Sabot de Malepeyre

La Canourgue

Above La Canourgue, the "little Venice of Lozère", stands a monumental limestone rock some thirty metres high which, seen from afar at certain angles, takes the shape of a giant clog: the Sabot de Malepeyre. This curiosity of the Causse de Sauveterre was sculpted in geological time by the waters that once flowed through the limestone: the vanished river left a hollowed-out arch, cliffs, caves and natural arches in a wooded valley bristling with dolomitic pinnacles. Geology, however, was never enough for the people of the country, and oral tradition offers several legends to explain the strange silhouette; the most widespread has it that Gargantua, the good-natured giant, passing through La Canourgue, quite simply left his shoe behind. Recognised for its scenic and geological interest, the Sabot de Malepeyre is protected as a listed natural site by decree. Easy to reach from the town, it forms, together with the lanes and canals of La Canourgue, one of the most popular walks in the Lozère stretch of the Lot valley, and remains a remarkable example of a totem-rock around which popular memory has embroidered its tales of giants.

Getting there : Upstream of the town of La Canourgue; natural site, free access all year round, for individuals and groups

Opening times and access details are given as a guide only: check before you set out.

Ambient sound