by Kim Knopp

Grande Randonnées don't always follow footpaths and bridle paths. This snippet from Kim Knopp tells us about one that follows a road you can drive on.

The Gorge d’Aveyron…A Treasure Chest of Hidden Gems

Take a day drive to this wonderful area! The hidden gems I’m talking about are some sleepy medieval  villages, and breath-taking views.

Only a little more than  an hour northeast of Toulouse, this area is not be missed.

After traveling north to Montauban, you take the D115 east.  Our first stop is the medieval village of Bruniquel.  This small village is a delight to stroll around.  Some of the architecture of the buildings date to the 15^th century.  Most of the medieval villages in France have their châteaux, and this one, in which the village surrounds,  sits at the top of the hill, overlooking the beautiful valley below.  It has a guided visit for a small fee.

After crossing the river upon leaving the town, take the alternate GR46 route.  This will allow you closer  views of the river gorge with the towering cliffs overhead.  Watch for rock cliff climbers. These cliffs are popular with them.

There is a little ‘snack shack’  hidden along the way.  It’s only open from late Spring through the summer. They offer drinks and sandwiches, and tables where you can sit and watch the river go by.  You will climb a little bit. There are two valley overlook stops that are musts for ‘Kodak Moments.’  You will soon see the sign for Penne.  Take it!  You won’t be disappointed!    This medieval village is again dominated by its château.  The château is in ruins and is non-accessible.  But the village itself is still wonderful to behold. 

This is a real sleepy village. There is hardly a sound except for the wind and the birds.  You wander up the small cobblestone street walkway beginning in a little square, past the old church - which, unfortunately is now an art gallery - continually winding up through the village.  

Just outside the town, a few meters south on the D9, there is an overlook with views of this marvelous  village with its dominating château  in the center.  This medieval gem is situated overlooking the Aveyron River, and is a very relaxing breath of fresh air.  

Kim tells me he has done this trip three times now, so he must enjoy it as a pleasant afternoon meander. I have a challenge for Freebooters fans: 

Using simple World Wide Web searches, see how much you can find out about the history of Bruniquel. How old do you think the chateau might be, and who do you think is likely to have constructed it? I'll post some answers in about one month's time.

Have fun. 

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