The Town

With nine villages and over 20 hamlets, the municipality of Salles-la-Source is one of the largest communities, in surface area, in the Aveyron department. Currently, it has 1,912 inhabitants and a growing population which has increased by 15% in the last decade.

Covering over 11.8 kilometres, the community enjoys many natural, historical and cultural features. The breathtaking countryside varies from huge plateaux to green valleys, with ever-present waterfalls and peaceful villages. There are also a number of historical and architectural sites of interest: dolmens, fortified castles, and churches.

The area is perfect for practising outdoor sports such as mountain biking and hiking. Visitors also appreciate tasting the local cuisine and sipping Marcillac wine -- the only A.O.C. wine in Aveyron – some of which is produced in our town.

The Town's Economy

Salles-la-Source is located not far from the city of Rodez, and many of our inhabitants work there. In fact, Rodez airport, with flights to Paris, Lyon, Dublin and London, is located in the community of Salles-la-Source.

However, our economy is still quite agricultural, with over 50 cattle and sheep-breeding farms, as well as numerous vineyards that provide grapes for Marcillac wine.

About 30 artisans and shopkeepers can be found throughout the town, and there is a small hospital as well as a holiday centre, supermarket, and car garage.

The municipality has also participated in the creation of several business parks that will be used to develop activities in the service sector.

Historical and Architectural Sites

These are some of the many natural, historical and architectural sites that attract visitors to Salles-la-Source :

>>> Fortified Castles

Ten castles can be found in the community; two of the most popular to visit are the “Château de Colombier” and the “Château de Cadayrac.”

>>> Churches

Four of the town's churches are official historical monuments. Of particular note : the gothic-style Eglise Saint-Amans and the beautifully situated Eglise Saint-Austremoine.

>>> Dolmens et Menhirs

The first dolmens were built 4,500 years ago. The town of Salles-la-Sources has at least 67 of them, as well as more than 200 tumuli, or ancient grave mounds. Three menhirs have also been identified.

Seven or eight dolmens are easily visible on the community's many walking trails. These megaliths, sometimes known as “English tombs,” actually have nothing to do with the English. They are large collective tombs from the prehistoric era, between 3000 and 1800 BC.

Among the area's most significant dolmens are Nauquiès, Peyrelebade and Pérignagols, with the latter receiving the most visits of any dolmen in the Aveyron departement.

Your contact

Claude JOUVE tel : (00 33) 06 81 93 45 25

www.salleslasource.fr

http://www.tourisme-vallonmarcillac.fr