01
August
2025
Departure for Villecomtal
Riders: 34.42Km - Carriages: 34.71Km
VILLECOMTAL
A ruby in a green setting
Leaving the horizons of the Causses, we plunge into the wooded valley of Dourdou. Here, the warm Villecomtalais welcome us to this emblematic medieval village with garnet hues, located in the Rougier region on the Dourdou de Conques.
At an altitude of 300 meters, on the banks of the Dourdou River, this charming Aveyron village, nicknamed "Little Rome," is made of red sandstone walls with iron oxide-laden earth.
Dominated by its 15th-century castle, the village has been classified as a Small Town of Character in the department.
Inspired by the orthogonal bastides, the "Villa Comtalis" (the Count's Village) was founded around 1295 by Henry II, Count of Rodez.
Around 1435, due to the prevailing insecurity, the town was fortified with ramparts.
Dating from the 13th century, Villecomtal around 1800, it housed a large community of "the Little Church" whose members were nicknamed "the enfarinés", not for any connection with mills and flour but for a history of "rebelliousness".
This movement was generated by bishops who were resistant to the civil constitution of the clergy voted in 1791. These anti-Concordat activists were called "the enfarinés" because the men powdered their hair with flour to attend religious services.
Villecomtal is also renowned for its medicinal plants and herbalism courses.
With numerous shops, services, and artisans, Villecomtal is a lively and dynamic village with its Summer Market every Wednesday morning, the festival; Rue à tire l’aligot on August 14th, the Saint-Barthélemy Votive Festival the last weekend of August, the Wool, Apple, and Chestnut Festival in October, and the Plant Festival.
From walks in the cool Dourdou River to visits to cobbled streets and half-timbered houses, La Route Randonnée Découverte is delighted to introduce these participants to the final stage of this 2025 edition.
Villecomtal, the village where life is good in an atmosphere filled with serenity.
Lunch Stop: La Grange de SEVEYRAC
In the heart of Aveyron, in an exceptional location, the RIEUCAU family welcomes you. LA GRANGE DE SÉVEYRAC, formerly owned by the Cistercian Abbey of Bonneval, now a family property, opens its doors to you: This farm, which has existed since the 12th century, is a monumental architectural heritage site, a testament to the agro-pastoral evolution of Rouergue agriculture. In an authentic setting, a blend of stone and wood, Anne and Jean-Yves RIEUCAU, Aubrac cattle breeders, will welcome you to the former cattle barn converted into a dining room. Dishes prepared with farm produce, all in a warm and friendly atmosphere.
See: LRRD organization
