Chirac: Culture, Routes and Landscapes

Chirac lies at the junction of Aubrac, the Causses and Margeride. Its proximity to the A75 motorway makes Chirac easy to reach; the town is also close to the Toulouse–Lyon transport corridor. Historic buildings and several routes give your stay a range of different themes.

Churches, chapels and historic buildings

Chirac developed from 1062 onwards around the Saint Sauveur de Chirac monastery. The Église Saint-Sauveur-de-Chirac combines Romanesque and Gothic architecture and is protected as a historic monument; it was listed by decree on 10 April 1931. In the 12th century, the church was a priory of the monastery.

The Chapelle Saint-Jean is a medieval building that was altered in the 17th century. Mullioned windows dating from the 16th century remain at Place d’Entraygues. The Chapelle du Sacré-Coeur contains paintings created by Nicolaï Greschny during his stay in Chirac. In Chirac, you can encounter buildings and art from different periods.

The Pont de Colagne is a stone bridge with five arches, probably dating from the 14th century. A walking tour of historic Chirac takes in the Tour d’Entraygues and the La Chazelle dolmen. The Centre historique de Chirac can be visited independently and at your own pace at any time.

Hiking between a historic livestock route and scenic trails

La Draille des Troupeaux follows a historic livestock route towards Aubrac, used by herds until the mid-20th century. The route is of moderate difficulty, 10.1 kilometres long and listed as taking three hours. These details give you an indication of both the distance and the time required.

Cap au Truc de Saint Bonnet – Trail n°2 offers a different route profile: the path initially climbs to Truc de Saint Bonnet, then continues for seven kilometres over alternating flat and downhill sections. While the Draille’s duration and difficulty are specified, this route’s course is the focus. The two routes can therefore be distinguished by specific planning details.

Les Balcons de Chirac follows the Colagne, passes through coniferous forests and crosses a wetland on a footbridge. The Sentier des Chades crosses the limestone plateau of Lachamp. La Vallée de la Biourière initially follows this trail and offers a chance to explore the plateau; it also passes the Biourière, a stream known to trout anglers.

The Sentier du Croizier offers sweeping views from distant Mont-Lozère to the nearby Trucs de la Fare, de Saint-Bonnet, de Grèzes and du Midi. The route passes La Croix des Anglais, three kilometres north of Chirac. For mountain biking, Le tour du truc de Saint Bonnet – VTT n°8 follows wide paths and is not very technical.

The routes therefore have different points of interest: the Draille specifies both duration and difficulty, while other descriptions highlight the terrain, route or views. You can take these details into account when planning your trip and choose between historic stops and the varied landscapes along the trails.

Discover more destinations: Montbrun, Saint-Symphorien, Chaudeyrac, Les Monts-Verts, Marvejols, Mende, Bagnols-Les-Bains, Saint-Germain-Du-Teil

For the broader travel guide: Lozère.