Trailence

Hiking - Le Bois des Escoudats

Starting from Verlac, a typical mountain village, discover the hamlet and chapel of Aurelle. It can only be reached on foot!
One of 4 shaded loop trails through the Aubrac and its *boraldes* (mountain streams), with viewpoints and centuries-old heritage.
The Aurelle Chapel, built in the 14th century, then renovated by a team of volunteers and listed as a historical monument in the 1980s, is home to a colony of greater horseshoe bats, a protected species.

It is now the largest breeding colony for this species in the Occitanie region.

By municipal order, the Aurelle chapel will be closed to the public from May 1st to September 30th, 2026

to protect a colony of bats (Greater Horseshoe Bat) during their breeding season, in accordance with Article L411-1 of the

Environmental Code, which prohibits the destruction or disturbance of protected species.

This site is a place of major ecological interest at the regional level for this strictly protected species.

A real-time video surveillance system allows the colony's evolution to be monitored.

A virtual tour of the chapel's interior is available to explore this remarkable historical monument. Additionally, you can also see inside through the small hatch built into the door.
Location
Saint-Geniez-d'Olt-et-d'Aubrac
Type
Loop
Distance
8.46 km
Duration
≈ 2h30
Ascent
308 m
Descent
304 m