Vieillevie, Cantal: tourism & sightseeing

Photo of Vieillevie in Massif Central (Auvergne region)

Visit Vieillevie (Auvergne, France)

Vieillevie is a village about 30 kilometres east of Figeac in the Cantal department of France. The village is on the border between the departments of Cantal and Aveyron (hence also the border between the regions of Auvergne and Midi-Pyrenees).

Exploring Vieillevie

Vieillevie is a lovely (if very small) medieval village which sits on the edge of the river Lot, with a small cluster of traditional houses spread along the riverside.

Castle in centre of Vieillevie

Dominating the village is the Chateau Fort of Vieillevie which was built during the 11-13th centuries and altered in the Renaissance period (15-16th centuries). A tour of the imposing turreted castle reveals its underground defences, its dungeon, defensive positions throughout the castle as well as its medieval kitchens and large Renaissance rooms.

After strolling through the centre of Vieillevie you can also wander over the bridge on the river to get some lovely views of Vieillevie and along the valley of the river Lot.

On the edge of the village the Ferme de LaVidalie offers wine and cheese tasting. The cheese is a delicious goats cheese which has won many awards.

There is a large canoe base nearby and it is a lovely peaceful stretch of river for canoeing.

local restaurant

Note: We stayed in the hotel La Terrasse in Vieillevie. The rooms are reasonably priced and the restaurant is excellent.

Attractions nearby

There is a great deal to enjoy in the region, one of our favourite parts of France, both in terms of scenery and picturesque villages.

The nearby village of Conques is just a few kilometres from Vieillevie and unmissable if you are in the area - it is a listed 'most beautiful village in France' and has an impressive abbey church. Another very lovely village is a little further south at Belcastel - again, well worth the excursion.

You can find more local travel ideas in the Cantal guide and the Auvergne guide.