Rignac: Chestnut Culture, Equestrian Tradition and History

Rignac offers visitors several ways to explore the area: the history of the Maquis Du Guesclin, chestnut culture, old technologies and equestrian activities. When choosing a hotel, it helps to plan your stay around the themes you’d like to experience. Reservations, group sizes and visitor policies vary by activity, so be sure to check the details when making your plans.

Maquis history and historic trails

The history of the Maquis Du Guesclin is connected to the forests between Mirabel, Regardet and Prévinquières. A group led by Commander Hygonnet, known as “Lescure,” took refuge there. The connection is specific in both location and people: the three places named refer to the forest area, while Hygonnet “Lescure” led the group. A hiking trail is dedicated to the Maquis Du Guesclin. A hut built by the municipality has explanatory panels.

Chestnut culture and preservation

The Conservatoire Régional du châtaignier in Rignac works to preserve, study and promote old chestnut varieties. Its conservation garden preserves more than 70 varieties for study and conservation. The diversity of varieties is therefore central: chestnuts are presented here not only as a product, but also as a subject of research and preservation.

A free, two-hour guided tour takes visitors through a chestnut grove and a Sécadou. It is available by reservation for groups of at least ten people. Plan to take the tour as a group and confirm the reservation and conditions before arriving.

Old technologies and equestrian activities

At Un Oeil sur le Passé, visitors can discover old technologies, view exhibitions and watch demonstrations. Check the visitor policies before your visit. Le Diplodocus offers a different focus, carrying on Rignac’s equestrian tradition with riding lessons, courses, trail rides and other equestrian activities.

The Fête du Cheval celebrates the area’s connection to horse history. Its first edition took place on 13 August 2026, reviving a local horse festival tradition that had disappeared in the mid-1970s. This distinguishes Le Diplodocus’s equestrian activities from the history of this festival, which was held for the first time in 2026.

Produce and visits at Ferme de Tessi

La Ferme de Tessi is an organically farmed business. The farm sells veal and beef, eggs, walnuts, chestnut products and apple juice directly from the farm; the seasonal selection may vary. There is also a farm-to-table meal available on site. Confirm its availability in advance.

Farm visits require a reservation. The visit is free, while the tasting costs €6 per person; details of the offer may change, so it is advisable to confirm them in advance. The two chestnut-related attractions in Rignac have distinct focuses: the Conservatoire focuses on preserving and studying old varieties, while La Ferme de Tessi focuses on organic farming and direct sales of farm produce.

Discover more destinations: Saint-Affrique, Saint-Maurice-De-Sorgues, Saint-Jean-D'alcapiès, Lassouts, Lugan, Compeyre, Prévinquières, Camarès.

For the wider travel overview: Aveyron.