Brezons Valley

Brezons Valley

Towards Aveyron at the extreme south of the Brezons Valley an ancient basalt plateau has been cut by the river creating a slender, round and deep fault. In the centre of the valley is the village of Brezons, with 250 inhabitants, and 5km downstream the village of St Martin de Vigeroux with 350 inhabitants. At 30km long, 2km wide and 800m deep the Brezons glacial valley has the form of a perfectly round cradle and resembles a large serpent at the foot of the rocks.

It is warmer here like the Midi. Chestnuts abound and the cows are white, and no longer red as on the Malbo Plateau as this land borders Aveyron where the Aubrac cows are bred. This rustic breed generated the superb bull appreciated by photographers. Truffade and aligot can be tasted here.

The 15 springs that form the Brezons give the valley cool water straight from the Cantalian volcano, warming as it approaches the Truyère. This small Cantal river joins the much larger Truyère river in the vast Dam de Sarrans.

Walking in the Cantal for information on walking and walks in France and the Cantal, accommodation, food and wine.
Walking in France for information on France and GR footpaths.
Auvergne active Self guided walking holidays in the Cantal
Hôtel des Chazes - 2Star and Les Sources - Table & Chambre d'Hôte, St Jacques des Blats. Both excellent bases from which to explore the Cantal.
Monts d'Auvergne-Auvergne Hills for a description and pictures of the area, with suggested walks.
Éditions Chamina for walking guides in the Massif Central.

Classic Geology in Auvergne by Peter Cattermole ISBN 1-903544-05-x available from Blackwells