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Estaing

From Espalion, the pilgrim having crossed Bessuéjouls and the hamlets of Griffoul, Beauregard and Verrières, reach Estaing by a path that leads directly to the gothic bridge that spans the Lot.

The town is perched at the bend of a road on a rocky spur with the imposing mass of the chateau overhanging in the centre. 

Bought in 2005 by the old President of the Republic Valéry Gisclard d'Estaing, this otherwise surprising building is characterised by a square keep, topped with a bulb and flanked by high overhanging watchtowers.  The castle was built by successive generations of Counts of Estaing in the 15th and 16th centuries.  Cardinals and soldiers followed on in the family.

Classed amongst one of the most beautiful villages in France, Estaing, over the centuries, has taken importance by its very rich heritage with, notably the gothic bridge over the Lot, used by the pilgrims and its very beautiful forged iron cross of Henri Lesueur (1908 -1978) reproduced in jewels.

Also to see is the church dedicated to Saint-Fleuret, patron of the town, the chapel of Ouradou, the college, the Renaissance houses, the walkway with stone railings...

The Saint-Fleuret church built on the remains of a Roman priory of the 11th century, dates from the 15th century.  Dedicated to Saint-Fleuret, patron of the town, ancient bishop of Clermont, died in Estaing in 620.  The church holds his relics.
Every first Sunday of July, Estaing celebrates Saint-Fleuret and has done since the 14th century.  In the procession which today crosses the village features characters telling the story of Estaing.  Starting of course with the pilgrims of Saint-Jacques.

Towards Golinhac and Sénergues