Attractions and Places To See around Auriac - Top 20

Auriac and its surroundings are rich in history. You can visit the 12th-century Peyrepertuse Castle, a monumental fortress offering adventurous climbs and rewarding views. Other historical remnants include the gate of the ancient Valette Abbey and the fortified Église Saint-Côme-Saint-Damien, a registered historical monument. Along the paths, you'll also find ancient menhirs and monumental granite crosses.

Absolutely. The Gorges de Galamus, carved by the Agly river, offer spectacular views and are a classified, protected site. For panoramic vistas, the Chapel of Puy du Bassin, at 707 meters, provides impressive views of the Monts d'Auvergne. You can also find a dedicated Peyrepertuse Castle viewing platform near the entrance portal of the castle, offering breathtaking views of the valley and Château Quéribus.

Auriac is ideal for outdoor enthusiasts. You can enjoy swimming and water activities at Lac de Bruyères (Plan d'eau d'Auriac), which offers supervised bathing in summer, pedal boating, and canoeing. The Dordogne River banks are popular for fishing. For more active pursuits, explore the numerous routes for gravel biking, cycling, and running in the surrounding area.

Yes, Lac de Bruyères (Plan d'eau d'Auriac) is a great spot for families, offering supervised swimming, inflatable structures for children, pedal boating, and mini-golf. The contemporary botanical gardens, Les Jardins Sothys, also provide a relaxing and engaging experience for all ages with their themed areas and beautiful flora.

The Saint Anthony Hermitage is a unique natural basilica built from trees and rocks, featuring frescoes and stained glass windows, brought to life by the sound of water and birds. The Église Saint-Côme-Saint-Damien, a 12th-century fortified church, also holds historical and religious significance with its ancient artifacts.

To fully appreciate Auriac's natural beauty, consider exploring the Dordogne Valley and its river banks, visiting the Redenat Waterfall, or hiking to Puy du Bassin for panoramic views. For a truly unique perspective, hot air balloon flights are available from Auriac with Corrèze Montgolfière from April to early November, offering stunning aerial views of the landscapes.

While specific trails for the immediate Auriac area aren't detailed here, the region offers various routes for different activities. For example, you can find running trails around Arques, including easy loops around Lake Arques. The Gorges de Galamus also offer a superb trail accessible by bike and on foot for approximately two kilometers, allowing you to admire the gorge.

Visitors frequently praise the spectacular views, especially from the Gorges de Galamus and Peyrepertuse Castle. The adventurous climb to the castle and the rewarding panoramic views are often highlighted. The unique atmosphere and artistic elements of the Saint Anthony Hermitage, with its natural setting and soundscape, also receive high acclaim.

Beyond the main attractions, explore the charming village of Auriac itself with its picturesque paved streets and old houses. Discover the confluence of the Luzège river, or seek out the various monumental granite crosses and ancient menhirs scattered along the local paths and hamlets for a glimpse into the region's long history and natural heritage.

The highest point in the immediate Auriac area offering impressive panoramic views is Puy du Bassin, situated at an altitude of 707 meters. It marks the highest point of the Xaintrie blanche and provides breathtaking vistas of the Monts d'Auvergne.

Yes, Les Jardins Sothys are contemporary botanical gardens spanning four hectares. Awarded the 'Remarkable Garden' label, they offer a place of relaxation and harmony with themed areas, a bookshop, a local produce shop, and a restaurant.