The Voie de Conques (V86) begins in Grand-Vabre and runs from there through the Dourdou Valley towards Bozouls and Espalion. The Grand-Vabre No. 10 trail route also passes the 15th-century parish church and the 15th-century high-relief sculpture of the Pietà.
Anyone planning a stay in Grand-Vabre will want to rent a holiday apartment.
History and Culture
Grand-Vabre is first mentioned in a document signed by Louis the Pious in Aachen on 8 April 819; it also reports that Dadon withdrew to a place called Grandvabre. The parish church of Grand-Vabre is dedicated to Saint Clair and Saint Roch; its oldest parts date from the 11th century.
The Chapelle Saint-Léonard de Monédiès dates from the 11th century and was restored after its ruins had become overgrown with brush; the work took 15 years. The restored pre-Romanesque chapel has a floor plan with a rectangular nave and rectangular choir separated by a triumphal arch, as well as narrow openings.
The Espace Amériques in Grand-Vabre is dedicated to the migration history of Grand-Vabre's inhabitants to the USA, Argentina and Canada between 1884 and 1950. It can accommodate groups for screenings of the 35-minute film “Grand-Vabre, terre d’émigration vers les Amériques”. The Espace Amériques is open year-round by appointment, as well as on Sunday mornings in July and August.
Landscape and Trails
In the vicinity of Grand-Vabre, the Chapelle Saint-Roch stands on the heights of Roucan and offers views over the valley. Also nearby, the statue of Notre-Dame de la Paix stands on a panoramic rocky outcrop. It can be reached via a path behind the Chapelle Saint-Roch and was erected in 1945.
The Grand-Vabre–Monédiès hike follows the Monédiès stream and reaches a restored pre-Romanesque chapel by the water.
Nature and Water
The Les Pélies fishing area bears the national “parcours famille” label. A car park located directly next to the Les Pélies pontoon makes access easier for people with reduced mobility.
Fishing is permitted year-round in fishing category 2 on the section of the Dourdou between Conques and Grand-Vabre. The Dourdou section is home to trout, gudgeon, minnows, barbel and chub; trout are also stocked. ASVOLT offers stand-up paddleboard rental on the waters of Grand-Vabre.
Crafts and Products
At the confluence of the Lot and Dourdou, Ruchers de la Rivière d’Olt runs an organic farm shop selling bee products. On its terrace, Ruchers de la Rivière d’Olt offers tastings of its own beer and fruit juices, as well as farm-made sorbets in 20 flavours. They are made from honey, plants or fruit from the farm and from wild-foraged ingredients.
The Poterie de la Confluence displays Raku and faience ceramics made in Grand-Vabre; it also produces functional and decorative objects, as well as jewellery made from colourful faience and wood-fired Raku ceramics.
Other destinations: Lacroix-Barrez, Villeneuve, Villefranche-De-Rouergue, Fondamente, Veyreau, Salles-la-Source, Cassagnes-Bégonhès, Montagnol.
