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Les
Albres
Population : 348
/ Altitude : 495 m
The village gets
its name from the Latin “Altis Arboribus” meaning
Tall Trees. Situated high on a promontory with wooded slopes, Les
Albres is at the crossroads of the Segala, the Causse and the coal
bearing
fields. In the Middle Ages the priory of St Denis de Altis Arboribus
belonged to Montsalvy in Auvergne. The village offers some superb
views over the Lot Valley and the contrasting landscape.
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Asprières
Population
: 721 / Altitude : 430 m
Asprières is
situated where the Roman Road meets the pilgrim’s route. St
Martial de Limoges established a priory here. From the Revolution
until 1922 Asprieres was the ‘chef lieu’ (county town)
of the Canton. The imposing Church of St Martiel (larger than the
normal village church) has a chevet and Roman transepts. Medieval
archways and beautiful renaissance facades bear witness to a rich
period of history. |
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Balaguier d'Olt
Population
: 145 / Altitude : 150 m
The village
is perched on a ridge in a rocky hillside overlooking the river.
In the middle ages a port existed here, transporting wine from Bordeaux
and local hemp further along the valley. The reservoirs of the mills
are still visible. You can also see the interesting remains of the
ancient castle that belonged to the Balaguier family, one of the
region’s most powerful noble families.
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Bouillac
Population : 429 / Altitude
: 188 m
On the banks
of the Lot, Bouillac developed from the river and before the arrival
of the railway was a busy port. Coal from Aubin and Decazeville was
transported to Aquitaine and barrels made locally were shipped to
the vineyards of Bordeaux. Bouillac’s well preserved chateau
with its square tower can be found near to the Church at the edge
of the square. |
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Causse
et Diège
Population : 640
/ Altitude : 344 m
Causse et Diege
was created in 1973 with the fusion of Loupiac and Salvagnac. The
commune is spread along the Causse, which is reflected in the typically
Quercynoise village architecture. The stone houses are a good illustration
for some people of classical 17th century architecture. The Chapelle
St Loup, dating from pre-Roman times, nestles in a wooded hillside,
giving the feeling of being untouched by time. |
Foissac
Population : 337 / Altitude : 320 m
Foissac is a typical village
of the Causse and the place to go to see dolmens, cazells and
dry stone walls. It’s also
the home of a real ‘find’ discovered in 1959: the
prehistoric cave where you can find prehistoric cave paintings,
bones and pottery fragments. Foissac itself is a pretty village
with
timber framed houses and picturesque roofs.
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Naussac
Population : 301
/ Altitude : 247 m
Naussac was
originally the location of the local judge – or
at least the person who dispensed justice in the name
of the king. The village itself was also traded between
the English occupiers and the Medicis. The ancient
residence belonging to the Abbots of Loc Dieu is a
fine example of Middle Age fortifications. The village
offers some lovely views and you can see the spires
of a dozen churches. Old houses with wooden balconies
and pigeonniers blend harmoniously into the landscape. |
Salles-Courbatiers
Population : 404 / Altitude
: 278 m
Salles owes its name to a noble
residence owned in the Middle Ages by the Salles family. To Salles
was joined the neighbouring
village of Courbatiers. (Don’t confuse this Salles with
another Salles, Salles de Rouergue). A canal from the River Diege
passes through the village. There were once four mills, one of
them dating back to the 14th century, as can be seen from its
gothic door. Graceful swans add the final touch to this beautiful
pastoral setting. |
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Sonnac
Population
: 375 / Altitude : 380 m
With the river
Diège and the stream of Tournhac nearby, Sonnac offers the opportunity
for both fishing and riverside strolls. The commune was created in
1792 by
combining
three ancient communities: Sonnac, Lieucamp and Tournhac. The houses
are a mix of Rouergate and Quercynois architecture while the Church
combines the Roman and Gothic. |
