What to see in France

A camping holiday in Estaing takes you back in time

Vue sur le village d'Estaing au bord du Lot
Vue sur le village d'Estaing au bord du Lot

 

On one of the routes to Santiago de Compostela in the Aveyron département, Estaing is a commune nestling in the upper Lot valley, with no fewer than seven buildings listed as historic monuments. This is certainly one of the reasons why it has been voted one of the Most Beautiful Villages in France. Bordered by the River Lot and dominated by its imposing castle, Estaing is a medieval town full of charm, waiting to be discovered on your camping holiday in Aveyron.

Which campsite is best for visiting the village of Estaing?

For those on a budget, we have two campsites to choose from, and the good news is that they're both located in the Estaing commune and offer reduced rates from the 3rd day onwards.

Campsite La Cavalerie

La Cavalerie campsite welcomes you to its shady waterside site in a rural setting. Twenty or so pitches await you, as well as small self-contained caravans for hire, a small chalet and even a tipi. The shops are nearby. Reduced rates from the 3rd day onwards. Pets are welcome.

La Chantellerie municipal campsite

La Chantellerie municipal campsite is in on the banks of the Lot and Liacouze rivers, where you can go canoeing. Open from May to the end of September, it also has an artisanal bollard for camper vans. A children's play area is available and shops are close by.

The following campsites are not in Estaing but are still within a reasonable distance so that you can enjoy the campsite facilities while indulging in cultural visits.

*Full dressing" refers to a package where the beds are made up on arrival.

4-star campsite by the water

Domaine des Tours campsite **** is located in Saint-Amans-des-Cots, 21 km from the village of Estaing. Open from April to September, it is located on the banks of Lac de la Selve, where you can enjoy water sports and fishing in a magnificent green setting. A children's club gives youngsters the chance to have fun all day and make new friends. There's also an aquatic area with a lovely heated outdoor swimming pool, a paddling pool for children under 5 and a waterslide. With almost 300 pitches and 225 rentals (fully equipped) and wifi, you'll be spoilt for choice. Everything seems to come together at Domaine des Tours for an exceptional family camping holiday in a friendly atmosphere.

Domaine des Tours campsite in Saint-Amans-des-Côts
Domaine des Tours campsite in Saint-Amans-des-Côts© iStock

Camping trois étoiles avec mobil-homes

La Romiguière *** campsite in Montpeyroux. Less than 20 km from Estaing, it is open from mid-May to mid-September, as is its service area. Situated on the banks of the Selve river, it offers around 60 camping pitches and more than 20 rental units: mobile homes (fully equipped) and canvas bungalows. In addition to the beach, there is a heated outdoor swimming pool and a paddling pool. Evening entertainment is available to bring the family together to enjoy the holiday.

Cheaper campsites near Estaing

The Terre Rouge ** campsite in Villecomtal is 15 km from the town of Estaing and its rental park is open from the beginning of March to the end of October for those who are able to go out of season. A small, quiet campsite, it has just twenty or so camping pitches and around ten tent rentals. There's a heated outdoor swimming pool, a bar and barbecue facilities. Shops are close by.

The Val de Saures ** campsite in Entraygues-sur-Truyère is on the banks of the Lot and Truyère rivers, where you can enjoy water sports such as kayaking and other activities such as hiking and basketball. The campsite has a capacity of 120 camping pitches for around fifteen rentals. A mini club for your children and entertainment are available during the summer months, as well as an outdoor heated pool area with two pools, one of which is over 25 metres long.

Why not explore the village of Estaing?

In fact, several landmark buildings make the village of Estaing an architectural gem, with a real coherence between each old building.

Built on a promontory to dominate and protect the village, Château d'Estaing was constructed in the 11th, 15th and 16th centuries and has been listed as a historic monument since 1945. It is a particularly imposing structure, with a pentagonal keep. In a romantic style, you can climb to the top of the keep, which is flanked by 5 turrets. From their terrace, you can admire the magnificent scenery over the Lot. Bought back in 2005 by the Société Civile Immobilière chaired by Valéry Giscard d'Estaing, you can learn more about the history of the village by visiting the château.

View of the Château d'Estaing
View of the Château d'Estaing © iStock

The flamboyant Gothic church of Saint-Fleuret has been listed as a French monument since 1927. Don't forget to admire the stone cross, a reproduction of an old cemetery cross, the original of which is preserved in the church crypt. It stands at the top of the steps in front of the church. Inside, you'll find relics and a statue of Saint James, as well as a pink sandstone cross (listed as a historic monument) depicting the Virgin Mary on one side and Christ on the other.

Saint-Fleuret church in Estaing
Saint-Fleuret church in Estaing© iStock

Another key feature of the village of Estaing is its Gothic bridge, built in 1490. It has also been listed as a historic monument since 2005 and as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1998 as part of France's Pilgrimage Route to Santiago de Compostela. It was built between the communes of Sébrazac and d'Estaing to allow the river Lot to be crossed. It is decorated with a cross on one side and a statue of François d'Estaing on the other.

The old Gothic bridge listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site
The old Gothic bridge listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site© iStock

Take a stroll through the medieval village and you'll find plenty of other nuggets, like the Hôtel Cayron, now the town hall, or the pretty schist stone houses with their slate roofs, the typical narrow streets, the 16th-century chapel of Saint Jean de l'Ouradou or the Maison de la Vigne, du Vin et des Paysages d'Estaing, ideal for learning about France's smallest vineyard and tasting its fruit!

Typical alleyway in the village of Estaing
Typical alleyway in the village of Estaing© iStock

A canoe trip on the River Lot is an excellent way to discover the Lot valley in an original way while getting some exercise. Renowned for being easy, it's an activity recommended for all the family. It's a great way to explore the village of Estaing and the surrounding area on the river Lot.

Canoeing on the Lot
Canoeing on the Lot© iStock

 

 

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