Saint-Chély d'Aubrac
The village of Saint Chély d'Aubrac, located 800 meters above sea level, is nestled at the foot of the Aubrac plateau and runs along the Boralde river valley of Saint Chély. The village is at the start of many hiking trails, including the GR65, aka "Via Podiensis", the legendary route to Santiago of Compostela.
The village has several remarkable architectural elements. The Pilgrim's Bridge, listed as a Historic Monument dates from the Middle Ages and classified as World Heritage of Humanity by Unesco for its pilgrimage routes to Santiago of Compostela. On the parapet of this bridge is the Cross of Saint Chély, which aims to give courage to tired pilgrims. This cross dating from the 14th century represents a pilgrim leaning with one hand on his stick and holding in the other a rosary. Further on, you can see the Tour de Bonnefon, listed as a Historic Monument, built in the 15th century to defend the monks’ barn of the Domerie d'Aubrac.
Each year takes place the contest of the famous Aubrac cow, emblem of the plateau, where breeders of the Saint-Chély d'Aubrac commune present several of their animals, in different categories.