Parlan: Hiking Trails, a Church and Regional Traditions

Things to explore in Parlan include hiking, architectural history and regional produce. Two trails offer different highlights: “Entre fours et moulins” passes through the hamlets of Labroussette, Lamélie and Maurian, with their traditional buildings; La Croix del fût runs alongside the village pond and takes in the architectural features of Belaubre and Enfour. The Church of Saint George and the world of beekeeping at Le Rucher de Lagarde round out the options. If you are looking for a hotel in Parlan, your interest in activities like these can help guide your search.

Hiking Trails and Traditional Architecture

The La Croix del fût hiking trail starts near Parlan’s pond and runs alongside it. Follow the yellow markers along the way; check the signs locally before setting off. The pond is also associated with a local legend: church bells are said to have sunk into its waters.

The “Entre fours et moulins” hiking trail passes through the hamlets of Labroussette, Lamélie and Maurian. It takes in traditional buildings such as houses, bread ovens, mills and barn-stables. The route also features varied landscapes, streams to cross, bodies of water and former mills. Its combination of hamlets, mills and buildings gives this trail a different focus from La Croix del fût, which centers on the pond, its legend and traditional homes.

On La Croix del fût, you can discover houses with red-tiled roofs in the hamlets of Belaubre and Enfour. Exterior staircases lead to wooden balconies known as “balets”, which face south. Above them are the “plancadous”: drying lofts where corn and chestnuts were dried. These architectural features show how living areas and spaces for drying produce were arranged together in traditional houses.

The Church of Saint George and the Former Castle

The Church of Saint George in Parlan probably dates back to the 12th century, the same period as the castle. It originally served as the castle’s chapel; a door in the gallery connected the church and the castle. A remnant of a tower in a nearby copse bears witness to Parlan’s former castle.

The church’s interior also brings together features from different historical periods. Its furnishings include pieces dating from the 17th to the 20th century and two polychrome wooden statues: one of Saint Roch and one of Saint George. The statue of Saint George is gilded and dates from the 11th century. The side aisle also retains a medieval rib-vault junction, along with the coats of arms of Parlan’s former lords. Those interested in architectural history will find both traces of the medieval connection to the castle and furnishings from later centuries.

Beekeeping and Regional Produce

At Le Rucher de Lagarde, you can visit the apiary and learn about the world of bees. Tastings include locally produced honey, chestnuts, propolis and other treats. This adds a focus on beekeeping and regional products to the hiking trails and historic architecture. If you plan to visit, check the current visiting arrangements in advance.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Ruynes-en-Margeride, Trémouille, Massiac, Valuéjols, Méallet, Mauriac, Sauvat, Neuvéglise.

See the regional travel overview: Cantal.