Attractions and Places To See around Viala-Du-Pas-De-Jaux - Top 20

Viala-du-Pas-de-Jaux is rich in history, particularly its Templar and Hospitaller past. The most prominent site is the Tour du Viala-du-Pas-de-Jaux, an impressive 30-meter high Hospitaller tower built around 1430. It offers five floors of exhibitions on local history and a 360-degree panoramic view. You can also visit the Sainte-Eulalie-de-Cernon Templar Commandery, a significant historical site transferred to the Hospitallers in 1312.

Yes, for a unique family experience, consider the Vélorail: On the rails of Larzac. This outdoor activity allows families to pedal along old railway tracks, discovering the Larzac landscapes and railway heritage. The Sainte-Eulalie-de-Cernon Templar Commandery is also listed as family-friendly.

The village is situated directly on the Causse du Larzac, an expansive and wild plateau recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site for its Mediterranean agro-pastoralism. From the summit of the Tour du Viala-du-Pas-de-Jaux, you can enjoy a 360-degree panoramic view of the Causses and Cévennes. Another notable natural feature is Le Combalou, a plateau offering magnificent views of the village of Roquefort and the Soulzon valley.

The area around Viala-du-Pas-de-Jaux offers numerous opportunities for outdoor activities. You can explore the diverse landscapes of the Larzac plateau through hiking and cycling. For cycling enthusiasts, there are various routes, including an easy 'Le Phare du Larzac – gravel loop' or more challenging options like the 'Tour du Viala-du-Pas-de-Jaux – Sainte-Eulalie-de-Cernon loop'. You can find more details on cycling routes in the Cycling around Viala-Du-Pas-De-Jaux guide.

Yes, the area is excellent for hiking. The Panoramic trail is a popular option that offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape. The Larzac plateau itself provides many opportunities for exploring on foot, with trails offering views of the Millau Viaduct and the Cernon valley.

The Tour du Viala-du-Pas-de-Jaux, often called 'the lighthouse of Larzac,' is a significant Hospitaller tower built around 1430. It served as a refuge during wars and a grain storage facility. Today, it's restored and open to visitors, featuring exhibitions on agro-pastoralism, village life, Roquefort cheese production, and the history of the Knights of Malta. Its summit provides a spectacular 360-degree view of the UNESCO-listed Causses and Cévennes.

While Viala-du-Pas-de-Jaux is not Roquefort itself, the Tour du Viala-du-Pas-de-Jaux hosts exhibitions that delve into the history and culture of the region, including displays on Roquefort cheese making. Additionally, Le Combalou, a plateau overlooking the village of Roquefort, offers magnificent views of the village where the famous cheese originates.

Yes, you can visit The Rock Engraved with Two Crosses. While commonly referred to as a Menhir, it is a natural block engraved with two crosses, offering a glimpse into historical practices in the region.

Visitors particularly appreciate the blend of historical sites, natural viewpoints, and outdoor activities. The rich Templar and Hospitaller history, exemplified by the Tour du Viala-du-Pas-de-Jaux and the Sainte-Eulalie-de-Cernon Commandery, is a major draw. The expansive views from the Larzac plateau and opportunities for hiking and cycling are also highly valued.

Yes, Viala-du-Pas-de-Jaux is considered a Templar village itself, and its history is deeply intertwined with these orders. Beyond the Tour du Viala-du-Pas-de-Jaux and the Sainte-Eulalie-de-Cernon Templar Commandery, the region offers a 'Circuit des Templiers et Hospitaliers' to discover magnificent villages built by these monks.

For breathtaking vistas, the summit of the Tour du Viala-du-Pas-de-Jaux provides a 360-degree panoramic view of the Causses and Cévennes. Le Combalou offers magnificent views of the village of Roquefort and the Soulzon valley. Additionally, Serre de Cougouille, at an altitude of 910 meters, provides another 360° panorama of the Cernon valley, the Cévennes, and the Larzac.