Fajoles can be explored through very different traces: at Le Piage, prehistory and archaeology take centre stage; the parish church of Notre-Dame points to another historical period; and the Caminel chestnut grove shapes the landscape of the Bouriane. The museum, educational trail and guided tours offer different ways to explore these themes.
Prehistory at Le Piage
The Maison du Piage is a museum in Fajoles. It presents the prehistoric site of Le Piage as well as the way of life and encounters between Neanderthals and Cro-Magnons. During guided visits, you can handle flint and bone objects from various cultures of the Upper Palaeolithic. The visit therefore focuses not only on prehistoric topics but also on tangible objects.
A reconstruction of a prehistoric excavation site shows how modern archaeological methods are used. Alongside the objects themselves, archaeological work is also a subject of interest. The Grotte du Piage was discovered in 1949 and illustrates the Middle and Upper Palaeolithic. A guided tour of the caves introduces structural remains that bear witness to human occupation of this site since prehistoric times. Some dates may be seasonal; check availability if you are planning to attend.
Educational trail and wetland
At the site of Le Piage, there is an 8 km educational trail covering geology, history and archaeology. These themes connect the natural and human history of the site without limiting the trail to a single discipline. Check the trail conditions locally before planning your visit.
Another perspective focuses on the ecological diversity of the wetland at La Relinquière. This diversity can be observed on a guided walk along the stream at the Le Piage site. The educational trail and guided walk therefore have different focuses: geology, history and archaeology on the one hand, and the wetland and its ecology on the other. Check in advance whether a guided activity is available for your visit.
Le Piage in Fajoles is designated as an Espaces Naturels Sensibles (ENS). The landscape can also be understood through the Caminel chestnut grove: it is one of the defining landscapes of the Bouriane and is considered a remarkable landscape feature.
Church and historical records
The parish church of Notre-Dame in Fajoles was built mainly at the turn of the 12th and 13th centuries. A document from 1143 and a papal bull from 1153–1154 mention the parish’s dependence on the chapter of Vigan. The dates have different roles: they relate to the church affiliation, while the construction period dates the church building.
The Foire de Caminel
The Foire de Caminel is a traditional event in Fajoles. Its tradition dates back to the Middle Ages and continues to this day. In the medieval tradition, animals and other foodstuffs were exchanged. The event date is key for planning your trip; check upcoming dates in advance, as the programme may vary.
Discover more destinations: Belmontet, Souillac, Sauzet, Montlauzun, Lherm, Calamane, Lascabanes, Saint-Jean-De-Laur.
For the broader travel overview: Lot.
