascinating geological formations.

But Padirac is also a charming village in the Lot region, with plenty to discover. Visitors can enjoy the authenticity of the surrounding countryside, explore the hiking trails that criss-cross the region, or discover the local heritage. Situated close to major tourist attractions such as Rocamadour and the Parc naturel régional des Causses du Quercy, Padirac is an ideal base from which to explore the Lot and its treasures.

Whether you’re a nature, geology or heritage enthusiast, Padirac offers a unique and unforgettable experience, combining the grandeur of the underground world with the tranquility of the Quercy countryside.

Rocamadour

Rocamadour, one of France’s most emblematic sites, attracts visitors from all over the world for its unique architecture and fascinating history. Nestled in the limestone cliffs overlooking the Alzou valley, this medieval town is set high up, offering spectacular panoramic views and a timeless atmosphere.

A place of pilgrimage since the Middle Ages, Rocamadour is famous for its sanctuary dedicated to the Black Madonna, which pilgrims reach by climbing the 216 steps of the Grand Escalier. This spiritual site is also home to the Basilica of Saint-Sauveur, a UNESCO World Heritage Site as part of the Pilgrim’s Way to Santiago de Compostela, and the Chapel of Notre-Dame, a jewel of Romanesque and Gothic art.

In addition to its architectural treasures, Rocamadour offers unique experiences for visitors: the monkey forest, the eagle rock, as well as hiking trails through the Causses du Quercy Regional Nature Park, allowing visitors to discover unspoilt nature. The picturesque lanes, lined with the stalls of local craftsmen and producers, offer a glimpse of the Lot’s terroir, with specialties such as Rocamadour AOP cheese.

Rocamadour is a destination that combines spirituality, heritage and nature, making every visit a journey back in time and a constant source of wonder.