From brou to roque

Disturbed times of the high Middle Ages, from 400 to 1000, justify the construction of a fortress, out of wood at the beginning, then out of stone. These fortresses are called Castlings in country occitan. Close to the strategic points or obliged passages, they ensure on the one hand the safety and the incomes due to tolls sometimes even of the substantial ransoms which allow the richness of the lords and later of the city. From X° century, a village settles closest to the walls of the fortress which brings to the lords against safety, the labour and the reinforcement of the men-at-arms, the hamlet built on the slope is surrounded by a wall and makes use of the brook of Nègrerieu like ditch. Little by little, Brou is emptied until disappearing but leaves nevertheless the name to the city: Roquebrou.

The passing of the river Cere is the only one between river Brex near Aurillac and Laval de Cere. There are numerous springs of which some have the reputation to be miraculous such as the Negrerieu stream as well as the Reclus and the Chirgoules and the Roquefort.

Discover the villages such as Vabres, Raynal, Longuevergne, Rouffet and many more around Arnac to discover the architectural heritage. You can get a leaflet at the Office of Tourism of Roquebrou and thus learn about the construction techniques peculiar to this part of the Cantal.

Affluent of the Dordogne River, the Cere starts in the heart of Auvergne at the foot of the Plomb du Cantal. Discover Roquebrou and Laval de Cere, a land of woods, environmentally friendly and geologically interesting.

The Saint-Etienne-Cantales lake is located at the west of the basin of the Cere and stretches on 20 km from Aurillac. Saint-Etienne-Cantales is renowned for its water sport centre.

The lake Enchanet is located at the west of the Cantal between the Dordogne and the Cere rivers. The lake is located between Pleaux, Arnac and Saint-Christophe-les-Gorges. This lake is a haven for fishing. Also to be seen: The Gour-Noir.

This is an 30 ha land natural reserve dedicated to deers. By foot or by little tourist train, you will have a pleasant time among these amazing animals. The park is accessible to disabled people and if you fancy a bite to eat, there is a hostelry nearby that serves local food.