Estaing In Aveyron: 5 Things To Know About This Picturesque Village
The village of Estaing is a must-see for anyone wanting to discover the most beautiful sites in Aveyron. This commune, dominated by an impressive castle, is one of the most picturesque in the department. Here are 5 things to know about this unmissable destination.
1- Estaing is classified among the Most Beautiful Villages of France.
Village nestled in the heart of the Lot valley, between the river and verdant hillsides, Estaing is one of the most picturesque communes in the Aveyron department.
Strolling through its alleyways, amidst schist houses, you will quickly understand why this destination has been classified among the Most Beautiful Villages of France!
You can admire numerous examples of 16th to 18th-century architecture here, starting with the Cayron Hotel, which today houses the village town hall.
The village is known for its castle linked to the d'Estaing family.
The most iconic monument of the commune remains the Château d'Estaing, which was purchased by former President of the Republic Valéry Giscard d'Estaing in 2005.
This castle, built in the 13th century around a pentagonal keep, has been classified as a historical monument since 1945. At the top of its keep, five turrets overlook the horizon.
The guided tour of this imposing residence allows visitors to ascend the keep and enjoy a breathtaking view of the meanders of the Lot.
3- Estaing is a stage on the way to Compostela.
During your visit to the village, be sure to discover the church that houses the relics of Saint-Fleuret, a former bishop of Clermont-Ferrand known for performing miraculous healings.
Every year, the town celebrates its patron saint by organizing the Procession of Saint-Fleuret on the first Sunday of July.
The 15th-century church is classified as a historical monument, as is the sculpted stone cross located on its forecourt. This cross reminds visitors that the village of Estaing is a stop on the Way of Saint James...
In the town, the Gothic bridge that spans the Lot is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site under the Way of Saint James. Even today, it is used by pilgrims heading to Santiago de Compostela. When crossing this bridge, tourists and pilgrims can admire a wrought iron cross which is the emblem of Aveyron.
4- The wines of Estaing are protected by an AOC.
As you may have guessed, the village of Estaing in Aveyron has many attractions to charm history and heritage lovers. But did you know that this destination will also delight wine enthusiasts?
Take advantage of your stay to discover the wines of Estaing protected by a controlled designation of origin. Long produced by France's smallest wine cooperative, the Coopérative des vignerons d'Olt, these red, white, or rosé wines obtained an AOC in 2011.
To learn more about the expertise of local winemakers and taste their production, simply visit the Maison de la Vigne, du Vin et des Paysages d'Estaing, which opened its doors in the commune in 2003.
5- The village organizes the Médiévales d'Estaing in September.
The best time to visit this village in Aveyron is undoubtedly the month of September. If you have the chance to go there on the second weekend of September, you will feel like you've traveled back to the 13th century!
For a weekend, the entire village transports its visitors to the Middle Ages during the Médiévales d'Estaing. Troubadour troupes enliven the streets with period music and juggling, while artisans display their works and local products at the medieval market.
On Saturday evening, a grand banquet is organized, and the winners of Tristan's challenge are knighted just like in the Middle Ages! Between the costumes, music, and activities, this grand medieval festival is an event not to be missed.
