Cabanès: Hiking, History and Village Festival

A stay in Cabanès can be planned around specific interests: the Circuit de Sainte Marthe offers a circular hike with information on distance, duration and elevation gain. Cultural highlights include Romanesque architecture, the Musée de la Résistance and the ruins of the medieval castle of Villelongue. The recurring Festifolies de Cabanès are another attraction. When choosing a hotel, you can first decide whether hiking, history or an event date is the deciding factor.

Hiking the Circuit de Sainte Marthe

The Circuit de Sainte Marthe is an easy, 7 km circular hike. The route takes about two hours and includes 230 metres of elevation gain. Along the way, the path crosses a footbridge and passes through wooded sections before climbing back up to the plateau. The hike therefore involves not only the distance but also the ascent and the changing scenery of bridge, woodland and plateau. Surfaces and local trail conditions may vary; check conditions for the day you plan to hike.

Romanesque Architecture and Remembrance in Villelongue

The Eglise Ste Marthe has a Romanesque round-arched apse end with 22 corbels dating from the 12th century. This precisely dated architectural feature is a point of interest in its own right for anyone interested in the history of architecture.

The Musée de la Résistance is housed in the Romanesque chapel of the fortified site of Villelongue. It displays explanatory panels and archival documents, as well as weapons and military objects. Explanatory texts are thus presented alongside historical objects. During the occupation, the Maquis Antoine operated in the region and found refuge there.

Group visits to the Chapelle de Villelongue – Musée de la Résistance can be arranged year-round by appointment. If you are planning a group visit, arrange the date with the site in advance.

Castle Ruins, Picnics and a Driving Route

The ruins of the medieval castle of Villelongue overlook the valley; a picnic area is recommended near the ruins. In Cabanès, there is also a picnic table opposite the Eglise Ste Marthe. For a break, these are two separate options to bear in mind: the recommended spot by the ruins and the table opposite the church.

The Les panoramas du Ségala driving route runs at the foot of the Chapelle de Villelongue. Unlike the Circuit de Sainte Marthe, it is designated as a driving route. The route and signage may change; check them before setting off.

Festifolies de Cabanès

The Festifolies de Cabanès is a recurring village festival featuring sporting, cultural, gastronomic and musical events. The programme varies from year to year. If the festival is the reason for your trip, check the dates and programme for the relevant year before planning your trip.

Discover more destinations: Causse-et-Diège, Salles-la-Source, Versols-Et-Lapeyre, Cornus, Lacroix-Barrez, Brusque, Compeyre, Saint-Chély-D’aubrac.

For the overarching travel guide: Aveyron.