THE UPPER LOT VALLEY
PAYS D'OLT
After having shaped the rocky outcrop occupied by Saint Laurent d 'Olt and dug gorges upstream of Pomayrols, the Lot settles down between Saint Geniez d' Olt and Sainte Eulalie d 'Olt.
ENJOY THE VARIOUS ACTIVITIES IN THE GREAT OUTDOORS
The Lot River hosts many activities: fishing, canoeing, Stand Up Paddle... Or you can even rent an electric boat to explore the Castelnau-Lassouts-Lous lake in peace!
Do you like hiking? You will love the calm and nature. The many hiking, horse riding or mountain biking trails will guide you through lush green landscapes and surprising viewpoints...
Are you a cycle tourist Choose your route between Lot and Aubrac
Experience a true adventure in an unspoiled environment!
THINGS TO SEE ALONG THE LOT
Villages with preserved heritage
As it enters Aveyron, at Estables, to the Castelnau-Lassouts-Lous dam, the Lot crosses the ‘Pays d'Olt’. Here, the villages have kept the old name of the ‘Oltis’ river, with its Celtic or Latin origin: Saint Laurent d´Olt, Saint Geniez d´Olt, Sainte Eulalie d´Olt
Rich in their economic and historical past, the villages have managed to preserve a sometimes opulent heritage, built with very diverse materials: red sandstone in Saint Laurent d'Olt, schist in Pomayrols, carved stone in Saint Geniez d'Olt and pebbles in Sainte Eulalie d'Olt, with however one common factor, the slate or lauze schist.
In this valley, the first bridges were built in the Middle Ages, linking the Aubrac mountains to the north and the Causses to the south.
Due to their economic, commercial and strategic role, these bridges have long been guarded and protected by castles, at the base of which the local populations built their homes.
The movement of herds in transhumance is still the most striking fact today.
Saint Laurent d´Olt, built on a rocky ridge, in a bend in the Lot, dominates the river for more than 50m.
Pomayrols, a link between the Lot valley and the Aubrac mountains, with its village and castle (12th - 15th century) and built on a rocky outcrop, dominates the Lot gorges.
Built on both sides of the Lot, Saint Geniez d´Olt enjoys a privileged location between Causses and Monts d'Aubrac.
With a rich economic and historical past, the town now values its heritage and celebrates its cultural vocation: Music and tango festivals, shows, sporting competitions...
A Station Verte holiday resort and labelled Villes et Villages Fleuris, the town has a wide range of accommodation.
3 km away, the medieval town of Sainte Eulalie d´Olt, is ranked among the Most Beautiful Villages in France. Take the opportunity to visit the many artisan workshops.
Built along a rocky ridge, Mandailles extends to the Castelnau-Lassouts-Lous Lake
As you continue your journey along the Lot, around a bend, you will discover the beautiful Cambon church (16th century), before you carry on towards St Côme and Espalion.
OUR RECOMMENDATION
From mid-June to mid-September, take part in the many activities on offer during the F’Estivales des Causses à l’Aubrac, including farm visits, activities, walks and discoveries.
DURING YOUR STAY
On the 1st Sunday in August, stroll through the streets to hunt for a rare gem, during the big car boot sale, and in the evening, you will be amazed by the grandiose pyrotechnic show on the Lot, during the Fête de la Rive Droite in St Geniez d'Olt.
Saint Eulalia d'Olt continues two traditions from the distant past:
During the Procession of the Holy Thorn, on the 2nd Sunday of July, you can follow a procession in costume, through the village streets.
At the ‘Poule Un’, on 1 November each year, you can take part in a very special auction in the village square.