Nestled in the foothills of the Aubrac mountains, Estaing is listed as one of the “Most Beautiful Villages in France”.
This recognition is due not only to its rich heritage, but also to its history, which is intertwined with that of the Estaing family.
At the heart of this medieval town, built on a rocky promontory, the imposing château, cradle of the powerful d'Estaing family who gave France some very brave characters and eminent dignitaries to the Church, is today owned by a SCI, once chaired by Valéry Giscard d'Estaing, former President of the Republic, who died on December 3, 2020.
Another highlight of the town's heritage is the parish church, built on a 15th-century crypt. Recently restored, it boasts remarkable gilded wooden altarpieces.
It houses the relics of Saint-Fleuret, patron saint of the town, and is listed on the supplementary inventory of historic monuments.
The crypt, currently being renovated, should eventually house a religious museum.
Estaing is also worth a visit for its Gothic bridge, dating from the 16th century and a UNESCO World Heritage site.
It bears the statue of Bishop François d'Estaing, builder of the jagged tower of Rodez cathedral, which faces the famous wrought-iron cross, reproduced in jewelry.
Also worth a visit is the Collège, an imposing Renaissance-style building now home to the town hall and tourist office.
Last but not least, the chapel of Ouradou, dedicated to the Virgin Mary and St. John the Baptist, built in 1524 and consecrated by François d'Estaing in 1529. It is listed as a historic monument.
The village, meanwhile, is characterized by shale buildings with fish-scale slate roofs.
Estaing Tourist Office
24, rue François d'Estaing
12190 Estaing
Tel.: 05 65 44 03 22
ot-estaing@orange.fr
http://www.estaing12.fr/
Translated with DeepL.com
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