Okalani Chambres d'hotes near Sidobre - Bed and Breakfast
The sites of Sidobre are breathtaking, a granite pile ten kilometres long and ten kilometres deep, whose surface, fissured and pitted by erosion, conceals a deep mass of rock. Formed over the centuries, Sidobre has become of the largest deposits of granite in the whole of Europe.
Sidobre began some 300 million years ago, starting as a seething liquid magma of rock-lava that surged down to a depth of some 12 kilometres beneath a vast mountain range. The remnant of that geological activity is known as the Massif Central, which includes at its southern extremity, the Montagne Noire and Sidobre.
Here in Sidobre the hills, forests, streams and waterfalls are just a thin covering for the granite masses that are the living evidence of the mysterious process and the power of nature by which our planet has been formed.
Sidobre is present in many towns and villages, including Burlats where Okalani Chambres D'hotes can be found at the base of Mont Paradis.
BURLATS
Burlats is nestled in a verdant valley at the foot of Mont Paradis. It is small, friendly village made up of picturesque narrow alleyways leading both into the countryside and down to the River Agoût. The river meanders through the village and is a popular place both for fishing and canoeing or Kayaking. There are many wonderful walks through the forest and beside the river. Burlats is a village of considerable historical interest and many of the buildings are listed and because of this are maintained and cared for. Some of buildings have been renovated and are in use, one as the Mairie offices and another as a museum. The building known as the House of Adam is being renovated this year to become a new home for the Canoe/Kayak club.
Burlats.com
LACROUZETTE
This region is extremely mountainous and often served as a refuge for dissidents during the various religious wards. Lacrouzette is one of the main towns in the area for granite production; the local firms have successfully combined the traditional know-how with modern technology to produce granite in many shapes and forms. It is used for funeral headstones, architecture, interior and exterior décor and for renovation. It is possible to buy many souvenirs and artefacts locally.
Here in Lacrouzette you can find many of the well-known rock formations that have been formed and sculpted by nature.
One of the most famous is known as "Peyre Clabado" and is the emblem of the village of Lacrouzette. It is made up of a 780 ton rock balanced on a base of just metre squared and it dominates the surrounding area. Legend has it that if you throw a stone that manages to stay on the top, your wish will be granted. Situated around this huge monolith are a numerous amount of equally breathtaking formations. And situated just behind is the Orientation Table from which you can see the whole of Sidobre and miles beyond, it is one of the most beautiful places. The other rock formations and chasms are the Roc de l'Oie, the Roc du Verier, the Trois Fromages, the Rocher de la Barque, the Chaos de la Resse, and the Chaos de la Rouquette.
Last but definitely not least in this small area of Sidobre is the most amazing site of the Rocher Tremblant (trembling rock) de Sept-Faux. This is a must for all visitors, it is a huge rock balanced on a tiny one and for a few a euro or two a little lady emerges from here bar Tabac and with a small stick proceeds to make this huge stone "wobble". It is a site to see, people of all ages will be amazed.
BOISSEZON
This distinctive little village is a great place for walking and cycling, it has well sign posted footpaths that criss-cross the various areas of interest. It is a magnificent place for discovering the flora and fauna of the area.
FERRIERES
Situated between Vabre and Brassac, on the fringe of Sidobre, Ferrieres has an important place in history in the region. It has a chateau dating back to the 12th century which was rebuilt by Guillaime Guillot, who was much implicated in the Wars of Religion. The Maison du Luthier is open from June to August.
LE BEZ
Le Bez is a large commune and is close not only to the town of Castres but also so the heart of Sidobre, to the lakes of Saint-Peyres and Lac de la Raviege. To the north lies the gorge of the Agoût, the northernmost point of the whole Sidobre plateau and to the south, the plateau of Angles rises to a height of 800 metres. The countryside here is woodland with a large area of deciduous forest which is full of beech, chestnut and oak. This area is an ideal location for walkers, ramblers, bird watchers and mushroom pickers.
SAINT SALVY DE LA BALME
Saint-Salvy des Rochers was the ancient name for this village which is set in the countryside rich with legend. The "Chaos de la Balme" with its "Grotte du Loup" and its curiously shaped rocks is the stuff of dreams.
Okalani - South France Bed and Breakfast (Chambres d'hotes)
15 Route de CastresBurlats 81100
Tarn - Midi Pyrenees - South France
Tel: +33(0)563 516 401
Website: www.okalani.com
