A reredos dating from 1626, the easy Les châtaigniers hike and Lac de Maury give Saint-Amans-des-Cots its distinctive character. The village is on the Plateau de la Viadène, within the Parc naturel régional de l’Aubrac. When planning your trip, you can choose between church art, a route past typical Viadène farmhouses, water activities and regional cheese-making.
Church, Museum and Studio Visits
The church of Saint-Amans-des-Cots dates from the 15th and 16th centuries. Its notable features include a Romanesque portal and a comb-style bell tower with five bells: four bells from Saint-Amans date from 1636 to 1780, and one bell from Cassou dates from 1777. The large reredos was discovered in 1996 during restoration work inside the church. It is dated 1626 and signed by Ludovicus Gomez.
The Musée d’Art Sacré is located at the rear of the church. It showcases the community’s three churches: Touluch, Saint-Juéry and Saint-Amans-des-Cots. In the village centre, you will also find the Coutellerie de la Draille, with its workshop and shop. Workshop visits are possible in small groups; check the visiting arrangements in advance.
Hiking and Water on the Aubrac Plateau
The easy Les châtaigniers hike connects Saint-Amans-des-Cots with Montézic and passes typical Viadène farmhouses. At Pic du Castel, it offers views over the Truyère gorges, Aubrac and Cantal. Check the current condition of the route before setting out.
Lac de Maury is a V-shaped reservoir on the Selves and Selvet rivers, at the foot of the Aubrac Plateau. Fishing is possible there year-round. The lake is easier to explore by boat; access to fishing spots along the shore is often difficult. At the Base de loisirs des Tours, pedal boats, canoes, stand-up paddleboards and boats are available to rent.
For 2026, Animations sportives en Viadène also offers indoor climbing on an artificial wall. Check availability for your specific travel dates.
Minerals and Local Cheese
Minér’Aubrac presents a collection of minerals featuring geological treasures from the surrounding area and from around the world. It offers a different perspective on the region from a hike through the Viadène: here, the focus is on rocks and minerals.
La Ferme de la Borie Haute sells Laguiole fermier AOP. This is a raw-milk, full-fat cheese made from cow’s milk; it is produced and aged locally in a natural cellar carved out beneath the rock. If you plan to buy cheese, check the sales days in advance.
The time of year also affects which activities you can plan: fishing at Lac de Maury is possible year-round, while you should check the seasonal availability of boat rentals. The Musée d’Art Sacré may also have seasonal opening hours. For your travel dates, check the current fishing regulations and the relevant operating and opening arrangements; water levels and regulations may also affect conditions at the lake.
Discover more destinations: Bozouls, Crespin, Taussac, Brusque, Castelnau-De-Mandailles, Grand-Vabre, Compolibat, Noailhac
For the wider travel overview: Aveyron.
