When asked about skiing in France one immediately thinks of the impressive ski resorts in the Alps and the Pyrenees. Many would be surprised to hear that you can also ski in the Aubrac in Aveyron. For the curious skiers amongst you and lovers of the untainted French countryside, read on to discover.

The Aubrac

The Aubrac is the perfect example of the rugged, silent French countryside untouched by man to reveal its magical, untamed beauty. This vast volcanic plateau secretly nestles in the mountains of the north of Aveyron in the Midi-Pyrenees, at the border of the Auvergne and the Cantal departements. Across its 2500km2 plateau lies a land of mountain pastures and forests with an unforgettable tranquillity which we can simply say…nurtures one soul. No visitor can leave without forgetting its unique lighting which dramatically sculpts its landscape and rocks to create an astonishing display of the lands charm. It is simply indefinable and only by visiting it can one truly appreciate what it offers. Visitors leave with an overwhelming sense of harmony with nature, some go as far to say that it is a spiritual experience…

“An attraction, at once gentle yet difficult to resist, brings me back year after year, again and again to the exposed uplands of Aubrac. Everything that is strange and wonderful about the French countryside seems to be found there still: like a bald chunk of continent… Austere sacramental tonsures, amongst the arborescent mane stretching into the distance; images of an almost spiritual depilation of the land which inextricably links the feelings of altitude and elevation.” French novelist, Julien Gracq.

The resorts

Over the summer months the famous Aubrac breed of cattle peacefully graze on its pastures. In winter a transformation occurs where the snow turns this expanse of plateau into a Nordic landscape. Unknown to many, Aubrac boasts 200km of marked pistes for cross-country linking the villages of Brameloup, Nasbinals, Aubrac, Sainte Urcize and Laguiole, as well as many downhill slopes.

Aubrac resort at 1300m altitude is the ideal starting point for off-trail cross country skiing offering several 40km circuits and ice-skating. It is also a great resort for children and has a choice of accommodation.

Brameloup at 1200-1390m altitude lies in the heart of the forest offering 43km of cross country trails, 10 downhill slops, 9 ski lifts and 2 itineraries for snow shoes. There is also a crèche and a snow garden for kids.

Laguiole at 1000-1400m is the well-equipped resort offering the choice of cross-country and down hill skiing. There are 16 trails (one of which is floodlit), 11 ski lifts, one sledge lift and snow cannons together with 45km of cross country trails. It also offers marked walks throughout the forest.

St Urcize at 1200-1400m is situated in the Cantal and offers again a choice of downhill and cross country skiing with 5 pistes, 3 lifts and 45km of trails.

Finally Nasbinals offers 15km of trails, downhill and dog sledging, 3 downhill pistes and 1 ski lift.

These resorts are perfect for a long-weekend skiing break away from the crowds that are all too common at some larger ski resorts in France. They are also ideal for families as they offer many children’s activities. For those not so keen on skiing, the Aubrac offers beautiful trails for walking and hiking. There is an impressive network of footpaths, bridle paths and tracks linking the villages. “Topoguides” are very handy and can be purchased from tourist offices.

Flora and Fauna

Traditionally a farming community the local economy is based of the rearing of the famous Aubrac breed of cattle. These cows are the emblem of Aubrac with their large dark eyes, perfect horns and honey coloured hides. Local farmers proudly drive their cattle to their summer pastures across the plateau’s criss-cross of footpaths. This ancient tradition of rural life in Aubrac is known as the “fete de la transhumance” attracting many visitors around the month of May each year. Another well known attraction is the mating cry of the stag which cuts into the silence of Aubrac is September and October.

Aubrac was made famous following the award winning film “Microcosmos” displaying the rare and exotic species that can be discovered here. There are in fact 100 of such species including the local “thé d’Aubrac” also known as the yellow gentian or mountain balm, as well as the carnivorous “drosera rotundifolia”. Such flora and fauna have given rise to botanical walks across the plateau.

As often when journeying through regions in France we could not end without a gastronomical discovery. The local economy is also based on the making of cheese which has a long history in the Aubrac dating as far back as the 12th century. Known as “Laguiole” it deservingly enjoys its “Appellation d’Origine Contolée” A.O.C. status. It is this excellent cheese which is the irreplaceable ingredient in the famous dish “aligot”. Aligot is the local speciality whose origins are from the hospitality the monks offered to pilgrims on their way to Santiago de Compostela. This hearty local dish is known as the “tour de force” and always present at village fetes or festive meals. With a glass of Aveyron’s Marcillac wine, what better reward after a good day skiing ?

Nav Vilain
Selection Habitat
+33 5 65 70 10 49
www.selectionhabitat.com
info@selectionhabitat.com