A viewpoint overlooking Laissac, walks around the town and guided tours of the livestock market each offer something different. There are also hiking trails and mountain biking routes. When planning your visit, it is worth checking route lengths, visiting periods and the conditions for guided tours.
Hiking and Cycling
The 4-kilometre-long Sentier de la Croix de Boucays starts in Laissac and is available during the current visiting season. At the end of the trail is a viewpoint overlooking Laissac; visibility depends on the weather and vegetation. The easy, 7-kilometre-long Chemin des Babissous also starts in Laissac. It leads towards the hamlet of Molènes and is also intended for the current visiting season.
The two hiking trails offer clear points of comparison: the Sentier de la Croix de Boucays is shorter and leads to a viewpoint, while the Chemin des Babissous is classed as easy and runs towards Molènes.
For mountain biking, the Espace VTT Sport Nature du Laissagais has ten signposted circular routes covering a total of 280 kilometres. This figure describes the extent of the entire network, not the length of any one loop. Check the signposting and trail conditions locally before choosing a route.
Town Walks and Architectural History
The Visite libre de Laissac is a 1.6-kilometre walk around the town. Individual access conditions may change, so check them before your visit. Another walk, the Street Art Tour du Laissagais, takes you through Laissac, where you can discover the story of Pomme and Germain. This activity is planned for the current visiting period.
The religious buildings also offer a glimpse into the town’s history. The Chapelle Notre-Dame-de-Pitié, also known as La Capelette, was built in 1860. The Église Saint Félix de Laissac was built later, between 1878 and 1880, from stone quarried on the Causse and on the site of the former church. The dates distinguish the two construction periods; the church’s former location is also an explicit part of its history.
Livestock Market and Tuesday Breakfast
The Marché aux Bestiaux de Laissac takes place on Tuesday mornings throughout the year. Guided tours are available to visitors; the market cannot be visited without restrictions. During a tour, visitors view the cattle market from a walkway above the animals. The programme also includes a close-up visit to the sheep market.
The guided tours also include a 17-minute introductory film about how the market works. Tours are seasonal and must be booked in advance. The regular market day and the tour programme are therefore two separate points to consider when planning: check the schedule before travelling and book your tour.
On Tuesdays, the three cafés and restaurants around the Foirail serve “petit déjeuner à la fourchette”. The participating establishments and their menus may change, so check what is on offer before your visit. This lets you plan a morning that combines a market visit with a meal without assuming that the offer will remain the same.
Season and Travel Dates
Another seasonal attraction is the Grotte du Clos del Pous: in July and August, it can be visited on a guided tour by reservation. Its visiting period therefore differs from that of the market, which takes place every Tuesday year-round; the season and advance booking are essential for a cave visit.
Laissac has held the Village Étape label since 2016 and was the first village in the Aveyron département to receive this distinction. The town is a suitable place to stop along the RN 88. If you choose Laissac as a destination for a stay, the regular market day and seasonal tours provide practical guidance for planning your dates; check tour times and booking options in advance.
Discover more destinations: Salles-Curan, Muret-Le-Château, Quins, Mur-De-Barrez, Severac-Le-Chateau, Saint-Geniez-D'olt, La Selve, Taussac.
For the wider travel overview: Aveyron.
