Historic churches and a distinct connection to nature give Castelnau-De-Mandailles two different perspectives for a trip. The church of Castelnau combines a restored Romanesque portal with a stained-glass window from 1926; at the Belvédère de Castelnau-Lassouts, the view takes in the lake’s final meander, the dam and the power station. These contrasts help you include cultural history and landscape in your plans as separate but equally worthwhile interests.
Churches from different periods
The church of Castelnau became a parish church in 1630 and is dedicated to Saint Thomas Becket of Canterbury. Its restored Romanesque portal offers a way to identify the older architecture; above it is a stained-glass window dating from 1926. It depicts an angel supporting a dying soldier from the First World War. Together, the portal and window trace a path from Romanesque architecture to a later depiction explicitly linked to the events of the war.
In the 16th century, a manor chapel was built beside an old watchtower in Castelnau’s outer fortifications. The present-day church of Mandailles is separate from it: dating from 1866, it replaced an earlier castle chapel. Its Neo-Gothic furnishings and dedication to Saint Peter and Saint Martial give it a different character from the church of Castelnau.
In Cambon, the Romanesque church has been classified as a Monument historique since 1924. Its architecture, rich furnishings and remarkable wall paintings offer further points of interest for anyone interested in religious buildings. The three churches thus represent different architectural and decorative themes, rather than conveying a single historical picture of the area.
Views, the lake and hydropower
The Belvédère de Castelnau-Lassouts offers a remarkable view of the lake’s final meander, the dam and the power station. A permanent exhibition there covers the history of hydropower and the construction of the dam. Landscape and its technical use are thus presented side by side at the viewpoint: the exhibition theme gives the view of the dam a historical context.
The lake at the Belvédère is considered rich in fish and is notable for its biodiversity; it also offers opportunities for outdoor activities. Castelnau-De-Mandailles is part of the official ZNIEFF area of the Lot hydrological system. Together, these details point to two aspects of the nature theme: the lake and its outdoor activities, and the wider hydrological context of the Lot.
Hiking and garden culture
The Circuit du Cerf offers a different focus from the viewpoint. The hike follows a ridge and passes through numerous wooded sections. The starting point for the Circuit du Cerf can be reached via the D557 from Espalion or Saint-Geniez-d’Olt. This makes it possible to consider the route as a hiking option in its own right, while the Belvédère offers a different focus on views and the history of hydropower.
The approximately one-hectare Artistoparc is located in Brousse. The park is open to the public, but visits are possible only by prior appointment. It includes a permaculture vegetable garden and an orchard, both managed without artificial inputs. The park thus combines its garden areas with a clear visitor focus. Bear in mind that an appointment is required when planning a visit to Artistoparc.
Discover more destinations: Lestrade-Et-Thouels, Le Truel, Rieupeyroux, Saint-Chély-D’aubrac, Salles-Curan, Lassouts, Sénergues, La Roque-Sainte-Marguerite.
Go to the broader travel guide: Aveyron.
