Saint-Urcize & the Aubrac
Welcome to the high plateaus of the Aubrac, in Saint-Urcize, in the heart of the Cantal.
Perched at around 1,000 metres, Saint-Urcize is a characterful village surrounded by open landscapes, pastures, forests and wide open spaces. Its lanes, stone houses, fountains and heritage give it an authentic atmosphere, typical of the Aubrac.
Here, nature is everywhere. The seasons set the rhythm of the landscape and offer countless ways to enjoy the area: hiking and walking in fine weather, cycling and outdoor activities, discovering the heritage and surrounding villages, then skiing, snowshoeing and Nordic activities when winter covers the plateaus in snow.
The Aubrac is a destination to discover on the move as much as at the pace of a quiet day. A walk, a lunch of local produce, a sunset over the pastures or simply the pleasure of the peace and quiet: everyone can find their own way to experience it.
Things to do around Saint-Urcize
The Aubrac is above all hiking country. From a short family stroll to a full-day hike or a multi-day trek, the possibilities are endless.
From Saint-Urcize, the trails reveal the many faces of the plateau: high pastures, forests, valleys, rivers, waterfalls, burons and landscapes shaped by volcanoes and glaciers.
Among the area's signature routes, La Chastelle leads to the Hère valley, the summer pastures and the Saint-Urcize forest before reaching the waterfalls. The Aventure au Roc de Carbonade trail offers a lovely 15 km loop through pastures and forest, with rivers and waterfalls along the way.
For long-distance hikers, Saint-Urcize also lies on several Aubrac discovery routes, as well as on the famous Way of St James to Santiago de Compostela.
When winter arrives, the Aubrac becomes a huge playground for snow lovers.
A few minutes from the village, the Saint-Urcize winter sports resort has a friendly, family atmosphere, far from the big resorts and their bustle.
The area offers 35 km of cross-country ski trails, 6 downhill runs, snowshoe routes, a sledging area and various Nordic activities.
Winter is also a chance to see the Aubrac differently: snowshoeing through snowy landscapes, trying Nordic skiing or simply enjoying the calm of the high plateaus.
For those who want to explore further, several other Aubrac resorts, including Laguiole, Brameloup and Nasbinals, also offer snow activities.
The Aubrac is about more than hiking and skiing.
Throughout the seasons, the area also lends itself to mountain biking, trail running, fishing, guided walks, horse riding and many other outdoor activities.
Guided outings are another way to discover the Aubrac: its wildlife, flora, geology, history, agro-pastoral traditions and landscapes.
Lakes, waterfalls, high pastures and old burons are all places to explore for anyone who wants to take the time to discover an unspoilt land.
Staying in Saint-Urcize also means taking time to discover the villages and heritage of the Aubrac.
Start with a stroll through the lanes of Saint-Urcize, a Petite Cité de Caractère, then set off to discover Laguiole, Nasbinals, Aubrac or Chaudes-Aigues.
In Laguiole, discover the famous craftsmanship of its knife-makers and the cheese that bears the village's name. In Chaudes-Aigues, the hot springs and spa tradition bear witness to an exceptional geothermal phenomenon.
The area also reveals itself through its burons, churches, stone villages and the many traces of a history deeply bound up with livestock farming and the great pastures of the Aubrac.
You can't discover the Aubrac without tasting its cuisine.
Local produce takes pride of place here: Aubrac beef, Laguiole AOP cheese, aligot, truffade, charcuterie and many regional specialities.
After a day on the trails or in the snow, the Aubrac's tables invite you to gather around generous, authentic food.
Our favourite places
A selection of restaurants, producers, markets and favourite places to discover during your stay.
Recoules-d'Aubrac · 5–10 min drive
Fancy a really good Aveyron aligot? We recommend the Relais de l'Aubrac, a great place for traditional cooking and local flavours. Just 5 to 10 minutes away by car, it's the perfect spot for a treat!
Visit the websiteSaint-Urcize · 5 min drive
For a delicious truffade and authentic local cooking, we recommend Chez Remise! A friendly restaurant serving regional specialities, just 5 minutes by car from the house.
Visit the websiteChaudes-Aigues · 20 min drive
When you visit Chaudes-Aigues, home to the hottest springs in Europe, stop by Gourmet et Glouton! A great place to enjoy a good meal together, just 20 minutes by car from the house.
Visit the websiteRecoules-d'Aubrac · 5–10 min drive
Craving a good truffade? We recommend the Buron du Bès for local specialities and a meal on the terrace in a typical Aubrac setting – just 5 to 10 minutes by car from the house!
Visit the websiteNasbinals · about 20 min drive
Want to discover Aubrac specialities? We recommend the Buron du Ché for generous traditional cooking, with a stunning view over the Aubrac plateau as a bonus! The perfect place to enjoy a meal and the scenery, about 20 minutes by car from the house.
Visit the websiteThe Aubrac, season by season
The meadows regain their colours, the trails open up for walkers and the landscape comes alive as the herds return to the summer pastures.
The season for long hikes, cycling, picnics, waterfalls and days spent in the open air.
The forests change colour and the Aubrac takes on a particularly peaceful atmosphere, ideal for walks and food discoveries.
The landscape is blanketed in snow and the Saint-Urcize resort welcomes fans of skiing, snowshoeing, sledging and Nordic activities.
Whether you come for a few days or a longer stay, the Aubrac offers a thousand ways to enjoy the area.
Here, there's no need to drive for miles to find a beautiful hike, a panoramic view, a village to explore or a good restaurant.
From our houses, you can simply set off on foot, head out into the wide open spaces of the Aubrac, discover the neighbouring villages or come back to enjoy the calm of the house after a busy day.
The Aubrac is a place to visit and discover… but above all, a place to live.
Your stay
With family or friends, for a weekend, a holiday or a few days in the fresh air, choose the house that suits your stay and let yourself be carried along by the rhythm of the Aubrac.
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