Discover Montsalvy

Montsalvy combines abbey history with trails and outdoor activities. Different interests can shape your trip planning: the architecture of the former abbey, the history of the monk Gausbert, and activities on the water. If you’re looking for hotels in Montsalvy, these interests can help you plan your outings.

Abbey and History

The former Notre-Dame de l’Assomption Abbey includes a Romanesque parish church with a nave, two side aisles, a transept and three apses with domical vaults. The nave is the church’s longitudinally oriented main section; the side aisles flank it, and the transept forms another part of the building. The apses and their domical vaults complete this layout.

Montsalvy’s medieval origins are associated with the monk Gausbert. In the 11th century, he founded a church, a hospice and a monastery, and established a sauveté marked by four crosses. The history therefore extends beyond the church building: the hospice, monastery and sauveté are also among the foundations attributed to him.

A later phase of the building’s history can be seen in the Refectoire des Moines. It closed off the cloister of Montsalvy Abbey; its architecture, with buttresses and window openings, dates from the 14th and 15th centuries. In comparison with Gausbert’s 11th-century foundations, the Refectoire represents a later chapter in the abbey’s architectural history.

A Collection Connected to the Town

The Cabinet de curiosités Marcellin Boule draws attention to a person: it displays the personal collection of paleontologist Marcellin Boule, who was born in Montsalvy. His family donated the collection to the municipality of Montsalvy. Two different connections to the town come together here: the abbey’s architectural and founding history, and the personal collection of a scientist born here.

Trails and Views

At Puy de l’Arbre, a panoramic view opens to the southwest over much of nearby Aveyron. The Cévennes, Aubrac and Monts du Cantal can be seen on the horizon. The direction of the view and the named distant landmarks give the panorama a specific regional setting.

A few hundred metres from Puy de l’Arbre, a fitness trail runs through Montsalvy’s municipal forest. There are benches and picnic tables, and the trail is used by both people exercising and visitors stopping for a picnic. This makes it possible to choose between getting active and taking a break at the tables.

The Montsalvy–Riols hiking trail is a 19-kilometre circular route with 707 metres of elevation gain. It starts at Place du Foirail; the estimated duration is 330 minutes. Weather and trail conditions can affect access. Check both before setting out if you’re planning the hike.

At Plan d’eau du Moulinier

A circular path around Plan d’eau du Moulinier takes about 15 minutes, and there is also a picnic area. Compared with the Montsalvy–Riols circular route, it is a much shorter walk to factor into your schedule. Check the facilities on site.

Fishing for trout, carp and whitefish is permitted at the lake, but a fishing licence is required. Unlike the circular path, fishing therefore requires a permit. Rules and permit requirements may change, so check them before your trip.

Discover more destinations: Cheylade, Pleaux, Champs-Sur-Tarentaine-Marchal, Tournemire, Salers, Jou-Sous-Monjou, Allanche, Saint-Poncy

For the broader travel overview: Cantal.