Visit the Templar city of La Couvertoirade during your camping holiday
Listed among the Most Beautiful Villages of France, the town charms visitors with its cobbled streets, stone houses and remarkably well-preserved monuments. Set amidst the wild landscapes of the Larzac plateau, it is an essential stop for discovering the region’s medieval history.
A town steeped in the history of the Knights Templar
Built in the 12th century, the town was founded by the Knights Templar who wished to establish a stopover near the routes leading to the ports of the Mediterranean coast, the embarkation points for the Crusaders bound for the Holy Land.
Settling on the Larzac plateau, the Knights Templar quickly developed agricultural and pastoral activities around the commandery. The village gradually took shape around the castle and the church, forming a small, organised community at the heart of the Causse.
Following the dissolution of the Order of the Temple in 1312, the Templars’ possessions were entrusted to the Hospitallers of the Order of Saint John of Jerusalem. It was they who strengthened the village’s defences by commissioning, in the 15th century, the ramparts that still surround the town today.
A remarkably well-preserved medieval town
Surrounded by ramparts, the Templar town of La Couvertoirade is reminiscent of a miniature Carcassonne and boasts numerous period monuments. A 12th-century Templar castle, narrow streets, fortifications and a mill immerse visitors in a distinctly medieval atmosphere.
Stroll through the maze of streets lined with shops, mansions and houses typical of the Causse. Behind the fortified gates lies a remarkably well-preserved village, where stone façades, vaulted passageways and quiet little squares still bear witness to daily life in the Middle Ages.
As you stroll through the village, you’ll discover other iconic features: the Church of Saint-Christophe, built against the ramparts; the communal oven; and the lavogne, a traditional Causse water trough used to water livestock. All these relics contribute to the charm and authenticity of this medieval village in the Larzac region.
Visit La Couvertoirade
You can explore the town at your own pace or join a guided tour to gain a better understanding of the history of the Knights Templar and the Knights Hospitaller who shaped the village.
In particular, you can access the ramparts and the walkway, from where you can enjoy a beautiful view of the village and the landscapes of the Larzac plateau. Visitor resources, such as audio guides or themed trails, also allow you to explore the site in greater depth.
Where to stay at a campsite near La Couvertoirade?
Discover the campsites located in la Couvertoirade to organise your camping holiday in Aveyron. The village is surrounded by 12 campsites, offering accommodation suited to all types of holidaymakers.
Among the nearest, we particularly recommend:
The Val de Cantobre***** campsite, situated around 20 km from La Couvertoirade, in the village of Nant, on the banks of the River Dourbie; this 4-star campsite offers spacious pitches and comfortable accommodation, ideal for relaxing in the heart of the Larzac countryside.
Les 2 Vallées*** campsite, also in Nant (around 20 km away), perfect for enjoying the gorges and on-site water sports. The campsite offers facilities suited to families and water sports enthusiasts, for an active and rejuvenating stay.
These campsites make it easy to explore La Couvertoirade and the other Templar and Hospitaller sites in the Larzac region, whilst enjoying the wide open spaces and spectacular scenery of this area.
Practical information:
Opening hours for visits: daily from 1 April to 11 November each year, with opening times varying by season: April to June: daily from 10 am to 12 pm and from 2 pm to 6 pm; July–August: daily from 10 am to 7 pm; September: daily from 10 am to 12 pm and from 2 pm to 6 pm; October to mid-November: daily from 10 am to 12 pm and from 2 pm to 5 pm.
Prices 2026: self-guided tour of the ramparts: adults: €3, children: €2, family rate (2 adults + 2 children): €8
Guided tour of the village: adults: €8, children: €5
Combined ticket for guided tour + ramparts: adults €9.50, children €6, family €25
Visit with audio-guide: 5 €.
Contact details:
12230 La Couvertoirade
Tel. +33 (0)5 65 58 55 55
Website: lacouvertoirade.com