Welcome to the lands of Aveyron, where time seems to have slowed down to preserve the soul of Carladez. For this stage, you have the privilege of choosing your base between two towns of character: Mur-de-Barrez, the medieval, or Cantoin, the bucolic. Here, the slate roofs stand out against a horizon of intense greenery, between the former fiefdom of the Princes of Monaco and the wild plateaux of Aubrac. A stopover full of character awaits you, where every stone tells an epic tale and every path offers a breath of fresh air. These two neighbouring villages form an inseparable duo for those who want to grasp the essence of the region. The choice is yours: stay at the CAMPING-CAR PARK area in Mur-de-Barrez to be at the heart of history, or prefer the one in Cantoin for a wake-up call in the middle of nature. Once parked, you can freely travel from one site to another according to your desires for walks or heritage.

• The Monaco Tower: In the heart of the village of Mur-de-Barrez, this 15th-century sentinel (allow about 45 minutes for the one-kilometre historical route) bears witness to the unique historical link with the principality. By following the "D’Histoire en histoires" imaginary trail, you will dive into an open-air narrative before climbing to the Castle esplanade to capture the panoramic view over the roofs.

• House of the Cabrette and Bagpipes: In Cantoin, let yourself be guided by the ancestral melodies of this capital of traditional music. This unique place celebrates Occitan culture through a fascinating collection of instruments. For walkers, the path of the "burons" (stone huts) links the museum to the heart of the plateau (approx. 2h walk, 6.8 km). The effort is rewarded by a magnificent panorama of the Plomb du Cantal, Puy Mary and the shimmering waters of Lake Sarrans.

• Mohair Workshop at the Town Hall: Take a creative break in Cantoin’s town hall square to meet Cécile. This passionate breeder will introduce you to the softness of mohair from her angora goats, a delicate local craft.

• Cycling Loops: For cycling enthusiasts, starts from Mur-de-Barrez offer various circuits. Whether you are in family stroll mode or seeking a sporting challenge, the rolling roads offer changing perspectives on the deep valleys of Carladez.

Voici les traductions pour cette étape entre Le Nayrac et Espalion, en respectant scrupuleusement votre mise en forme :

Français

Le voyage se poursuit vers le sud, là où les reliefs de l'Aubrac s'adoucissent pour laisser place à la vallée du Lot. Vous voici à la croisée des chemins entre Le Nayrac, sentinelle des montagnes nichée sur son plateau, et Espalion, surnommée la "Venise de l'Aveyron". L'atmosphère change : l'air vif des sommets rencontre ici la douceur de vivre d'une cité médiévale bercée par l'eau. Selon votre envie du moment, choisissez votre escale : le calme absolu des grands espaces au Nayrac ou l'effervescence historique d'Espalion. À faire :

• Le Pont-Vieux & les Tanneries : À Espalion, flânez sur le Pont-Vieux en grès rose, classé à l'UNESCO. Imaginez le passage des troupeaux lors de la transhumance qui foulent encore ces pierres séculaires. En regardant vers la rive, admirez les "calquières", d'anciennes tanneries aux balcons de bois plongeant dans le Lot, donnant au village ce délicieux air de Toscane.

• Musée du Scaphandre : C'est ici qu'est né le premier scaphandre autonome au monde ! Plongez (environ 1h) dans l'histoire de cette invention révolutionnaire des ingénieurs locaux Rouquayrol et Denayrouze. Une visite insolite et fascinante au cœur de l'ancienne église Saint-Jean.

• Points de vue du Nayrac & Bouldoires : Prenez de la hauteur au Nayrac. Depuis la colline de Bouldoires, l'un des points culminants, vos yeux embrassent les Monts du Cantal (Puy Mary, Plomb du Cantal) et l'immensité de l'Aubrac. C'est le lieu idéal pour une pause contemplative avant de rejoindre le plan d'eau du village pour une partie de pêche apaisante.

• Coulée de lave de Roquelaure : À proximité d'Espalion, ne manquez pas ce "clapas" géant : un éboulis basaltique spectaculaire niché en forêt. Ce champ de pierres noires offre un contraste saisissant avec la verdure environnante et constitue un belvédère naturel sur la vallée.

• Sentiers de Randonnée et Trail : Les sportifs seront comblés par le circuit trail de 21,5 km ou le circuit des Vignes (13,5 km). Ces tracés serpentent sur le plateau du Nayrac et offrent des fenêtres plongeantes sur les méandres du Lot.

Anglais britannique

The journey continues southwards, where the Aubrac landscape softens to give way to the Lot valley. Here you are at the crossroads between Le Nayrac, a mountain sentinel perched on its plateau, and Espalion, nicknamed the "Venice of Aveyron". The atmosphere changes: the brisk mountain air meets the gentle way of life of a medieval town cradled by the water. Depending on your mood, choose your stopover: the absolute calm of the wide-open spaces in Le Nayrac or the historical vibrancy of Espalion. To do:

• The Pont-Vieux & the Tanneries: In Espalion, stroll across the pink sandstone Pont-Vieux, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Imagine the herds crossing during the transhumance, still treading these ancient stones. Looking towards the riverbank, admire the "calquières", former tanneries with wooden balconies overhanging the Lot, giving the village a delightful Tuscan feel.

• Diving Suit Museum: The world's first autonomous diving suit was born here! Dive (for about 1 hour) into the history of this revolutionary invention by local engineers Rouquayrol and Denayrouze. An unusual and fascinating visit in the heart of the former Saint-Jean church.

• Le Nayrac & Bouldoires Viewpoints: Gain some height in Le Nayrac. From Bouldoires hill, one of the highest points, your eyes will take in the Cantal Mountains (Puy Mary, Plomb du Cantal) and the vastness of the Aubrac. It is the perfect spot for a contemplative break before heading to the village lake for a peaceful fishing session.

• Roquelaure Lava Flow: Near Espalion, do not miss this giant "clapas": a spectacular basaltic scree nestled in the forest. This field of black stones offers a striking contrast to the surrounding greenery and serves as a natural lookout over the valley.

• Hiking and Trail Paths: Sports enthusiasts will be delighted by the 21.5 km trail circuit or the "circuit des Vignes" (13.5 km). These routes wind across the Le Nayrac plateau and offer plunging views over the meanders of the Lot.

Aubrac Truffade (or Rétortillat) This is the ultimate comfort food for shepherds. This generous dish combines sautéed potatoes with fresh Aubrac tome and matured Laguiole PDO cheese. The secret? A perfectly stretchy, stringy texture that warms the heart after a day in the great outdoors.

Les Farçous These little chard and herb patties are the soul of Aveyron markets. To be enjoyed hot or cold, farçous are the perfect snack to slip into your backpack for a lakeside picnic.

Aubin, one of the oldest towns in Rouergue, was the commercial crossroads of its territory in the 14th century, before being profoundly transformed by mining and the establishment of forges, which formed a "ribbon town". At the height of the mining activity, Aubin had almost 10,000 inhabitants. To do:

• The Fort site and old Aubin: begin your visit through the steep narrow streets of the old town which will lead you to the Fort site. You will see beautiful timber-framed houses, the corn exchange and its five measures. Signage retraces the history of the city and the ancient military fort.

• Notre-Dame d'Aubin Church: listed as a Historic Monument, it houses Romanesque art treasures: a polychrome wooden Christ, a historiated capital, an altar, a lead baptismal font, as well as a beautiful set of 12 contemporary stained-glass windows.

• The Lucien Mazars Mining Museum: step back in time and dive into the mining past through an extremely extensive collection of archival documents, tools and reconstructed scenes. Discover the life and working conditions of miners across different eras! Also to see: the Gua forges plateau, Notre-Dame-des-Mines church and the five street art frescoes!

Immerse yourself in a journey through time between the Art Deco elegance of Capdenac-Gare and the medieval charm of Villeneuve d'Aveyron. Here, the industrial era and its metal structures sit alongside the softness of the bastides' pale stone. The choice is yours: set up your motorhome at the CAMPING-CAR PARK site of your choice to explore these two characterful towns.

To do:

• Church of the Holy Sepulchre: In Villeneuve, admire its 14th-century frescoes and its architecture linked to pilgrims (45 min).

• Art Deco & Rail Heart: In Capdenac-Gare, stroll between the 1900s villas, the Baltard-style hall and the impressive steam locomotive.

• Jean-Marie Périer Gallery: An immersion (about 1h) into the photographs of the "Yéyé" idols within a medieval house in Villeneuve.

• Towers & Carriérous: Pass through the fortified gates (Soubirane and Cardalhac towers) and lose yourself in the narrow streets to savour the atmosphere of the arcaded houses.

The Croquant de Villeneuve This crunchy almond biscuit is the local delicacy par excellence. Its crisp texture and authentic local taste make it the ideal companion for your strolls through the "carriérous" (narrow streets).

Overlooking the entrance to the Gorges du Tarn, Mostuéjouls charms with its limestone architecture and terraced gardens. This picturesque village, south-facing, offers exceptional light and a unique panorama over the cliffs of the Causse Noir. To do:

• Stroll through the medieval streets: discover carefully restored houses, vaulted passages and the Saint-Sauveur church, a jewel of Romanesque art.

• Head up towards the Château de Mostuéjouls: admire this imposing (private) building which overlooks the village and bears witness to its historical importance.

• Hike along the cornices: take the paths starting from the village to reach the vases de Sévérac or the troglodyte hamlet of Saint-Marcellin, for a plunging view over the Tarn.

• Enjoy a refreshing break: reach the banks of the Tarn at the hamlet of Liaucous for a swim or a canoe trip.

Head for the south of Aveyron, in the heart of the Grands Causses Regional Natural Park. Between the medieval village of Saint-Beauzély and the bustle of Millau, you are entering a UNESCO-listed territory. Here, nature becomes monumental: the limestone plateaux touch the sky while rivers carve out spectacular gorges. Choose your atmosphere: the calm of a stone village steeped in history or the adrenaline of a city nestled beneath one of the largest viaducts in the world. To do:

• The Millau Viaduct: Follow the Explorers' Trail for a unique immersion (about 1h). Between giant models and dizzying viewpoints from the belvedere located beneath the deck, you will grasp the full scale of this work of art.

• Saint-Beauzély Castle & Museums: Explore this medieval castle which houses the Museum of Trades and Rural Life. With over 5,000 objects, it is a fascinating plunge into the daily life of yesteryear. Do not miss the Stone Museum either.

• Outdoor Sports in the Tarn Gorges: Whether by canoe on the crystal-clear waters of the Dourbie, via ferrata on the gorge walls or hiking on the GR trail, the spectacle is everywhere. For walkers, the "Des villages de caractère" circuit (12 km loop, about 4h) offers total immersion.

• Comberoumal Priory: In Saint-Beauzély, discover this 12th-century gem. Its unique architecture, inherited from the Order of Grandmont, is nestled in a green setting conducive to serenity.

The Millau Flaune This is the iconic dessert of the Causses. Prepared using ewe's "recuite" (heated whey), eggs and sugar on a shortcrust pastry scented with orange blossom, the Flaune offers an inimitable grainy and melting texture.

"Passeroses" Apple Cider In Saint-Beauzély, taste this artisanal cider crafted in accordance with tradition. Accompanied by roasted chestnuts gathered from the Verdalle woods, it is the perfect rustic snack for the end of a day outdoors.

In the heart of the Larzac plateau, a UNESCO World Heritage site, discover a fortified enclosure. In a rocky, ruin-like setting blended with greenery, La Cavalerie is a stop steeped in history just waiting to be discovered. To do:

• Travel across the five zip lines at the Gravière base: thrills guaranteed! (Activity available only during the summer period).

• Walk the wall-walk of the fortified enclosure and be dazzled by the view over the wide open spaces of the Larzac.

• Visit the Templar and Hospitaller sites with an audio guide for an hour-long discovery tour of the village, and admire the exhibition "Coinage of the Crusades".

Larzac sausage: A true emblem of the plateaus, Larzac sausage is a charcuterie with character, often prepared using rigorously selected pork and sometimes enriched with liver (the famous "liver sausage"). Dried or for cooking, it is ideally enjoyed with a slice of farmhouse bread or accompanied by a creamy aligot.

In the south of Aveyron, Saint-Affrique is located in the heart of the Grands Causses Regional Natural Park. Make no mistake: the name Saint-Affrique is linked neither to Africa nor to a saint (in the classical sense), hence the two "f"s. Its name comes from Africanus, a Bishop of Comminges persecuted by the Visigoths who took refuge there in the 6th century. To do:

• Visit the Roquefort caves and discover the manufacturing secrets of this famous blue-veined cheese (just 15 minutes from the town).

• Enjoy a change of scenery amidst the red lands (the Rougier) by following one of the hiking or cycling routes starting from Saint-Affrique, to be chosen according to your desires and level.

• Take an astro-gustatory journey by visiting the L'Astrolabe brewery: inspired by the cosmos and mythology, it offers organic beers with celestial and innovative flavours.

• Climb into the trees with "À la croisée des arbres" for an unusual ephemeral exploration, accessible to everyone from the age of 6.

Roquefort! The only PDO blue-veined cheese made from raw and whole ewe's milk, it comes from Lacaune dairy sheep, raised on the southern Grands Causses. It is a thousand-year-old tradition that will express itself on your taste buds.