Laissac
Tourist Guide
25km east of Rodez, between the Aveyron valley and the Sévérac-le-Château causse, or limestone plateau, is located the village of Laissac-Sévérac L'Église.
Laissac’s great pride is its cattle market, ranked first among the markets in the south of France.
1ST VILLAGE ETAPE IN AVEYRON
Labelled in 2016, Laissac became the 1st Village Étape in Aveyron. Take the opportunity to have a break during your journey on the RN 88. The shops and services in Laissac will give you a warm welcome.
To obtain the label, a village has to meet some very strict criteria:
- Be a maximum 5 minutes or 5 kilometres from a main road or toll-free motorway.
- Have a population of fewer than 5,000 residents.
- Offer traditional catering with a sufficient number of seats, offer hotel accommodation and/or quality guest rooms, a campsite, and shops and facilities such as a bakery, grocers, butcher, newsagent, pharmacy, garage, ATM, etc...
LAND OF TRADITION
The cattle market, the experience of true tradition
A real institution since the 15th century, the cattle market takes place every Tuesday morning, all year round. Guided tours take place from mid-June to the end of September, and during the Easter and October holidays, from 7.45 am. The leading market in the south of France reveals all: there’s a film which shows you how the cattle are bought and sold, you’ll visit the cattle fair from the footbridge overlooking the market, and you’ll continue on to the sheep fair. An experience closer to animals!
OUR RECOMMENDATION
After visiting the cattle market, go for a walk in the village and take the opportunity to do your shopping, especially at the farmers’ market. Throughout the summer, the village features musical entertainment and a great atmosphere!
THE GREAT OUTDOORS
A large choice of activities around Laissac
Hiking, an orienteering course, mountain biking circuits approved by the FFC, and cycle tourism routes are just some of the activities for nature lovers. A variety of activities for the whole family in varied landscapes. A natural zone from the Sévérac causse, or limestone plateau to the upper Aveyron valley, via the Palanges forest.
CAVING TRIPS
An unusual underground activity
Discover the underground universe of the Clos del Pous cave, under Laissac. Meet in front of the Tourist Office in July and August to follow the guide. Duration: between 2 and 3 hours - Wetsuit provided, bring walking shoes or boots. Booking required at the Laissac Tourist Office.
Book your caving trip: Laissac office +33 (0) 5 65 70 71 30
A HEARTY MEAL
The unmissable Laissac tradition
To regain your strength after your morning visit to the cattle market, there’s nothing better than a gastronomic break! The 3 cafés/restaurants around the fair serve a hearty meal, an obligatory stop on a Tuesday in Laissac. There you will meet the traders who, once the animals have been bought and sold, meet for lunch.
The menu features a cold meat platter, your choice of sheep offal, veal's head, lamb chop or sirloin steak, a cheese platter, dessert and coffee. We’ll see you in the restaurants: Café du Foirail, La Patche, La Bascule
OUR RECOMMENDATION
To fully enjoy a day in Laissac, book your accommodation in the village, or at the motorhome site or the campsite. There’s something for everyone.
If you stay here on a Monday evening, that’s perfect, you won't miss the Tuesday morning cattle market! You will not be disappointed by the warm welcome from the locals!
CHRISTMAS CATTLE COMPETITION
This event, which has become a must over the years, is a real showcase and an agricultural institution for the entire Aveyron department. The day includes judging of the animals by a jury of professionals, auction of the best animals, a general sale and an award ceremony. It is a very popular show that attracts a crowd of experts and the simply curious. There is also entertainment throughout the day around the fair.
The mechanical bull guarantees laughter, just like Daf, the cartoonist, who, with a few strokes of the pencil, sketches a fabulous portrait, all against a musical background with street entertainment.