Discover Aulon: Church, Mills and the Sentier du Caubéron

Aulon can be considered when planning a trip based on two specific interests: the history of its buildings and an easy circular walk, the Sentier du Caubéron. The Notre-Dame Church, the fountain and former mills reflect different historical periods; the walking route has a clearly defined profile in terms of distance, walking time and elevation gain. Consider whether you would rather plan your stay around historical sites or a specific hike.

Notre-Dame and the history of its architecture

The Notre-Dame Church in Aulon is the surviving part of a former Benedictine priory that was dependent on Pessan Abbey in the Gers. An octagonal bell tower in the Toulouse style, dating from the 14th century, rises above the building. Octagonal means that the tower has eight sides; the term “Toulouse style” adds a stylistic classification to its shape. The church is listed as a historic monument; its protected status was established on 13 July 1926. This makes it possible to distinguish the dates of the building’s history from those of its legal protection: the tower dates from the 14th century, while the protection date belongs to the later history of heritage designation.

Fountain, washhouse and mills

In the centre of Aulon is a 16th-century fountain connected to a 19th-century washhouse. Two of the three former 17th-century mills along the Noue in Aulon have been restored. Together, the fountain, washhouse and mills span a historical sequence from the 16th to the 19th century, with the 17th-century mills in between. The connection between the fountain and washhouse brings together two periods in a single feature of the village.

Hiking on the Sentier du Caubéron

The Sentier du Caubéron is an easy, shaded and fun family walk. The circular route is 4.3 kilometres long; walking time is about 1 hour 30 minutes, with 137 metres of ascent and 137 metres of descent. Distance, approximate duration and elevation profile each provide a different way to assess how the walk fits into your day. Check current trail conditions before setting out.

The Chêne de Caubéron links natural heritage with a specific story of surveying. It is classified as a “remarkable tree” and is estimated to be more than 500 years old. In 1822, the tree was selected as a geodetic point for the Napoleonic cadastre. The year refers to this selection, while the age remains an estimate. For those interested in cultural history, its appeal lies in both its great age and a precisely dated step in its use as a surveying point.

Religious tradition in Mengué

In the hamlet of Mengué is the spring of Saint Anthony the Hermit, described as “healing.” The saint is honoured there every year on 17 January. This fixed date gives the religious tradition a specific point of reference for trip planning; the description “healing” applies to the spring.

Getting there

Aulon is on the D8, which connects Saint-Gaudens with Aurignac. Check current road conditions and route information before setting off.

Discover more destinations: Montbrun-Bocage, Cintegabelle, Mondonville, Bouloc, Labastide-Beauvoir, Saint-Lys, Salles-Et-Pratviel, Azas

For the wider travel overview: Haute-Garonne.