Le Cayrol is a small village North of Espalion (10km) towards the highlands of the Massif Central. Tucked away from the main road with views across the upland pastureland, this holiday property is ideally located for exploring the majestic scenery of the surrounding area with its volcanic peaks such as Puy de Montabès (25kms), its valleys and gorges – les Gorges du Lot and its lakes, such as Lac de la Selves (22km). The pilgrim route of St Jaques de Compostella passes through Aubrac (25km) and Espalion and the region is renowned for its transhumance festivals in May. Espalion is a quaint market town on the river Lot and its lovely, old, stone bridge over the river is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is also home of the Musée Scaphandre – the Diving museum, as the first diving machine was invented here. Nearby also, is Laguiole (14km) famous worldwide for its knives, and it has a ski station with 11 ski lifts and 50kms of cross-country tracks. Further North in Chaudes Aigues (43km) there is a hot water spa – perfect for relaxing after a day of hiking, cycling, canoeing or skiing. Rodez is a 30 minute drive (40kms) and on the way you can visit the hilltop castle of Calmot dOlt, visible for miles around, and the Trou de Bouzouls which is an interesting geological formation. Rodez is the county town of lAveyron and has an impressive cathedral and the Soulages Museum of art. The house, typical of the region, is simple but comfortable, with a tastefully modernised bathroom. The stairs to the second bedroom are narrow. The garden is completely enclosed and is private.