Naucelle: Cultural History, Hiking and Cycling Routes

Naucelle combines sites of cultural and historical interest with hiking and cycling routes; the Aveyron specialty tripous also has a specific connection to the area. You can choose different focuses for your stay: the history of monuments, details about specific routes, or an insight into regional canning.

Cultural History and Regional Tradition

Naucelle is an ancient sauveté, founded by Cistercian monks in the 12th century. The Chemin des moines recalls a route first used by Cistercian monks from Bonnecombe more than 800 years ago. As a signposted trail, it runs from Bonnecombe (Comps-la-Granville) along paths and small roads to Bonnefon (Naucelle).

The Porte des Anglais is listed as a historic monument; in 1978, it was added to the supplementary list of historic monuments. There are half-timbered houses on Rue du Four, and Rue du Four was added to the list of historic sites in 1973. Saint-Martin Church also has an exceptional organ.

La Naucelloise is a family-run canning factory in Naucelle-Gare, known for its tripous, an Aveyron specialty. It offers self-guided tours with insights into the production process; a Tripous museum and a boutique are also part of the offering. Check access arrangements before your visit.

Local producers gather at the market in Naucelle every Saturday morning. If the market is part of your travel plans, check the market day before you arrive.

Hiking and Outdoor Activities

The “Le Moulin de Gary” hiking trail, Circuit 4, is 5 km long and starts at Naucelle Church. It has 130 m of cumulative elevation gain, is marked in yellow, and leads to Moulin de Gary, a restored building of distinctive character. The “entre Sauveté et Bastide” hike runs from Naucelle to Sauveterre de Rouergue and forms an 11 km loop.

Picnicking and fishing are possible at Étang de Bonnefon. For swimming, the Espace aquatique de Naucelle is an option; check availability before your trip. Conditions on the Chemin des moines and “Le Moulin de Gary” trails may change. Check conditions before setting out.

Compare Cycling Routes

The “A la rencontre des chapelles” loop is 45 km long and rated moderate. It visits churches and chapels, along with their history and legends; the route also offers 360-degree views across the valleys. “Châteaux et Viaduc du Viaur” is a 55 km loop rated difficult. This makes the second route 10 km longer and more highly rated in difficulty than the moderate Chapelles loop. Conditions on both cycling routes may change; check them before your ride.

Discover more destinations: La Selve, Rodez, Villefranche-De-Panat, Najac, Capdenac-Gare, La Capelle-Balaguier, Camarès, Laguiole

View the broader travel overview: Aveyron.