The Calvaire Chapel is Gabriac’s landmark, visible from far away. When planning your visit, two practical questions arise: How do you get to the chapel, and which walk suits the time you have available? Churches, an old bridge and other buildings also offer insights into the history of the village and its named landmarks.
The Calvaire Chapel and how to reach it
The present-day Calvaire Chapel was built in 1707 by the architect Tarayre. It can only be reached on foot via the Chemin du Calvaire. Vehicles can be left in the “départ randos” car park near the junction on the D28. So allow time for the walk as a separate part of your chapel visit. The chapel is a prominent landmark, visible from far away, and the access described here is on foot regardless.
Compare walks by distance and duration
The “Balade à l’ombre du Calvaire” walk is listed as 8.5 kilometres and around three hours. It starts at the car park at the Léo-d’Orfer school in Gabriac and is marked as an easy route with yellow waymarks. The “Sur les traces des belvédères de Ceyrac” panoramic walk is also easy and marked with yellow waymarks. It starts at the Paul Griffoul car park beside the Simone Andrieu leisure centre. Its listed distance and duration are seven kilometres and two and a half hours. Comparing the figures gives you a sense of the different time and distance involved: according to the listed measurements, the second walk is shorter. Route details for both walks may change as local maintenance is carried out; check the route information before setting off.
The Trail d’Aqui offers another route description: it passes through the village of Gabriac and continues to Tholet, then runs below the Notre-Dame du Calvaire Chapel. Its route and waymarking may change; check them before setting off.
Building history and art
Several buildings reflect different historical periods. The Pont des Moines is a limestone bridge dating from before 1500, with a single arch. It was built by monks from Aubrac and lies between the communes of Gabriac and Bertholène. The Romanesque keep at Ceyrac is attributed to the 12th century and is considered one of the oldest secular buildings in the Rouergue.
The construction of Saint-Martial Church can also be dated precisely: it was built between 1876 and 1882. The church contains frescoes painted by Nicolas Greschny in 1953. The exterior fresco on the entrance portal depicts the Virgin Mary and Child. Another artistic feature can be found at Saint-Affrique-du-Causse Church, which has an 18th-century carved wooden statue of the Virgin and Child.
The Château de Tholet tells a different story: the fortified castle was built in the 14th century, became a manor house during the Renaissance and a farm in the 19th century. Guided tours through the full height of the medieval castle are offered in summer. As this is a seasonal offering, check the tour dates in advance.
Horse events throughout the year
The Gabriac horse fair has been held since 1836 and takes place every year on the fourth Thursday in November. Another equestrian event is organised in late April, on the third or fourth Sunday of the month. It combines horse-related activities with a traditional market. If you plan to attend either event, check the exact date and programme before travelling.
Discover more destinations: Vézins-De-Lévézou, Cabanès, Compolibat, Naussac, Saint-Léons, Coupiac, Pradinas, Bournazel.
For the wider travel overview: Aveyron.
