Decazeville: Holiday Apartments and Holiday Homes

Decazeville combines striking reminders of its mining heritage with art, culture and a section of the Via Podiensis route. The open-cast coal mine reclaimed in Decazeville is the largest open-cast mine in France. The restored mining site has been open to the public since its rehabilitation. Numerous hiking trails invite visitors to walk along former tracks used by lorries. The reclaimed mining site is also home to the only surviving headframe in Aveyron.

Those planning a stay in Decazeville may wish to rent a holiday apartment for this purpose.

Culture and History

The Stations of the Cross in the Church of Notre-Dame de Decazeville were installed on 14 September 1863. On 31 March 1965, they were classified as a Monument historique. The industrial era is also present in the townscape: Decazeville has numerous buildings typical of the industrial era of the late 19th century.

The Musée du Patrimoine Industriel et Minier de Decazeville maintains permanent collections and presents temporary exhibitions by regional artists. The Musée du Patrimoine Minier et Industriel explores the industrial heritage of steelmaking and metallurgy, zinc processing, glassmaking and brick production. Machines, equipment, plans, photographs, vehicles, models and reconstructions are on display. The Musée du Patrimoine Minier et Industriel also offers a tour of approximately one and a half hours covering the history of the mining, steelmaking and metallurgy district.

Outdoors

The street art trail in Decazeville features 23 huge works by internationally renowned artists. The outdoor experience lasts half a day. Guided tours offer either a walking tour of around ten walls or a complete tour of the works on foot and by bus.

On the Way

The GR 65, the Via Podiensis, passes through Decazeville between Conques and Livinhac-le-Haut.

Local

Les Mousses du Rouergue brews and bottles craft organic beers in Decazeville using local and organic raw materials. By appointment, Les Mousses du Rouergue offers brewery tours and tasting workshops.

More local pages: Martiel, Salvagnac-Cajarc, Flagnac, Réquista, Montagnol, Fondamente, Rodez, Villefranche-De-Rouergue

For the higher-level travel overview: Aveyron.