Entraygues (full name Entraygues-sur-Truyere) is situated in the Aveyron department on the Lot River - which is also joined by the Truyere River in the village (hence the name of the village which comes from the occitan for 'between the waters').
There has been a village here since the 10th century, but the oldest parts we see today - the castle and the two bridges - date from the 13th century.
Explore Entraygues
France This Way review: in an attractive wooded valley setting, the historic part of Entraygues-sur-Truyere and the castle are surrounded by a bend in the Truyere River and the presence of the rivers and medieval village make Entraygues an interesting and charming destination.
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The Tourist Office in Entraygues is at the north of the town, next to the Place de la Republique where you will also find parking, so this is a good place to start a visit: you can ask for a plan of the village in the tourist office before setting off to explore.
You quickly reach the old town from here along the covered walkway by following the fortifications and passed a tower that was also part of these defences. You also pass the site of the original main entrance to the town centre, once guarded by a drawbridge, although this is no longer in existence.
From here you can return to Rue Droite, the main street in Entraygues-sur-Truyere in medieval times that leads to the Place Albert Castanié.
There are half-timbered houses dating from the 15th century and narrow streets to explore - the main streets to see in this part of the town are the Ruelle de l'Horloge, once the site of a medieval school, and the Rue Droite, with an interesting selection of houses in stone and colombage.
At Number 8, Rue Droite there is a charming door from the 16th century with an unusual feature - there are two door knockers, one at street level for pedestrians and another higher up for visitors on horseback.
Place Castanié is a charming square, with a large cross and several attractive houses. This was originally the main square in Entraygues and the place where markets were held. The square was given this name after World War 2 to commemorate the leader of the local resistance movement.
From Place Castanié, leave the old town to take a walk along the river front. If you leave Entraygues towards the east you reach one of the 13th century bridges, the Pont Notre-Dame.
Following the river to the west you quickly reach the castle, as well as a small pebble beach and a lovely view across the confluence of the Lot and Truyère rivers. It is hard to imagine now, but this was once a busy port from where cheese and other local products were sent downstream to Bordeaux.
The current castle at Entraygues dates from the 17th century although there are also some remains from the much older, 13th century castle including the two imposing square towers - the rest of the original Chateau de Entraygues was destroyed in the 16th century. It is quite difficult to get a good view of the castle because it is behund high walls, but it is still an imposing sight.
The whole of Entraygues was fortified and surrounded by a moat and entered by a drawbridge in medieval times, but very little of the fortifications still exists.
There is a substantial mill on the Truyère, built in the 14th century, now used for the production of electricity.
You can re-enter the old town from the west along Rue du Pourtanel and continue to explore the quiet ancient streets such as Rue Basse and Rue du Chateau. Rue Basse is the most picturesque street in Entraygues, with a beautiful row of medieval houses.
You quickly reach the church, built in the 19th century using stone from the original fortifications and towers.
The river Truyere is also crossed by a scenic 13th century stone bridge (now a listed historic monument) with four gothic style arches. The bridge is in a lovely setting a few hundred metres north of the centre of Entraygues-sur-Truyère. Originally there was a customs gate at each end of this bridge.
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Attractions nearby
Entraygues is well placed for enjoying the region and there are several highlights neaby, including two of our favourite villages in France: Conques and Belcastel.
Even closer to Entraygues visit the small villages of Le Fel, Espeyrac, Golinhac and Saint-Hippolyte - each small and with no 'great sites' but with their own particular charms and Estaing, one of the 'plus beaux villages de France' is only 17 kilometres away.
The Gorges de la Truyère lie just outside Entraygues, along the river valley, and are also a very scenic detour, along with the Lot Valley itself. Indeed, the countryside in all directions deserves exploring - there is little to disappoint!
Explore elsewhere in the Massif Central. You can find more travel ideas in the Aveyron guide and the Midi-Pyrenees guide.
Photos of Entraygues
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Map of Entraygues and places nearby
Visit near Entraygues with France This Way reviews
Le Fel
Although small, the location of Le Fel and the pretty houses and views make the village very pleasant to visit
Le Fel guide
Vieillevie
On the banks of the Lot river the small village of Vieillevie is very pretty and also in a very attractive region of France
Vieillevie guide... or see ALL recommended places to visit in Aveyron
Address: Entraygues-sur-Truyère, Rodez, Midi-Pyrenees, 12140, France || GPS coordinates: latitude 44.6472, longitude 2.5675
Plan your visit to Entraygues, Aveyron
Sightseeing & tourist attractions to visit nearby
- Estaing: most beautiful village (13 km)
- Estaing pont sur le Lot (monuments on French pilgrim routes): heritage site (13 km)
- Conques abbatiale Sainte-Foy (monuments on French pilgrim routes): heritage site (14 km)
- Conques: most beautiful village (15 km)
- Conques pont sur le Dourdou (monuments on French pilgrim routes): heritage site (15 km)
- Espalion Pont Vieux (monuments on French pilgrim routes): heritage site (21 km)
- Trou de Bozouls: site of natural beauty (23 km)
- Tindoul de la Vayssière: site of natural beauty (24 km)
- Jardin d'Eden du château du Colombier: remarkable garden (24 km)
- Saint-Come-d'Olt: most beautiful village (24 km)
- St Chely d'Aubrac pont des pèlerins (monuments on French pilgrim routes): heritage site (29 km)
- Belcastel: most beautiful village (34 km)
Market days in Entraygues, France
Regular market(s) are held in Entraygues each Friday &.
A seasonal market is held in Entraygues on Tuesday & Wednesday. (Markets are held in the morning unless stated.)
The French version of this page is at Entraygues (Francais)