La Bastide-Solages: Circular Trails and River Landscapes

La Bastide-Solages is located in the Grands Causses Regional Natural Park. Circular trails with different distances and estimated durations, the river landscape, and walks and hikes with donkeys offer a range of options for your stay. You can plan your visit according to whether you prefer a circular trail described as easy, a longer distance, views of the confluence of the Rance and Tarn, or a donkey hike.

A Landscape Between River and Cliffs

The type 1 ZNIEFF “Rivière du Rance” encompasses La Bastide-Solages and extends to the confluence with the Tarn. The area’s landscape features include riverbanks, riparian woodlands, and meadows. Cliffs also shape this natural environment: they provide hunting and nesting habitat for eagle-owls and peregrine falcons. If you are interested in the landscape, you will find a range of features, from riverbanks and wooded areas to cliffs and their importance for these two bird species.

A specific viewpoint lies on the path to the statue of the Virgin Mary. From there, you can enjoy a far-reaching view of the confluence of the Rance and Tarn, as well as the Tarn Valley. This view brings together the river landscape and a place visited by the Labastide hiking trail. For around one kilometre, part of the route also follows the banks of the Rance.

Comparing Two Circular Trails

The Labastide hiking trail is an easy 6.4-kilometre circular route. It takes approximately two hours and 30 minutes, with 252 metres of elevation gain and 252 metres of descent. The circular route starts and ends in the village square. Along the way, the trail leads to the statue of the Virgin Mary, where it offers a far-reaching view of the confluence and the Tarn Valley. The route therefore includes both a section along the riverbank and a viewpoint.

The Sentier des Rives passes through La Bastide-Solages and is also a circular route. It is 9.9 kilometres long, takes three hours, and has 261 metres of elevation gain and 260 metres of descent. The route is certified by FFRandonnée® Tarn. Compared directly, the Sentier des Rives is 3.5 kilometres longer than the Labastide hiking trail; the stated durations differ by about half an hour, while the elevation changes are similar for both routes. This means you can use distance, time required, and elevation profile as different points of reference when planning your hike. As trail conditions can vary locally, check conditions before setting off.

Walks and Hikes with Donkeys

Les Ânes du Bosc in La Bastide-Solages offers walks and hikes accompanied by donkeys. The animals can carry luggage and young children who become tired; responsibility for the children rests with their parents. This offers a different focus from the circular trails: the donkeys accompany the outing, and luggage can also be carried under the conditions described. Confirm the offer directly with Les Ânes du Bosc before making your plans.

Getting There and Starting Point

La Bastide-Solages can be reached via the D999, D33, and D555. Parking is available in the village square in front of the cross. For the Labastide hiking trail, the square serves two purposes: you can park there, and it is also where the circular route starts and ends. If you plan to take this route, you can link your arrival with its starting and ending point. The Sentier des Rives has its own stated distance and duration, so adjust your schedule to the route you choose. For both circular trails, their respective distances and elevation changes can help you fit the hike into your stay.

For the broader travel overview: Aveyron.