Estaing
The Vía Podiensis
Estaing is one of the Plus Beaux Villages de France, and it earns the title. The village is draped across a hillside above a bend in the Lot river, dominated by its massive castle and connected by a beautiful Gothic bridge that, like the Pont Vieux in Espalion, is UNESCO-listed as part of the Santiago routes.
The castle of the Estaing family looms over the village. This was the seat of one of the most illustrious noble families in France, whose members include a bishop of Clermont, an admiral of France, and most recently Valery Giscard d'Estaing, President of the Republic from 1974 to 1981, who bought back the family castle in 2005.
The village itself is compact and walkable: steep lanes, stone houses with slate roofs, a 15th-century church, and the bridge, which dates from the late 15th century and features a statue of a pilgrim at its midpoint. There are gites, hotels, restaurants, and basic supplies.
A small pilgrim festival is held in early July around the Feast of Saint Fleuret, the village's patron saint.
The Fete de Saint-Fleuret in early July is a religious and civic celebration with a procession carrying the relics of the patron saint through the village streets. Market day varies seasonally.
The Estaing family traces its lineage to the 11th century and held the lordship here for over 500 years. The castle was confiscated during the Revolution, served as various public buildings, and was finally repurchased by Valery Giscard d'Estaing, who later donated it to a foundation. The Gothic bridge was built in the late 15th century to serve the growing pilgrim traffic on the Via Podiensis.
Leaving Estaing, the path climbs steeply out of the Lot valley. You're leaving the river behind and entering a stretch of rolling ridge country that will carry you to Conques. The climbing is sustained for the first few kilometers but the terrain is varied, with forest, farmland, and long views from the ridgetops. Golinhac, the next village with services, is about 14 km ahead.
Accommodation in Estaing.
| Gîte d´étape communal de Estaing 17€ 22 |
| Gîte Chez Aurelie 16€ 8 |
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| Au Paradis sur Terre 15€ 14 |
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| Gîte Haut-Doubs d'Estaing 17+€ 6 |
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| Gîte Les Pieds dans l'Olt 16€ 18 |
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| Gîte d´étape Saint-Christophe 17€ 15 |
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