Entraygues-sur-Truyère

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Coordinates: 44°38′50″N 2°34′03″E / 44.6472222222, 2.5675

Administration
Commune of Entraygues-sur-Truyère Entraygues and the Truyère River
Location

Country	France
Region	Midi-Pyrénées
Department	Aveyron
Arrondissement	Rodez
Canton	Entraygues-sur-Truyère
Mayor	André Marty (2001-2008)
Statistics
Elevation	222 m–744 m (avg. 220 m)
Land area^¹	30.15 km²
Population^² (1999)	1,267
- Density	42/km² (1999)
Miscellaneous
INSEE/Postal code	12094/ 12140
¹ French Land Register data, which excludes lakes, ponds, glaciers > 1 km² (0.386 sq mi or 247 acres) and river estuaries.
² Population sans doubles comptes: residents of multiple communes (e.g. students and military personnel) only counted once.

Entraygues-sur-Truyère is a commune in the northern part of the Aveyron département in southern France. At an altitude of 230 M. with a population of 1394 inhabitants the village is located 600 km. from Paris and 200 km. from Toulouse. By bus it is 48km from Aurillac and 55km from the industrial center of Rodez. The SNCF and airports are located in Aurillac or Rodez.

The history of Aveyron started during the time of the prehistoric creature, the plesiosaurus. Later, the prehistoric tribe, the Chasseens, lived in the caves on the limestone plateaux of central and southern France. Then came the Rutenes, the Gallic tribe of Rodez, the present capital of Aveyron, who under the Romans were allied to the Averni. After that, we have Barbarians. Visigoths, Moors, Viking and then the English and the 100 Years War. The Knights of Templar also ruled and The Knights of St. John of Jerusalem influenced the area with their authority. Many different cultures have made their mark on the area of Aveyron and this is shown by the stone monuments and rich architecture of the past, which include dolmens, menhirs, fortresses, fortified castles, abbeys and churches.

ENTRAYGUES, with its riverside streets and attractive houses, is a charming medieval village with its own walking tour in the Midi-Pyrénées area, an enchanting region between Bordeaux and Provence. The village is nestled in the junction of the flowing River Lot and the equally beautiful River Truyere. Next to Auvergne, it offers a mix of little mountains, beautiful valleys and splendid landscapes. It was probably founded in the middle of the 13th century, by the same time as the castle built by Henri II, Count de Rodez, between 1278 and 1290. By 1357, the walls of the village were strengthened with 13 towers connected to remparts (vestiges), with the whole structure surrounded by ditches or moats. The borough has preserved its medieval lanes, and of old half-timbered houses at the edge of water.

It is one of the "Most Beautiful Villages in France," a prestigious club of 148 villages throughout France that have been chosen for their character, their heritage and the desire of their inhabitants to protect their unique history and architecture. With 10 members of this elite club, the Aveyron boasts more of “The Most Beautiful Villages in France” than any other department.

The region also includes the spiritual footpath of the Saint-Jacques de Compostelle pilgrimage trail. Pilgrims have been traveling (and continue to travel) from Le Puys, France, to Santiago de Compostela, Spain. There is also The Route of the Lords of Rouergue with 24 chateaux dotting the journey. Also this land holds dear the heritage of the Knights Templar and the Hospitaller.

Vineyards situated on the precipitous slopes above the River Lot and the River Truyere produce red, white and rosé wines that are light and perfumed. Chenin and Mauzac are the grape varieties used for the white wines, which are dry and Gamay, Fer Servadou, Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Savignon grapes are used for the red wines. The Aveyron is a major food producer for all of France and features delicious cheeses, nine with A.O.C. labels including Roquefort, Laguiole, Cantal, Bleu des Causses, Saint-Nectaire as well as the local favorite, Cabecou. From country auberges and burons to grand restaurants such as Michel Bras, designed by Philippe Starck and one of the top rated restaurants in the world, the Aveyron offers a neverending temptation of gastronomical delights, which include foie gras, fresh trout, outstanding lamb and beef (some say the finest in all of France!), sausage, ham, fouace, wild mushrooms, pink garlic, chestnuts, honey, strawberries, raspberries and more. There are also fabulous bakeries, patisseries, butcher shops and other specialty shops worth exploring.

There are also five of “The Most Beautiful Villages in France” within a short distance including:

ESTAING, a gorgeous riverside village with narrow streets and ancient architecture, and includes a castle, an 11th c. fortress and a 15th c. church. Its premiere restaurant, Aux Armes d’Estaing, is named after the family who has occupied the castle for five hundred years and is presently owned by the former President of France, M. Valery Giscard d’Estaing. Also on the pilgrims’ route.

CONQUES, also listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a magnificently preserved village containing the famous Sainte-Foy Abbey Church, protector of the treasures of Sainte Foy for more than 12 centuries. Also on the pilgrims’ route.

SAINTE-EULALIE d’OLT is a land of traditions with a charming medieval village square, an 11th c. church and a 15th c. chateau.

SAINT-COME-d’OLT is one of the Hospitaller villages with a fortified gateway and impressive mansions. It’s a village little changed in centuries, and is also on the pilgrims’ route.

BELCASTEL is on the banks of the River Aveyron and is postcard perfect with an 11th c. castle, a 13th bridge and 15th c. church.

Other nearby enchanting villages include the following:

ESPALION features great shopping, restaurants, a bustling Farmer’s Market, galleried and balconied old houses (once used as tanneries) that hang over the river near the gorgeous medieval bridge with a restored Chateau dating from 1572.

LAGUIOLE has been made famous by the tradition of creating Laguiole knives since 1829 and more recently, the Michelin three star restaurant, Michel Bras, designed by Philippe Starck and rated among the 10 best restaurants in the world.

BOZOULS is a geological and geomorphic site, 400 m. wide and 100 m. deep with Sainte Fauste, a 12 c. church and a botanical walk along the Dourdou gorges as well as numerous waterfalls.

MARCILLAC is known for its wine and the village is lovely with its red stone houses and charming Farmer’s Market.

ROQUEFORT is world famous for its signature cheese and offers cellar and cave tours.

MILLAU occupies a beautiful site in a bend of the River Tarn where it meets with the River Dourbie. It's enclosed on all sides by impressive white cliffs and is also the site of the Millau Viaduct, the tallest bridge in the world.

LE FEL is a charming mountaintop wine-producing hamlet that dates back to the 16th century. Le Fel is home of the premiere European center for ceramic art, Poterie du Don. “Le Don du Fel” is a superb contemporary architectural achievement, featuring major ceramic artists, in a museum-quality setting.

VIEILLEVIE is a quaint riverside village located on the border of the Aveyron and Cantal departments. The village dates back 1,000 years and retains vineyards planted by monks in the 9th century. Its centerpieceis the 13th century Castle that dominates the village.

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