Auriac is a commune of the Corrèze, in the Aquitaine region, 30 km north-east of Argentat and the borders of the department of Cantal.
Between the peaks of the Massif Central and the Dordogne valley, whose course forms part of its northern limit, the vast territory (area of 35 km²) of the locality is in the natural region of Xaintrie, hilly and green.
Inhabited since Prehistoric times, Auriac developed in the Middle Ages with the founding in the 12th century of the Cistercian abbey of Valetta, of which only a few vestiges remain, the majority of the buildings having been immersed during the construction of the dam of Chastang, in 1951, downstream of the Dordogne.
In the thirteenth century, it is a priory dependent on the Benedictines of Aurillac is established.
Still dotted with farms dedicated to the breeding of cows Salers race, the village of Auriac, at 600 m above sea level, and its many hamlets, now only about 230 inhabitants (against 1400 in the nineteenth) but thanks to its heritage and its well-developed environment, the municipality retains a vitality that makes it a popular step in this region has become a hot spot for green tourism.
Despite the vicissitudes of time, the village and the hamlets of the town have retained heritage elements of interest.
This is the case of the gate of the old Valette Abbey whose other buildings were drowned under the waters of the dam Chastang, but also the parish church Saint-Côme Saint-Damien, protected as historical monuments. This is actually the old church priory established in the twelfth century by Geraud Aurillac. Of fortified aspect, the building possesses three vaulted bays crossed with ogives. From the original construction, remains a part of the bell tower. It is also observed that the choir is actually one of the levels of the old defense tower built during the Wars of Religion (fifteenth, sixteenth). One always reaches the room of arms, on the floor, via a spiral staircase. A roof with a campanile replaced the old tower top.
Always on the religious level, to see during a hike, the chapel of Puy du Bassin, about 700 m above sea level, next to a statue of the Virgin installed on a base of 8 m high. The current chapel dates from the end of the First World War, replacing an older building. Above the altar, a fresco represents a starry sky and on the ground, materialized the passage to this place of the meridian of Paris.
At the option of paths and gaps, menhirs, granite crosses, the chapel of Notre-Dame-de-Chastres Cours (nineteenth) are also worth a look, likewise, back in the village, as the old the house of the prior who was the lord of the place, with the remains of his dungeon, the picturesque cobbled streets and many old houses with roofs covered with slate.
Place then to recreation sports and nature, particularly numerous on Auriac as its surroundings.
First of all, it is very pleasant to enjoy Lake Bruyères, a 4-hectare lake in the heart of the town. Ideal for lazing around but also swimming, supervised in summer. Inflatable structures are available for children, the largest can rent pedal boats or canoes, a mini-golf is also located near the beach. Information on 05 55 28 25.
On the lake, fishermen are also welcome. The card is to withdraw in town hall (contact at +33 5 55 28 23 02). They can also enjoy the banks of the Dordogne. Learn about the regulations at +33 5 55 26 11 55.
For hiking, a natural heritage interpretation trail has been marked out including the Puy de Bassin (from which one enjoys a splendid panorama) and the heart of the village. Other circuits on the municipal territory include the waterfall of Redenat, the confluence of the Dordogne with its affluent Luzège, and the charm of the valley itself. Some routes are accessible to mountain bikers. Maps and information on +33 5 55 29 98 78 or +33 5 55 28 23 02.
For thrill seekers, finally, the course of the Chal Gorge has become a "must" for canyoning. It is advisable to surround yourself with qualified professionals. Information on +33 5 55 28 66 31.
We conclude with a much more bucolic break with the gardens of Sothys, the name of this company whose headquarters is in Brive-la-Gaillarde, specialized in cosmetics. At Auriac, the open space for the visit combines a botanical garden with intimate and thematic areas (centered on geographical areas with their species) and a pleasantly landscaped kitchen garden on four hectares, and offers activities ("discovery of nature" or aperitif- concerts). A bookshop, a terroir, a shop and a restaurant are also available. Open from April to mid-November. Price of the visit of the garden: 7.50 euros. Information on +33 5 55 91 96 89.
