Entraygues-sur-Truyère

French commune
nomcommune=Entraygues-sur-Truyère River
région=Midi-Pyrénées
département=Aveyron
arrondissement=Rodez
canton=Entraygues-sur-Truyère
insee=12094
cp=12140
maire=André Marty
mandat=2001-2008
intercomm=
longitude=2.5675
latitude=44.6472222222
alt moy=220 m
alt mini=222
alt maxi=744 m
hectares=3,015
km²=30.15
sans=1,267
date-sans=1999
dens=42
date-dens=1999

Entraygues-sur-Truyère is a commune in the Aveyron department in southwestern France.

Geography

At an altitude of 230 m with a population of 1,394 inhabitants, the village is located 600km from Paris and 200km from Toulouse.

History

The history of Aveyron started during the time of the prehistoric creature, the plesiosaurus. Later, the prehistoric tribe, the Chasseens, lived in the caves on the limestone plateaux of central and southern France. Then came the Rutenes, the Gallic tribe of Rodez, the present capital of Aveyron, who under the Romans were allied to the Averni. After that, we have Barbarians. Visigoths, Moors, Viking and then the English and the 100 Years War. The Knights of Templar also ruled and The Knights of St. John of Jerusalem influenced the area with their authority. Many different cultures have made their mark on the area of Aveyron and this is shown by the stone monuments and rich architecture of the past, which include dolmens, menhirs, fortresses, fortified castles, abbeys and churches.

Tourism

Entraygues, with its riverside streets and attractive houses, is a charming medieval village with its own walking tour in the Midi-Pyrénées area. The village is nestled in the junction of the flowing River Lot and the River Truyere. Next to Auvergne, it offers a mix of little mountains, beautiful valleys and splendid landscapes. It was probably founded in the middle of the 13th century, by the same time as the castle built by Henri II, Count of Rodez, between 1278 and 1290. By 1357, the walls of the village were strengthened with 13 towers connected to ramparts (vestiges), with the whole structure surrounded by ditches or moats. The borough has preserved its medieval lanes, and of old half-timbered houses at the edge of water.

The region also includes the footpath of the Saint-Jacques de Compostelle pilgrimage trail. Pilgrims have been traveling (and continue to travel) from Le Puy, France, to Santiago de Compostela, Spain. There is also The Route of the Lords of Rouergue with 24 chateaux dotting the journey. Also this land holds dear the heritage of the Knights Templar and the Hospitaller.

Vineyards situated on the precipitous slopes above the River Lot and the River Truyere produce red, white and rosé wines that are light and perfumed. Chenin and Mauzac are the grape varieties used for the white wines, which are dry and Gamay, Fer Servadou, Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Savignon grapes are used for the red wines. The Aveyron is a major food producer for all of France and features delicious cheeses, nine with A.O.C. labels including Roquefort, Laguiole, Cantal, Bleu des Causses, Saint-Nectaire as well as the local favorite, Cabecou. From country auberges and burons to grand restaurants such as Michel Bras, designed by Philippe Starck and one of the top rated restaurants in the world, the Aveyron offers a neverending temptation of gastronomical delights, which include foie gras, fresh trout, outstanding lamb and beef (some say the finest in all of France!), sausage, ham, fouace, wild mushrooms, pink garlic, chestnuts, honey, strawberries, raspberries and more. There are also fabulous bakeries, patisseries, butcher shops and other specialty shops worth exploring.

Transportation

Entraygues-sur-Truyère can be reached by bus from Aurillac (48km) and from the industrial center of Rodez (55km). The SNCF and airports are located in Aurillac or Rodez.

External links

* [http://www.aveyron.com/english/history/hphistory.html History on Aveyron.com]