Druelle Balsac | Rodez Agglomeration Tourist Office

Whilst you’re hiking or simply exploring the area, stop in Druelle Balsac: you’ll find buildings whose history and dominant position in the villages make them stand out.

Château de Balsac and Prieuré du Sauvage Monastery

The château’s round towers and keep watch over the village of Balsac. Some of the Renaissance-style castle was burnt down in 1570. Several families have lived here: the Glandières, Faramond and Serres families. The building was listed as a Monument Historique in 2007. An American couple bought it and turned their home into a B&B.
Monks from the Gramond order built the Prieuré du Sauvage in the late 12th century before it was abandoned and looted in the late 19th century. Les Amis du Prieuré du Sauvage association is now restoring it and hosts festivals and cultural events here.

Château de Druelle and Comencau Bridge

Château de Druelle is where Emilie de Rodat was born on September 6th 1787. The eldest of five, she became a nun before founding her first free school to teach “poor girls” in Villefranche de Rouergue. More schools followed all thanks to her “sisters of the holy family” community in France and forty countries worldwide.

Comenceau Bridge lies at the bottom of the Aveyron Valley and dates back to 1458. The structure spans the Aveyron River. It stands out for its four arches which increase in size from the left to right bank. Les Amis de Comencau association is in charge of restoring and maintaining the heritage site, a bridge between Druelle Balsac and Moyrazes. Every year 200 people flock to La Soulenque (meaning “end of work” in Occitan) to eat Comencau trout.