Laroquebrou: Holiday apartments and holiday homes

The former Château de Laroque has been partially protected as a historic monument since 5 June 1972. Its main construction phases date from the 13th and 16th centuries. Laroquebrou's attractions also include a 13th-century bridge. The former hospice in Laroquebrou now serves as an exhibition venue.

Anyone considering Laroquebrou as a holiday destination will want to rent a holiday apartment.

Culture and history

The heritage trail through Laroquebrou leads through lanes lined with half-timbered houses that cluster around the château and are reflected in the Cère. Open year-round, the circular route begins at the information point of the Châtaigneraie Cantalienne Tourist Office on Rue de la Trémolière.

Commentated tours of the medieval town of Laroquebrou are offered on Wednesdays during the summer school holidays and for groups throughout the year by reservation.

The calendar of events also includes the recurring international Boogie-Woogie Festival. The festival is the highlight of the events calendar, lasts four days and attracts musicians, music lovers and dancers from all over France and the neighbouring countries.

Tours and trails

The “La Roquaise” hiking trail crosses the Saint-Étienne-Cantalès dam and returns through the medieval lanes of Laroquebrou. For hikers, Laroquebrou is the final stage before the long crossing of the Cère gorges. The Via Arverna, a pilgrimage route to Santiago de Compostela, is linked to Laroquebrou.

Cycling

The “Des quais aux rives du lac” mountain bike route starts in the centre of Laroquebrou and runs along the historic Saint-Étienne-Cantalès dam, which was built between 1939 and 1945. The route is described as technically easy and suitable for families. The “Entre 2 Lacs” gravel route passes through Laroquebrou.

Water and nature

Lac de Saint-Étienne-Cantalès offers numerous water sports opportunities at the beaches of Rénac and Espinet.

Six years ago, a 1 km-long no-kill fishing stretch suitable for all fishing techniques and stocked with wild trout was established at Laroquebrou's municipal campsite; the stretch is easily accessible.

From mid-July to the end of August, the Laroquebrou fishing association offers introductions to fishing at the reservoir and in the river. Registration is through the Châtaigneraie Cantalienne Tourist Office in Laroquebrou.

Free guided tours are offered at the Saint-Étienne-Cantalès hydroelectric power station. They cover the history of the dam's construction, the power station at the foot of the dam, the generation of hydroelectric energy and dam safety.

Other destinations: Chalinargues, Lavigerie, Chaussenac, Jussac, Valette, Vezels Roussy, Les Ternes, Sauvat

To the higher-level travel overview: Cantal.