Prounced ‘La-yol’, this crafty mountain town is perched 1,000 metres above sea level, on the Aveyron side of the Aubrac plateau. It is famous for three things – cheese, cattle and cutlery. Local artisan Pierre-Jean Calmels invented the Laguiole Knife in 1829, probably inspired by the Catalan navaja that Aubrac people brought back from seasonal work in Spain. This handcrafted symbol of local identity is displayed proudly in shop windows. Each knife is decorated with a steel bee - the Imperial emblem of Napoleon 1st. After a period of decline, at the beginning of the 20th-century, production recommenced in 1981. Laguiole now boasts a forge as well as a number of workshops where the knives are assembled; many of the workshops are open throughout the year. Another emblem is the local breed of cattle, which produce delicious meat. See the Bronze Bull on the Place du Foirail, and try the beef for taste on the gourmet table of superchef Michel Bras, who has spread the fame of Aubrac food worldwide. It’s worth visiting the Philippe Starck designed factories in La Poujarde business park and climbing up to the Fortress Church for the best views over Laguiole and its surrounding plateaux.

The Aubrac was a key staging post on the Santiago de Compostela pilgrims’ trail.

From Laguiole, head east along the D15 to see the 13th-century Three Bishops’ Cross, at the confluence of the Gévaudan, Rouergue and Auvergne rivers. Also see the Domerie of Aubrac built in around 1100 to protect poor travellers from winter and brigands’ trickery. Fortified in the late Middle Ages, the site still has its tall four-sided watchtower and austere Church of Nôtre-Dame.

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Michel Bras Restaurant Details:
Route de l’Aubrac
12210 Laguiole
France
Tel: + 33 (0)5 65 51 18 20
Fax: + 33 (0)5 65 48 47 02
Email: bras@relaischateaux.com