Things to do in Conques
and the surrounding area

7 minutes by car from eco-lodge Lalalandes, Conques is one of the jewels of Aveyron. Listed among the most beautiful villages in France and inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list, this medieval village perched in the Dourdou gorges is an ideal base for exploring a wild and unspoilt region.

Whether you're here for a few days or a full week, here's our guide to the must-sees.

1. Sainte-Foy Abbey — the Romanesque masterpiece

This is Conques' iconic monument. Sainte-Foy Abbey, built between the 11th and 12th centuries, is one of the finest examples of Romanesque architecture in France. Its sculpted tympanum of the Last Judgement, comprising 124 figures, is a masterpiece of precision and expressiveness.

Inside, light filters through the contemporary stained glass by Pierre Soulages, a world-renowned Aveyronnais artist. A rare visual and spiritual experience, between ancient stone and modern abstraction.

Tip: visit early morning or late afternoon to catch the raking light on the golden facades. In winter, the morning mist rising from the gorges creates an otherworldly atmosphere.

2. The Dourdou gorges — hiking and swimming

The Dourdou, the river winding at the foot of the village, offers magnificent hiking opportunities through its wooded gorges. Conques is 7 minutes by car from the cottage.

• GR 65 (St James's Way): the iconic pilgrimage route that passes through Conques. Even if you're not doing the full pilgrimage, a few kilometres on this history-laden trail is an experience in itself.
• Dourdou gorges trail: descend to the river, follow the banks between cliffs and oak groves. Swimming possible in summer in natural coves.
• La Vinzelle walk: one of the finest loops in the region, starting from the old bridge at Grand-Vabre. About 3 hours of walking through the gorges and hilltop villages, with stunning panoramas over the valley. A must for lovers of nature and wild landscapes.

3. The Conques treasury — the relics of Saint Foy

The abbey treasury museum holds one of the richest collections of medieval goldsmithing in Europe. The reliquary statue of Saint Foy (9th–10th century), covered in gold plates and precious stone inlays, is an object of extraordinary beauty and rarity.

Allow 1 hour for the visit. Open all year.

4. Surrounding villages — deep Aveyron

Within 30 km of Conques, several villages and sites are worth the detour:

• Estaing (20 km) — medieval village on the banks of the Lot, also listed among the most beautiful villages in France. Its castle dominates the river.
• Entraygues-sur-Truyère (25 km) — at the confluence of the Lot and Truyère, AOC vineyard, picturesque old town.
• Espalion (30 km) — Friday morning market, fine corbelled houses on the banks of the Lot.
• Marcillac-Vallon (20 km) — heart of the Marcillac wine area, local red wines to discover at the producers.

5. Gastronomy — the flavours of Aveyron

Aveyron has a rich gastronomic tradition. Make the most of your stay to discover:

• Aligot — mashed potato with fresh tome cheese, stretchy and generous. Not to be missed.
• Roquefort — AOC cheese produced in the natural caves of Roquefort-sur-Soulzon (1h30 from the cottage).
• Aveyron lamb (PGI) — free-range on the causse plateaux.
• Conques market — Sunday mornings in season. Local producers, cheeses, charcuterie.

6. Sport and outdoor activities

• Canoeing and kayaking on the Lot and Dourdou — hire available at Entraygues and Estaing.
• Mountain biking — numerous waymarked circuits from Conques.
• Via ferrata — nearby routes for those seeking a thrill.
• Rock climbing — limestone cliffs in the gorges.
• Fishing — the Dourdou is classified as a trout river.

Practical information

• Distance from the cottage: Conques 7 min by car, or 1h minimum on foot via the GR 65
• Parking: car park at the village entrance (pedestrian village) — free November to March, €6 April to October
• Conques tourist office: Place de l'Abbatiale — open all year
• Best time to visit: all year — every season has its charm. Autumn is particularly magical with the colours of the oak forests.