The European Heritage Days are always a great opportunity to discover the riches of our region. And in Aveyron, we are lucky to have a very varied heritage: villages of character, places steeped in history, unique know-how, but also more unusual places that we do not necessarily expect to find here.
From the Domaine Le Vaxergues, several beautiful discoveries are easily accessible by car. So, if you come to spend a few days with us for the Heritage Days, here are 5 ideas of visits to put on your list!
1. The cellars of Roquefort
We start with a must-see of our territory: Roquefort-sur-Soulzon and its famous cellars.
Difficult to stay in South-Aveyron without taking the time to discover the history of this world-famous cheese. Visiting the cellars allows you to understand how Roquefort is made and especially why its refining is closely linked to this small village and the mountain of Combalou.
This is a visit that we often recommend to our visitors at the Domaine Le Vaxergues. It allows to discover at the same time a local know-how, a unique heritage and, of course, to taste some specialties of our region!
2. The Buddhist temple Lerab Ling
Here is a little more surprising visit!
At the heart of the landscapes of Aveyron is Lerab Ling, a magnificent Tibetan Buddhist center. Its temple, inspired by the traditional architecture of the Himalayas, seems almost out of another landscape. The environment is peaceful, the landscapes are magnificent and the discovery of the temple offers a quite different experience from more traditional heritage visits.
It is also a good example of the cultural diversity that can be discovered in our region.
3. The Abbey of Sylvanès and its Orthodox Church
Another unmissable place: the Abbey of Sylvanès.
Nestled in lush greenery, this former Cistercian abbey is a haven of peace. People come here to discover its history and architecture, but also to enjoy the exceptional setting that surrounds it.
And right next door, a more surprising discovery awaits visitors: the Russian Orthodox Church of St. Nicholas, located in Sylvanès. Its iconography and its particular atmosphere contrast with the Cistercian architecture of the abbey.
Two worlds, two stories and two very different heritages brought together in the same village. A visit that we recommend especially if you like places that are a little off the beaten track.
4. The Soulages museum in Rodez
To completely change the era and universe, head for Rodez and the Soulages museum.
Impossible to talk about heritage in Aveyron without mentioning Pierre Soulages, born in Rodez and who became one of the great French artists of the 20th century.
The museum dedicated to him is located in the heart of Rodez and houses a large collection of his works. One discovers there in particular his work around the black, light and matter.
Even if you are not necessarily an amateur of contemporary art, the visit is worth the detour. The building itself is particularly interesting and the experience allows to discover another facet of the Aveyron, more artistic and contemporary.
And then, take the opportunity to stroll through the historic center of Rodez and discover its magnificent cathedral.
5. Saint-Affrique and the treasures of our territory
And finally, why not just start with Saint-Affrique?
From the Domaine Le Vaxergues, the city is close by. Take the time to walk in the center, to discover its streets, its old buildings and its heritage, then why not continue to the Pont-Vieux and the edge of the Sorgues.
Heritage Days are precisely the opportunity to discover places or stories that we do not always take the time to look at every day.
It is also the advantage of staying at the Domaine: you are in the heart of South Aveyron and can easily explore the many sites around us.
And you, what do you plan to visit?
The European Heritage Days are the perfect opportunity to take the time to discover our beautiful region, to open a door that had never been opened before or simply to rediscover a place we thought we already knew.
Between the cellars of Roquefort, the Buddhist temple Lerab Ling, the Abbey of Sylvanès, its Orthodox church and the Soulages museum in Rodez, you will already have enough to fill a nice weekend!
If you are staying at the Domaine Le Vaxergues, do not hesitate to ask us for advice: we will be delighted to share our ideas for walks, tours and our favorite little corners to discover around.