Explore Lavastrie through its sacred architecture, agricultural history and insights into farm life. When planning your trip, it is worth distinguishing between the Eglise de Lavastrie, the museum included in the group programme, visits to La Ferme des Gardelles and the cheese sales, which take place at set times. This lets you plan your trip around the subject that interests you most.

Church and agricultural history

The Eglise de Lavastrie is a 15th-century Gothic church in the Planèze, dedicated to Saint Peter. Its architecture includes a massive comb-style bell tower. The church also houses the painting “Les larmes de Saint-Pierre”, attributed to Claude Vignon. Its dedication, architectural style and artwork offer different points of interest for anyone interested in church architecture and sacred art.

Another focus of cultural history is the Musée de l’agriculture d’autrefois. As part of the group programme in Lavastrie, the museum displays tools and the mechanisation of the 20th century. It thus traces the changes in agricultural work, from the tools themselves to mechanisation: these highlight different aspects but belong to the same story. The museum therefore offers a distinct way to explore agricultural history alongside the church’s architecture.

Group programme and farm visits

The “Journée à Lavastrie” package is offered to groups. It includes a late-morning welcome with the oxen team Joli and Baïssou, as well as a traditional meal accompanied by an accordion player. For groups planning a shared programme with an agricultural focus, the welcome and meal are the elements explicitly listed. Booking details and the menu may change; if you are planning to take this package, it is best to confirm the latest information in advance.

La Ferme des Gardelles offers visits where visitors can learn about daily work, the animals and the farm’s expertise. The farm is organic and has been awarded the Nature & Progrès label. Its animals include Massif Central goats and other hardy local breeds. Farm visits focus on the operation and animal husbandry; buying cheese directly from the farm is a separate reason to visit, centred on a specific product and set times.

Cheese is sold directly from the farm from April to November, on Mondays and Fridays between 5 and 7 pm. Opening hours may change, so confirm the times before visiting. When planning, take into account the season, the day of the week and the time slot.

Walking route and events

The signposted “Boucle Lavastrie et vue sur barrage de Grandval” walking route starts at the Eglise de Lavastrie. The church is therefore not only of interest to architecture enthusiasts, but is also the stated starting point for this route. The named walking option and the farm programme appeal to different interests and can be planned separately.

The Mallet family of Lavastrie organises the Fête de la batteuse every year. The date listed for 2026 was 30 August; that date has already passed. If you are planning to attend a future edition, check the next date. Les Trails de la Truyère is also an annual event, focused on trail running and nature walks. It starts in Lavastrie and takes place around the commune of Neuvéglise-sur-Truyère in the Cantal département. Check future dates and formats before travelling to attend this event.

Discover more destinations: Tournemire, Labesserette, Trémouille, Polminhac, Laroquebrou, Faverolles, Massiac, Sauvat

For the broader travel guide: Cantal.