In these demanding modern days, with alarm clocks beeping, mobiles ringing, and iPods thumping, things can all get a bit much. What price then, the chance to leave the digital world behind and escape to Aveyron, to camp by a tranquil, meandering stream and under the soothing sun of the French south-east. Sounds appealing, right? After a day or two discovering medieval villages, tackling adventurous terrain, and gasping upon fairy tale-worthy château’s, the stresses and strains of the office will feel like a distant memory. Well, for a while at least.
Charming Camping du Batut offers a decent choice of areas to pitch. There is the main field, which is flat, lush, and doesn’t accommodate hefty caravans. Arguably though, the best position is right next to the curving stream; dozing off to the calm sound of trickling water is a lovely way to end any day. Being so close to such a sublime stretch of water sets this site apart from the rest. The nearby tarn is excellent for fishing, and campers can cast their line and wait patiently for the trout, pike, or perch to take a bite. Make sure you bring a decent pair of walking boots too, as Camping du Batut is a ramblers dream. A number of great trails lead directly from the site.
Back on dry land, there’s an embarrassment of local riches that awaits sight-seeking travellers. One such man-made marvel is the incredible Millau Viaduct. Designed by French engineer Michel Virlogeux, it’s the tallest bridge in the world with one mast an acrophobia-inducing 1,125 feet above base. Consistently ranked as one of the great engineering achievements of all time, this jaw-dropping steel structure is taller than the Eiffel Tower (by 62 feet), and well worth the €7.40 crossing price-tag (that’s if you can handle the view!)
Camping du Batut may be understated on facilities, but if you’re looking for a peaceful atmosphere where campers can kick-back, play pétanque cups, or get stuck into the plethora of sights Aveyron has to offer, then du Batut fits the bill. It’s hard not to fall in love with a place where the only real downside is being woken up by your very own stream.
One of the most delightful villages in France, be sure to visit Brousse-le-Château (3km away) for its beautifully well-preserved fortified castle. Its surviving ancient wall is surrounded by six towers. It is an extraordinary site for visitors, and the medieval village is a picture-postcard scene with its original houses, Roman-style bridge, and enchanting church. Make sure you add the Grotte de Dargilan caves (0033 466 45 60 20) to your itinerary, and the famous Roquefort Cheese Caves (0033 565 58 56 00.) The Micropolis Insectarium will appeal to creepy-crawly lovers of all ages (0033 565 58 50 50), and Fremyc (0033 658 13 48 48), in Meyrueis organises rafting, canoeing, hikes, bike rides, speleology tours. Airzone Parapente (0033 660 84 76 23) can arrange tandem rides over Millau and the Grands Causses.
The onsite camp-store sells all the basics including milk, bread and spaghetti, so you can always get by on the first day. On the “terras” cold drinks, beers and ice-creams are available; also you may find a small selection of locally sourced products. Camping du Batut's owners are happy to organise cooked meals or a barbecues every so often (with the occasional bit of live music to accompany), depending on the demand. Meyrueis is a decent drive away but has a bustling village (in the summer) with a weekly market, shops and wide range of cafés, restaurants and bars. The best of these include Hôtel du Mont Aigoual (0033 466 45 65 61), which has great food and a down-to-earth atmosphere, and Le Jardin des Glaces (0033 466 45 43 75), which serves up plenty of local specialties. Closer to home, Le Moderne (0033 565 49 20 44) is rustic venue determined to serve authentic recipes made from local ingredients. Cheese lovers will be in heaven when they see the platter piled high.
