Salles-Courbatiès: Hotels for your stay

Salles-Courbatiès brings together village history, garden culture and a wetland with rare plant species. There is also a marked walking trail and a circular cycling route. Depending on whether you are interested in historic architecture, nature, gardens or outdoor activities, different aspects of the village can take centre stage during your stay.

Village history and architecture

The village began to develop around its castle in the 12th century. Parts of Salles-Courbatiès were built over the watercourse on stone vaults, reflecting the craftsmanship of early builders. The village’s history can therefore be explored both through its origins and through a distinctive building technique. The vaults connect the buildings with the watercourse, while the castle is the historic focal point of the village’s development. For architecture enthusiasts, this connection offers a specific focus that goes beyond simply dating the village.

Marais de Montaris wetland

The Marais de Montaris is a 23-hectare wetland. It includes fens, ponds, reed beds, wet meadows and stands of old poplars. Together, these make up a variety of wetland habitats within a defined area. The marsh is also home to the only known population in Occitania of the very rare plant Grande douve. For nature enthusiasts, its size, diverse habitats and botanical rarity are defining features of Salles-Courbatiès’ natural environment.

Walking and cycling

A marked walking trail is 18 km long, with a 15 km alternative. This gives you a choice of two distances; check the signs locally. Another option is a 21 km circular cycling route from Salles-Courbatiès to Villefranche-de-Rouergue. It passes through the landscapes of the Causses and by the area’s built heritage. Check route conditions before setting off. The walking trail offers two distances, while the cycling route has a specified route and length. You can choose based on your preferred way of getting around and the stated distance.

Gardens and an audio experience

Le Jardin de la Mothe in Salles-Courbatiès is an English garden bearing the “Jardin Remarquable” label. Self-guided visits are possible; guided visits are available by appointment. The garden experience offers a choice of how to visit.

“Oreilles en balade” is a free audio experience for adults and children, with seven listening stations. You can listen to the recordings using QR codes on the signs at the site. Access via the stations and QR codes sets this experience apart from a garden visit or a walk or cycle along the routes.

A story from local folklore

The Tumulus de Courbatiers also forms part of the village’s cultural identity. According to local folklore, it was created by a handful of earth falling from a giant’s hole-ridden shirt. This story is a legend and adds another perspective to the area’s history of architecture: it tells how a distinctive local landmark is explained in folklore, rather than providing a historical date or architectural description.

Discover more destinations: Pont-De-Salars, Montlaur, Onet-Le-Château, Salles-la-Source, Saint-Jean-D'alcapiès, Saint-Sernin-Sur-Rance, Verrières, Saint-Jean-et-Saint-Paul

See the overview of the wider region: Aveyron.