An enchanted walk: Le Sentier de l'Imaginaire
The Sentier de l'Imaginaire is a unique experience that will awaken your creativity and imagination. This picturesque trail, located in the heart of Aveyron, transports you into a fairytale world where nature and art meet. As you follow the path, you'll discover a series of surprising artistic installations that invite you to plunge into fantastic worlds. Sculptures, paintings and ephemeral works of art blend harmoniously into the natural landscape, creating a magical atmosphere that will transport you on an extraordinary sensory journey. Let your imagination be your guide and let yourself be seduced by the poetry and creativity of the Sentier de l'Imaginaire.
A fun, interactive experience
The Sentier de l'Imaginaire is much more than a simple stroll: it's a truly interactive and entertaining adventure. The artistic installations invite visitors to interact with them, to touch, observe and feel. Whether you're on your own, with your family or with friends, you'll be captivated by the surprises that await you at every turn along the trail. Let your imagination run wild and be inspired by the artistic creations all around you. The Sentier de l'Imaginaire is an invitation to rediscover your childlike spirit, to explore, to dream and to enjoy a unique experience in harmony with nature.
Each trail is designed as a fun route where you can discover artistic installations, sculptures and original settings inspired by the traditions and history of the region. These works are often made with natural materials and by local craftsmen.
6 trails for all tastes
1 Taussac Imagination Trail - "The Magic Forest "
This trail invites walkers to discover an enchanted forest dotted with wooden sculptures and artistic installations. The atmosphere is magical, combining nature and imagination.
2 - Murols Imagination Trail - "Fire and Wind"
This trail explores the elements of fire and wind through artistic works. Visitors will discover metal sculptures and installations evoking these natural elements, offering an immersive experience.
3 - Brommat Imagination Trail- "Au Fil de l'Eau"
This trail follows a river and celebrates the importance of water in the region. Facilities and observation points allow visitors to discover the aquatic flora and fauna.
4 -Lacroix Barrez imaginary trail - "The lava flow trail".
This easy walk tells the story of the origin of the Earth, right up to the appearance of monkeys. A lava flow and its stone giant await you halfway along the trail.
5 Thérondels imaginary trail - "And the farmer created the meadow".
Gaillarde, the cow with her eyes covered in black make-up, grazes peacefully in the meadow, forming a link between Nature and Man...
6 - Mur-de-Barrez Imagination Trail - "From history to stories"
A tour of the historic centre of the medieval town of Mur-de-Barrez, leading to the esplanade of the castle and its exceptional view of the surrounding area and its string of slate roofs... "I am Guilhem de Mur, troubadour, vassal of the Count of Rodez. Come and meet me at the foot of what used to be my castle!"
The Paths of the Imaginary: A Journey to the Heart of the Legends of Aveyron
Les Sentiers de l'Imaginaire in Aveyron were created by the initiative of the Conseil Départemental de l'Aveyron, in collaboration with local artists, writers and historians. The project aims to showcase the region’s landscapes, oral traditions and legends through thematic hiking trails. These routes are designed to offer an immersive experience where visitors can discover mythological stories, folk tales and historical anecdotes while exploring the beautiful landscapes of Aveyron.
The trails are thus a mixture of nature, art and culture, allowing hikers to immerse themselves in the local imagination while enjoying exceptional panoramas of the region. Art installations, explanatory panels and occasional performances (such as readings or performances) enrich the experience. These trails allow you to rediscover the Aveyron from a playful and poetic angle !
The Magic forest
-Description: The forest awakens: its life awakens the senses; the sound of leaves and twigs crackling under footsteps, light quivering in the wind, ephemeral scents... This is the domain of Vivian the hermit, where animals, mushrooms and other curiosities evoke many stories buried in our memories. Isn't this forest magical?
-Duration: Approximately 02h15.
-Difficulty: Easy, suitable for families
-Starting point: Car park in front of the Taussac village hall.
-Additional information: Children love hiding in the forest huts!
To complete the walk, at the end of the path, discover 4 areas: the Maison du bois, the 5 senses garden, the Maison Manhes, which takes you back to a typical regional interior from the early 19th century, and Cécile's little grocery shop! Open in July and August and all year round for groups on request (06 87 14 71 87).
of fire and wind
-Description: Blaise the dragon, guardian of fire, inspires the skilled iron sculptors of Murols to create the creations you'll see on this walk, using old farm machinery. The village forge, where it all began for the wrought-iron creations, can be visited by appointment by calling 06.68.19.88.28 (€1).
-Length of walk: Approximately 1 hour.
-Difficulty: Easy, suitable for families.
-Starting point: In front of Murols church.
-Additional information: The Iron Throne: Murols revives the legendary series. Dare to take the seat of the Mother of Dragons? From an old moped tank, the skilled welders have created a bird of fire: the Phoenix, symbol of the perpetual renewal of the paths of the imagination.
On the Water
-Description : Along the water: the ondines, the little genies of the water, play tricks on you, the walker... As the water flows by, the illuminations and animals created tell us about their lives in the natural environment. For a refreshing break, children can watch the dragonflies and dip their feet in the water.
-Duration: 2 hours.
-Difficulty: Easy, suitable for families.
-Starting point: In front of Brommat town hall.
-Additional information: ATTENTION TRAIL CLOSED DUE TO GROUND SLIDES
From magma to stone " The path of the lava flow"
-Description: This easy walk tells the story of the origin of the Earth, right up to the appearance of monkeys. A lava flow and its stone giant await you at the halfway point.
-Length of excursion: 01h30
-Difficulty: Easy, suitable for families.
-Departure point: Place du Cardinal Verdier, in front of the Lacroix Barrez church.
-Additional information: The trail is open all year round. Sculpture workshops and guided tours are sometimes organised.
And the farmer created the meadow
-Description: Gaillarde, the cow with her eyes covered in black make-up, grazes peacefully in the meadow, forming a link between Nature and Man...
-Duration: Approximately 1 hour.
-Difficulty: Easy, suitable for families.
-Starting point: Place des tilleuls Thérondels
-Additional information: From grass to cheese: visit the Cooperative fromagère, which transforms these rich, high-altitude pastures into famous cheeses. Free visits and tastings all year round on Fridays and Saturdays from 9am to 12pm, + Wednesday mornings from mid-July to the end of August.
From Story to Story
-Description: A tour of the historic centre of the medieval town of Mur-de-Barrez, leading to the esplanade of the castle and its exceptional view of the surrounding area and its string of slate roofs... ‘I am Guilhem de Mur, troubadour, vassal of the Count of Rodez. Come and meet me at the foot of what used to be my castle!
-Duration: 45 minutes
-Difficulty: Easy, suitable for families.
-Starting point: Mur-de-Barrez village square.
-Additional information: The trail is accessible all year round. Guided tours on the industrial history of the region are sometimes offered.