4.4
(146)
828
hikers
3
hikes
Hiking around Lac Des Galens offers routes through the picturesque Aubrac plateau, a volcanic high plateau in Aveyron, France. The landscape features a 50-hectare dam lake with gently sloping banks, sandy beaches, and wooded areas. Trails often lead through rural fields and provide views of surrounding meadows, with some paths ascending hills. The region is part of the Aubrac Regional Natural Park, known for its biodiversity.
Last updated: May 10, 2026
4.4
(5)
44
hikers
13.2km
03:43
270m
280m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.6
(5)
19
hikers
13.7km
04:06
430m
430m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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4.4
(5)
10
hikers
7.32km
02:03
150m
150m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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A place worth seeing, I'll go inside tomorrow. Okay, only worth seeing from a distance, the church on the hill is quite pretty. But the large main road and the huge parking lot in the city center didn't encourage me to take a longer break. I've seen other beautiful places.
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Nice view of the town of Laguiole via a short, easy family hike.
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Laguiole is renowned for its knives but it is also a pretty village whose several buildings recall its rich history. The view from the Saint-Matthieu church at the top of the hill is also magnificent.
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Aveyron village with narrow streets and slate roof houses. It is the capital of Aubrac but also of the famous Laguiole knives. Do not miss the statue of the ox, in the center of the place du fairground, where a market is held every Saturday morning.
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Shortly after moving into the convent, which had been ravaged by destruction, the courageous sisters founded a chocolate factory in May 1878. In the valley, where an old mill still stood by the creek, electricity was produced for the convent and chocolate factory. Production has been modernized several times using own funds, the last time in 2002. Bonneval chocolates are known and appreciated in France. All products can be purchased in the monastery shop and through an online store.
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The ABBEY ND de BONNEVAL covers an area of three to four football pitches and is furnished in the style of a castle from the beginning of the Middle Ages. The abbey is entirely surrounded by a high wall. Smaller towers are recessed in some places, which is probably intended to emphasize the fortified nature of the building. Built in 1147, this isolated monastery operated successfully for 650 years and was renovated again in 1734. During the French Revolution (1794), the monastery convent was dissolved. The monks were expelled; the whole area was to serve only as a source of building stone in the future. In 1875, 12 courageous sisters of the Trappist / Cistercian order settled in the ruins of the convent, the structure of which is largely unchanged. They have rebuilt what was needed, are economically independent, and continue to have a beneficial effect with their actions and words to this day.
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The sisters of ABBAYE NOTRE DAME de BONNEVAL live by the religious rules of Saint Benedict, which aim to contribute to the perfection of the human being. This includes six times of daily prayer, during which the sisters meet in the convent church. Devotions and services are organized through songs and speeches. The Gothic nave is simple and graceful.
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Worth a detour of course for its famous knives but also for the charm of this small town
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Currently, there are a few curated hiking routes around Lac Des Galens that are easily accessible by bus. These trails offer a great way to explore the picturesque Aubrac plateau without needing a car.
Yes, there is at least one easy route available. While all routes in this guide are generally moderate, the area offers many pleasant, less strenuous walks, particularly around the lake itself. For a moderate option, consider the Laguiole, capital of the Aubrac – View of Laguiole loop from Laguiole, which is shorter at just over 7 km.
The bus-accessible hikes around Lac Des Galens immerse you in the stunning landscapes of the Aubrac plateau. You'll encounter vast wild spaces, charming waterside strolls along the lake with portions shaded by forests, and paths leading up hills that offer clear views of surrounding meadows. The region is part of the Aubrac Regional Natural Park, known for its natural beauty.
Yes, all the routes featured in this guide are circular, meaning you'll end up back at your starting point, which is convenient for bus travel. For example, the Laguiole, capital of the Aubrac – Laguiole Village loop from Laguiole is a moderate 13 km circular hike.
Generally, dogs are welcome on trails in the Aubrac Regional Natural Park, but it's always best to keep them on a leash, especially in areas with livestock or protected wildlife. Please check specific local regulations for each trail or natural area you plan to visit.
Many routes offer glimpses into the region's heritage and natural beauty. For instance, the Abbaye Notre-Dame de Bonneval – Bonneval Abbey loop from Le Cayrol takes you past the historic Bonneval Abbey. The town of Laguiole, a common starting point, is also known for its famous knives and local culture.
The area is beautiful in any season. Spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures and vibrant colors, while summer is ideal for combining hiking with other activities like swimming in Lac Des Galens. Even in winter, the marked pedestrian circuit around the lake is accessible, offering a serene experience.
Yes, especially in villages like Laguiole, which serve as starting points for several routes. You'll find cafes and restaurants where you can enjoy local Aveyron cuisine before or after your hike. Lac Des Galens also has picnic areas available year-round.
The komoot community highly rates the hiking experience around Lac Des Galens, with an average score of 4.5 stars from 145 ratings. Reviewers often praise the tranquil atmosphere, the diverse landscapes ranging from lakeside paths to open meadows, and the convenience of accessing these trails via public transport.
While this guide focuses on moderate trails, the Aubrac plateau offers a network of longer hiking trails for those seeking more challenging routes. The Laguiole, capital of the Aubrac – Laguiole Village loop from Laguiole and the Abbaye Notre-Dame de Bonneval – Bonneval Abbey loop from Le Cayrol are both moderate routes over 13 km, providing a good distance for a day hike.


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