Lacalm: Sainte-Foi, Rolland and the Aubrac

At an altitude of 1,128 metres, Lacalm is the highest village in the Aveyron department and lies at the gateway to the Aubrac highlands. The church, local history surrounding Clairon Rolland and a hiking trail offer different focal points for a stay.

Sainte-Foi Church and its architectural history

Sainte-Foi Church is partly Romanesque; parts of the building date from the 12th century. Its features include a barrel vault and carved capitals. Their motifs depict foliage, angels holding scrolls and warriors. A barrel vault is a lengthwise, rounded ceiling structure. The capitals add figurative and plant details. The church was altered in the 15th, 18th and 19th centuries. Romanesque sections therefore stand alongside later alterations from several centuries, which can be distinguished by period.

Micro-museum and the history of Clairon Rolland

The Clairon Rolland micro-museum is housed in Lacalm’s cemetery chapel. It features an exhibition about Guillaume Rolland and a reconstruction of his life story. Those interested in biographies will find another cultural and historical highlight here, alongside the church’s architectural history.

Lacalm is the home of Clairon Rolland, regarded as a hero of the 1845 Battle of Sidi Brahim. According to tradition, Emir Abd-el-Kader ordered him to sound the retreat to discourage the last fighters. Rolland, however, sounded the attack despite the danger to his life. The story thus focuses on the shift from the ordered retreat to the attack.

At the exit from Lacalm stands a statue by sculptor Eugène-René Arsal, in honour of Clairon Rolland. His bugle and decorations can be seen at the town hall; his grave is in the cemetery. If you plan to visit these memorial sites, check local access arrangements in advance.

Hiking, a waterfall and an event

The family hike on the Sentier du « Petit Saint-Cloud » is about 3.5 kilometres long and takes approximately 1.5 hours. Graphic artworks are placed along the trail, leading to a “treasure”. The route therefore combines a specific time commitment with an artistic element that unfolds along the way. Check the current trail conditions before setting out.

The Saut du Loup waterfall is located near Lacalm. The Forces de l'Aubrac takes place every year in early June; the exact programme may vary. If the event date matters for your trip, check the dates in advance.

Camping in Lacalm

The municipal campsite in Lacalm has 25 pitches and is situated beside a stream. If you plan to stay there, check the latest operating information before your trip.

Discover more destinations: Sauveterre-De-Rouergue, Montrozier, Palmas, Moyrazès, Jaux, Compolibat, Saint-Félix-De-Sorgues, Lʼhospitalet-Du-Larzac.

Return to the regional travel overview: Aveyron.