29
juily
2024
Departure for Saint Chély d’Aubrac
Roaming 31.5 km.
Sanch Eli in patois
The village of Hikers in the green Boralde valley.
After riding together from Laguiole here is Saint Chely d' Aubrac, who will receive us for two days.
This charming village, full of character, surrounded by greenery and woods is located in the department of Aveyron at 810 meters above sea level, placed on the Aveyron side of the Aubrac plateau, within the Boralde valley of Saint-Chély-d'Aubrac.
Nestled in the heart of the valley dug by the Boralde of Saint-Chély, the village is watered by the boraldes which are small streams which take their sources on the Aubrac plateau. This is one of the most beautiful valleys of Aubrac with its preserved nature. Its inhabitants are called Saint-Chélois(es).
Walking through the streets of the village, you will be able to see houses with very different styles. On Avenue d'Aubrac, the main street of Saint-Chély-d'Aubrac, the houses are rather imposing, bourgeois. They attest to the extension of the village at the beginning of the 20th century. It expanded when families expatriated to Paris to find work returned to the country.
Continuing through the center of the village, you can see older houses, some of which are corbelled and half-timbered dating from the 17th century. The Tower, now transformed into a guest room, dates from the end of the Middle Ages. This diversity proves the ancient existence of Saint-Chély-d’Aubrac.
The first church in the village dates from the 11th century. Here, heritage is strongly linked to pilgrimage. The best known of all is the route to Santiago de Compostela.
Saint-Chély-d'Aubrac is also a stop on the path to Saint-Guilhem-le-désert, agriculture and livestock are the activities that bring the region around the village to life.
The Aubrac cow, undeniable star, queen of the country, known beyond the borders of the region and photographed from every angle by amazed visitors in front of their made-up eyes; it is here, the most widespread.
Cow breeding, whether for the milk which is resold to the Coopérative Fromagère Jeune Montagne to make Laguiole AOP, or for meat, punctuates the life of the region, whether in terms of work or even festivities!
Livestock fairs were once very numerous and lively. Today, this tradition has been somewhat lost, but continues with the departmental Aubrac breed competition, which takes place every year at the end of October. Around 250 black-eyed beauties are presented, the most beautiful specimens of the breed.
In spring, in May, it is the Transhumance Festival which punctuates life in the town. The breeders accompany their cows adorned with flowers and broom towards the Aubrac plateau on foot. It is the flagship event of the year, the moment when the herds climb onto the plateau in the summer, another opportunity to celebrate local traditions around cheese tastings, beef plancha and other things. Many tourists come each year to participate in or simply watch the parades.
Saint-Chély-d’Aubrac is also central for fishing with nearby lakes and rivers. The village is included on the UNESCO World Heritage list. It is one of the undisputed riches of Occitania.
Winter in Saint-Chély-d’Aubrac is also spent at the Brameloup ski resort. Also not far away, you can find the joys of skiing at the Laguiole ski resort.
See: LRRD organization
