Golinhac sits on a plateau overlooking the steep gorges of the Lot. From the Notre-Dame-des-Hauteurs viewpoint, panoramic views stretch across the Lot Valley and the Aubrac Mountains. There is a car park and picnic tables at the foot of the hill. When visiting this viewpoint, it is helpful to check the latest local conditions, as visitor facilities may be updated.

Pilgrim Route, Church and Art

The 15th-century Croix dels roumious is an important waymark on the Way of St James to Santiago de Compostela. The original is kept inside Golinhac church. The pre-Romanesque church was remodelled in the 14th century; rooms that served as accommodation were added in the 15th century. The cross, church and pilgrimage route thus tell different sides of the history of travel: from the waymark to rooms that once provided lodging.

The Golinhac–Conques stage is also part of this story: it is a section of the Via Podiensis on the Way of St James to Santiago de Compostela. Fixed information panels mark 80 kilometres of the GR® 65 route and explain the heritage visible from the trail, the landscape, geology and rural life. A multimedia app that can be installed free of charge on smartphones and tablets provides guidance along the GR® 65 route and information about accommodation, dining and sightseeing. As the availability of digital services can change, it is advisable to check the app shortly before your trip.

Golinhac is also home to La Chambre d'Or, a work of art in the form of a shelter created by performance artist Abraham Poincheval. From the village, the approach passes the church: take a small paved path on the right, then go down a flight of steps beneath the trees. Trail conditions can change, so take this into account when planning.

Routes, Landscapes and Breaks

For mountain bikers, two routes stand out, with clearly distinct details. “La Descente dans les Gorges” is 23.5 kilometres long, has 850 metres of elevation gain and is rated very difficult. The “Circuit de la vallée de la Daze” is slightly longer at 25 kilometres, has 750 metres of elevation gain and is rated difficult. This means the Daze route is 1.5 kilometres longer with 100 metres less elevation gain; its stated difficulty rating also differs. These figures help you compare the two routes, but do not replace checking current conditions.

The Circuit de la vallée de la Daze includes a viewpoint over the Lot Valley and the ridges of Le Fel. By contrast, the “Circuit le grand plateau” route follows shaded paths lined with stone and wooden crosses, scallop shells, stone houses and farms. The two routes therefore offer different highlights: a specifically designated viewpoint on the Daze route and a succession of cultural landscape features on the Grand-Plateau route.

Another place to stop for a break is a landscaped body of water in Golinhac, intended for recreation. It adds a different local feature to the viewpoints and routes, without requiring a longer journey or a particular itinerary.

Choosing Golinhac as a Place to Stay

When looking for a hotel in Golinhac, you can first consider what you want to focus on during your trip. For pilgrimage history, the Croix dels roumious, the church, the GR® 65 information panels and the stage to Conques take centre stage. For a mountain biking trip, you can compare the two routes by length, elevation gain and difficulty. Those interested in the landscape can enjoy panoramic views across the Lot Valley and the Aubrac Mountains, as well as the viewpoint on the Daze route.

Discover more destinations: Entraygues-Sur-Truyère, La Couvertoirade, Quins, Moyrazès, Sainte-Croix, Sébazac-Concourès, Foissac, Castelnau-Pégayrols

For the broader travel guide: Aveyron.