La Roque-Sainte-Marguerite travel guide

Visit La Roque-Sainte-Marguerite (Occitanie, France)

The small village of La Roque-Sainte-Marguerite is situated in the east of the Aveyron department in the Midi-Pyrenees, and to the east of Millau.

We discovered the village almost by accident as we explored the impressive Gorges de la Dourbie that are to the east of Millau, and were very glad we had.

Exploring La Roque-Sainte-Marguerite

The village is quite small, with the location being the first thing that will attract your attention as the Dourbie river passes through the village and the cliffs and steep slopes of the Dourbie gorges rise high on both sides.

There is parking in the lower part of the village, where you will also find a cafe and from where all parts of La Roque-Sainte-Marguerite are easily accessed.

There are several narrow alleys that pass up through the village itself, between the traditional small stone houses. This is made more interesting by the small gardens overflowing with flowers and the traditional chimneys that you can see along the way.

While passing through La Roque-Sainte-Marguerite you will also see the two principal monuments of interest: an 11th century church and a 16th century bread oven.

Continuing to the top of the rocky outcrop you will also see the defensive fortifications around the upper part of the village. The oldest part of the castle dates from the 13th century although most of what you see today is from the 17th century reconstruction.

Chaos de Montpellier-le-Vieux

An important attraction in La Roque-Sainte-Marguerite is a few kilometres outside the village at the Chaos de Montpellier-le-Vieux, an unusual landscape of rock arches and boulders which you can explore along marked trails.

Note: there are several ways to reach the Chaos de Montpellier-le-Vieux depending which direction you are arriving from. While the most direct is from La Roque-Sainte-Marguerite itself you should be aware that this road is signed as being 'very narrow and dangerous' and is closed to any vehicle larger than a car, so you might prefer to use one of the more 'normal' roads to get here!

Local attractions

A short distance further along the Gorges de la Dourbie to the east of La Roque-Sainte-Marguerite you will also enjoy a stroll around the hamlet of Saint-Veran. You will also want to explore the Gorges de la Jonte while you are in this region.

If you tire of so much natural beauty you should take a trip to see the Millau Bridge, an impressive modern bridge that is among the highest in the world.

You can find more travel ideas in the Aveyron guide and the Midi-Pyrenees guide.

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Map of La Roque-Sainte-Marguerite and places nearby

Visit near La Roque-Sainte-Marguerite with France This Way reviews

Gorges de la Jonte

Less dramatic and less well known than the Gorges du Tarn north of here, the Gorges de la Jonte are also very scenic and a pleasure to explore

Gorges de la Jonte guide

Millau

The town of Millau is a lively traditional town, well worth a visit when you are exploring this region

Millau guide

Millau bridge

Millau Bridge (the Viaduc de Millau) is a modern bridge designed by Norman Foster, one of the highest bridges in the world, and an imposing local monument

Millau bridge guide

Meyrueis

The small rivers that meet in the centre of the town and the lively atmosphere in summer make Meyrueis a popular detour with those exploring the scenic highlights in Lozere

Meyrueis guide