Take a tour of French Village of Estaing in Estaing, France -- part of the World's Greatest Attractions travel video series by GeoBeats.
The small town of Estaing is a commune in France with a population of roughly 650 residents.
Estaing was built on a patch of exposed bedrock near the Aubrac Mountains.
Within the city are preserved renaissance-style buildings, such as a castle, Ouradou Chapel, and the town's College.
The town is located on the Lot River and is noted for its Gothic-style bridge and iron cross fashioned by Henri Lesueur.
The town's church is dedicated to Saint Fleuret and its town festival is held annually in the saint's honor.
The town also offers various recreational activities for visitors such as canoeing, fishing, and bike riding.
Driving thru Estaing & the River Lot
This mediaeval city, one of the most picturesque, is located in north Aveyron, at the mouth of-the Lot River gorges and at the foot of the Aubrac Mountains. Classed among the Most Beautiful French Villages, Estaing (population 610) gained importance over the centuries through its rich heritage, notably; the Gothic bridge on the Lot River and its beautiful wrought-iron cross, created by Henri Lesueur (1908-78). On the bridge appears the statue of François d'Estaing, bishop of Rodez, who was responsible for its construction from 1501 to 1529. the Gothic bridge (16th century) over the Lot River, travelled by the pilgrims.
Not to be missed are: the castle; the church dedicated to Saint Fleuret, patron saint of the town; the Ouradou Chapel; the Collège; the Renaissance-style houses; and the footbridge with its stone balusters.
The town is perched on a rocky outcrop, as a road curves. At its centre overhangs the imposing castle. It is characterised by square dungeon, covered by a dome and flanked by high, fortified sentry cabins. The castle architecture is particularly astonishing because it does not respect any precise plan. It was constructed by successive generations of the Counts of Estaing between the 15th and 16th centuries. In the Estaing line, cardinals followed warriors and warriors followed cardinals.