Circuit des Lacs du Lévézou (cyclotourisme)
Between the valleys of the Tarn and the Aveyron, the Lévézou plateau rises to an altitude of nearly 900 m., a high land of breeding, culture and crafts. The landscape, dotted with mountains, waterfalls, peat bogs and gorges, was modified in 1946 by the creation of one of the largest hydroelectric complexes in France. With 5,000 ha of water, divided into 5 lakes: the lake of Pont-de-Salars, the lake of Bage, the lake of Gourde, the lake of Pareloup (the largest artificial lake in the south of France) and the lake of Villefranche-de-Panat, the Lévézou is an ideal place for fishing, swimming and water sports. But all these waters have not drowned the past: menhirs and dolmens, Romanesque and Gothic churches, crosses, sarcophagi and castles are still present. Pay attention to the details of a lintel, a wash house, a mill or a bread oven. The built and landscape heritage of Lévézou offers you an astonishing diversity: appreciate the variety of shapes, the richness of colors and the brightness of the light. From Pont de Salars, take the bridge that spans the Viaur, in the image of the salt smugglers of the Middle Ages. After Canet-de-Salars, observe wild ducks, herons and teals on the banks of the Lac de la Gourde. In Alrance, make a detour to the 14th century tower of Peyrebrune and watch over the lake of Villefranche-de-Panat. In this ancient fortified bastide, consider eating and tasting the Régalou, a traditional Aveyron bread made with wheat produced only in the Lévézou area. In Salles-Curan, let the stones tell you the history of this "capital" of the lakes. Finally, back in Pont de Salars, make a detour to Saint-Georges-de-Camboulas to visit its Romanesque church and overlook the Viaur valley.
