Attractions and Places To See around Saint-Maurice-Sur-Aveyron - Top 17

The village and its surroundings are rich in history. You can visit the Church of Saint-Maurice, which features a Romanesque portal from the 12th century and older 11th-century parts. Don't miss the modest 19th-century Lavoir by the Aveyron river, or the ruins of the Cistercian Fontainejean Abbey, founded in 1124. To the north, you can find the remains of the keep of the Château de l'Infernat, a fortified castle from around 1150.

Yes, the Aveyron River traverses the village, and the picturesque ford (gué) at Fontainejean is a notable spot. The area is also part of the Chênaie-charmaie du Bois Blanc, a natural area recognized for its ecological, faunal, and floral interest, known for nesting woodcocks.

The region is excellent for cycling. You can enjoy the Canal de Briare Cycle Path, which offers a pleasant and calm trail along the canal banks. Another option is the Briare Canal Cycle Path, known for its smooth, newly asphalted, and very flat surface. For more routes, check out the Cycling around Saint-Maurice-Sur-Aveyron guide.

You can visit La Maison Prodigieuse – Lock 26 of the Briare Canal. This beautifully restored former lock keeper's house now serves as a literary inn, welcoming hikers and cyclists with drinks and homemade preparations.

Beyond the gentle cycle paths like the Canal de Briare Cycle Path, which are suitable for families, the nearby Arboretum National des Barres (about 13 km away) offers tree climbing activities that can be fun for all ages.

The area is well-suited for walking. You can find various hiking routes, including the 'PR de Bellefontaine (Q26) — Loop around Saint-Maurice-sur-Aveyron,' which is a moderate 9.7 km trail. Other options include the 'Motteaux Loop' (moderate, 9.8 km) and the 'Château de la Motte loop from Château-Renard' (easy, 6.9 km). For a comprehensive list, refer to the Hiking around Saint-Maurice-Sur-Aveyron guide.

The region is generally pleasant for outdoor activities like walking and cycling from spring through autumn. The natural beauty, especially along the Aveyron River and canal paths, is best enjoyed when the weather is mild.

Just a few kilometers away, you can explore Château-Renard, an ancient medieval town with numerous historic monuments and old houses, including the Jeanne d'Arc house. Other nearby suggestions include Châtillon-Coligny, which has its own attractions like Parc Coligny and Château Coligny, and Montbouy.

Yes, for instance, La Maison Prodigieuse – Lock 26 of the Briare Canal is a cafe located in a restored lock keeper's house, offering drinks and homemade preparations. The charming villages in the area may also offer local establishments.

The Loing River, a tributary of which the Aveyron flows into, offers a peaceful escape with its tranquil waters and lush greenery. Near Montbouy, you can admire a historic bridge and a charming church, providing a picturesque setting for a leisurely stroll or cycle. Some parts of its banks are ideal for beginners due to the flat terrain.

Yes, the Maison de Dame Corneille, located at 15, rue des Juifs, is a beautiful half-timbered house that belonged to the sister-in-law of the famous playwright Corneille. It is said that he composed some verses there, adding a literary touch to the village's history.

Saint-Maurice-sur-Aveyron has ancient origins, evidenced by Gallo-Roman vestiges. Excavations in the 1950s revealed an aqueduct and a richly decorated thermal complex near the Motte farm, indicating a significant Roman presence in the area.