Laval-De-Cère can be explored through three specific themes: the Cère and its gorges, hikes with named starting and finishing points, and the visible traces of its industrial history. When choosing accommodation, you might first consider whether you want to focus on hiking, the river landscape, or local history. These options offer different ways to plan your day: one route goes to Lamativie, while another starts in Laval-De-Cère as a circular hike.
The Cère and the Gorges de la Cère
The commune lies on the banks of the Cère, right at the entrance to the approximately 30 km-long Gorges de la Cère, which extend from Laroquebrou. The Cère also flows through Laval-De-Cère and feeds a lake classified as a first-category fishing water. This makes the river in the village and the longer stretch of gorge two distinct points of interest.
Hiking from Laval-De-Cère
The GR 652 can be accessed from Laval-De-Cère and follows shaded trails through the Gorges de la Cère. The ascent is easy, but rocky in places. The route from Laval-De-Cère to Lamativie is about 12 km long and takes approximately 4 hours and 30 minutes. Allow for this as a longer activity and check trail conditions locally before setting out.
Les Cascades Perdues is a 12 km circular hike starting in Laval-De-Cère. It passes numerous notable viewpoints and offers a good impression of the wild, rugged landscape of the Ségala. Compared with the GR 652, the main difference is the route: the GR 652 goes from Laval-De-Cère to Lamativie, while Les Cascades Perdues is a circular hike starting in Laval-De-Cère. This lets you choose between a route with a named destination and a loop with viewpoints.
River and fishing
The local fishing waters are home to trout, perch, carp, pike-perch, tench, roach, gudgeon, and eels. There is a night-fishing section for carp from June to September. The Cère flows through the village and feeds a lake classified as a first-category fishing water; the specified night-fishing period applies expressly to carp.
Washhouse and La Cité
The old washhouse is one of Laval-De-Cère’s first tourist attractions. La Cité offers a different perspective on local history: the former group of houses was provided by local industry. The workers’ housing estate was built near the factory and is still visible. During a visit, you can discover and imagine the lives of workers in the mid-20th century. La Cité thus brings together a visible residential landscape and a historical perspective on everyday working life at the time.
The railway line
SNCF maintains the Brive–Aurillac railway line, allowing railway enthusiasts to discover the Gorges de la Cère by train. If you would like to include the train in your plans, check the current train connections before travelling.
Discover more destinations: Martel, Cuzance, Thégra, Cahors, Peyrilles, Bélaye, Saint-Pantaléon, Lanzac.
For the main travel overview: Lot.
