Aulon offers different options for planning your trip: Notre-Dame and other historic buildings sit alongside an easy circular walk. You can decide whether you are mainly interested in religious architecture and local history, or whether you would also like to set aside time for a stroll.

Church, Fountains and Historic Buildings

The Church of Notre-Dame is the surviving part of a former Benedictine priory that was dependent on Pessan Abbey in Gers. Its octagonal bell tower, in the Toulousain style, dates from the 14th century. The church is listed as a Monument historique; its protected status was established on 13 July 1926. Notre-Dame thus brings together the priory's earlier history, the tower's medieval architecture and a clearly dated protection status.

Aulon's centre is also home to historic buildings: there is a 16th-century fountain connected to a 19th-century washhouse. The two dates mark different periods of construction, while the link between the fountain and washhouse broadens the focus beyond the church. There were three former 17th-century mills along the Noue; two of them have been restored. Together, these buildings offer different points of interest if you are interested in the history and architecture of the area.

Another facet is the Chêne de Caubéron. The tree is classified as a “remarkable tree” and is estimated to be more than 500 years old. In 1822, it was selected as a geodetic point for the Napoleonic cadastre. This site therefore brings together an estimated age and a specific historical role in surveying. A cultural tradition is also associated with a named place: in the hamlet of Mengué, the annual devotion to Saint Anthony the Hermit is still observed on 17 January; it takes place at the spring described as “healing”.

The Sentier du Caubéron as a Hiking Option

The Sentier du Caubéron is an easy 4.3-kilometre circular walk. The estimated walking time is about 1 hour 30 minutes, with 137 metres of ascent and descent. The route is described as a shaded, fun family hike. The distance, walking time and elevation gain give you different ways to gauge the hike's duration and see how it matches your interests. It is a good idea to check the trail conditions briefly before setting out.

You can choose between two different ways to explore: focus on Notre-Dame, the fountains and the mills, or take the walking time on the Caubéron Trail into account. If both appeal to you, you can include the hike in your plans as a separate activity rather than treating it as one of the historic buildings. The Chêne de Caubéron also offers a distinct perspective on natural history and the history of surveying; its estimated age and its selection as a cadastral point in 1822 tell different parts of its story.

Getting to Aulon and Finding a Holiday Rental

Aulon is on the D8, which connects Saint-Gaudens with Aurignac. You can use this road as a guide for your journey and check the road conditions for your travel date. When looking for a holiday rental in Aulon, it helps to decide what you want to focus on during your stay: are you particularly interested in church architecture, the area's various historic buildings, or a hike with a manageable walking time? These themes can help you decide whether Aulon suits your travel plans and which aspects to give greater weight when choosing your destination.

Discover more destinations: Saint-Gaudens, Fonbeauzard, Puysségur, Le Plan, Cazaunous, Azas, Vendine, Beaupuy

For the broader travel overview: Haute-Garonne.