Gîtes de Valon | Location

Things to Do

The diversity of activities and places to see in this region of France will allow you to experience something different everyday of your holiday. If you love nature and the outdoors, you won't find a more ideal vacation spot. There are many activities within a short distance, including great restaurants and many historic and cultural sites. To name just a few of the notable places to visit: the newly-opened Musée Soulages in Rodez; the UNESCO world-heritage site St. Foy abbey-church in nearby Conques; the Cantal region, well-known for its local produce and inactive volcanoes; and finally, Laguiole, the birthplace of the world-famous Laguiole knife. A few of the nearby restaurants include: Auberge des Montagnes in Pailherols, Bras in Laguiole and Auberge du Peyral in La Vinzelle.

Valon is very close to a leisure lake where you can swim safely, hire boats, and sit and have a drink and a bite to eat in the café. In the summer, there is a lifeguard on duty and a child-friendly swimming area. This is located 15 minutes away in the village of Saint Gervais.

These are just a handful of ideas to give you some inspiration. Click on the pictures below to direct you to more info.

If you let me know what you are looking for from your holiday, I will collect the information you need in time for your arrival!

Opened in 2014, the Musée Soulages in nearby Rodez is well worth a visit if you like modern art. You can also stop by the famous Bras Brasserie for lunch just next door.

Visit one of "Les Plus Beaux villages de France". The world heritage site of Conques is one of the great treasures of France. Experience the cobbled streets lined with half-timbered houses and the Romanesque abbey sitting in the centre.

Training for a triathlon? With open water only 15 minutes away, steep hills and quiet roads, this is a great area to help you prepare for any race.

Mountain bike on one of the many well-marked trails through this unspoilt countryside.

Relax and have a long lunch at one of the many restaurants in this area. Choose the "menu du jour" and you can have a starter, main course, cheese and dessert plus wine for around 12€.

Situated in the middle of a pine forest in the biggest volcano of Europe, Le Lioran offers adventurous activities year-round including downhill and cross country skiing, quad rentals and much more.

Kayak down the River Lot. Rental canoes and kayaks are available to hire in Entraygues with a return bus included to take you back to your car at the end of your paddle. Suitable for all ages and abilities.

Take a walk and see if you can spot one of over 200 hawks that nest in the Aveyron and Cantal. Aveyron is a breeding ground for many different species of bird of prey and domestic birds. They flourish in this natural landscape.

Take a tour around one of the small vineyards and of course, do some wine tasting! Although Aveyron is not a region famous for its wine, locals have been making wine here for over 2000 years.

Autumn is a great time for foraging. Wild mushrooms, sweet chestnuts, walnuts and berries are plentiful.

Take a swim at one of the many leisure lakes nearby, Saint Gervais being the nearest at only 15 minutes away and offering a lifeguard service during the summer months.

Sit back, relax and enjoy this peaceful location!

Fish at one of the many lakes and rivers in the Aveyron. Over 200 kms of river and lakefront are specially set up for angling. Salmon, pike, perch, carp and many other types of fish swim in these waters.