A marked heritage, a history that draws its roots far from our present day, a generous nature and beautiful outdoor adventures in prospect: this is what awaits you if it is in La Canourgue that you wish to set down your suitcases.
It is at the foot of the Causse de Sauveterre, a short distance from the Gorges du Tarn and Aubrac, that the small atypical village of La Canourgue is located. Wide open on the valley of the Lot, the commune takes place on a green plateau at an altitude of 563 metres on the borders of the Lozère and the Aveyron. At the gateway to the Parc Naturel Régional des Grandes Causses, the village, built around the Urugne river, is adorned with the sweet and very evocative nickname of "Little Lozerian Venice": for here, water is present absolutely everywhere. Take the time to stroll along its fountains, wash houses, bridges and other canals that meander through its cobbled streets to discover all their beauty! From the Place du Pré Commun, decorated with hundred-year-old plane trees, to the heart of the village, walk along the beautiful 18th century residences built in place of the ancient ramparts that once surrounded La Canourgue. From high Renaissance houses to half-timbered houses, you can't miss the splendid Clock Tower, or the 12th century collegiate church of Saint-Martin. Along this maze of medieval alleys where stone houses stand side by side with corbelled houses, the urban beauty of La Canourgue will be offered to you. Stroll from Place au Blé to Rue du Château, passing by the 7th century Saint-Martin collegiate church (monastery), the fountains of Joan of Arc and Griffou or the 15th century mill, not forgetting the Saint-Etienne castle. Easily accessible by stairs and a ramp, this castle would see its origins dating back to the 12th century. Massive and very square, this imposing building was once the very heart of the village, located not far from the Clock Tower and the Saint-Martin monastery which have watched over the city for centuries.
In addition to being teeming with sites and other monuments to discover, La Canourgue is a veritable paradise for lovers of outdoor activities, especially for hikers. The Chemin de Saint-Guilhem in particular (GR4834), 240 kilometres long (all the same!), will allow you to cross the Lozère, the Gard, the Hérault or the Aveyron. During your outings, you will certainly come across the old Saint-Frézal Chapel (Romanesque), or the Malepeyre clog: this geological curiosity sculpted by centuries of history culminates 30 metres high. From its imposing promontory, you will be able to contemplate a unique view of the entire valley below. Finally, whether you are on foot, by canoe on the Lot or by bike, the Natura 2000 site of La Canourgue, where many plant and animal species flourish, is sure to satisfy nature and outdoor enthusiasts.
