What to see in France

Sainte-Enimie, camping on the banks of the Tarn

Vue sur le village de Sainte-Enimie
Vue sur le village de Sainte-Enimie

 

Sainte-Enimie, a former French commune that joined a group of villages in 2017 under the name Gorges-du-Tarn-Causses, is one of France's most beautiful villages and is located in Lozère in the Occitanie region. Nestling in the heart of the great listed site of the Gorges du Tarn and inhabited since Neolithic times, Sainte-Enimie appeals as much for its exceptional location as for its historical heritage. Your camping holiday to discover this village will undoubtedly remain etched in your memories.

Sainte-Enimie campsites

There are 5 campsites in Gorges du Tarn Causses that will enable you to visit the village of Sainte-Enimie quickly.

Open from 2 May to 15 September, the Nature et Rivière *** campsite in Gorges du Tarn Causses is just 3.3 km from the village of Sainte-Enimie. Here you can enjoy the cool waters of the Tarn thanks to two private beaches on the campsite itself. There's also a bar, grocery shop, Wi-Fi and barbecue facilities for your convenience, as well as a children's play area.

 Direct access to the river at the Nature et Rivière ***
Direct access to the river at the Nature et Rivière ***© Yelloh! Village

Also in the same commune, the Couderc *** campsite is located on the banks of the Tarn, with direct access to the beach. There's also an outdoor swimming pool, kayaking, hiking, archery, table tennis and a play area for all the family to enjoy. For those travelling by camper van, there's an artisanal bollard within the grounds.

 

Le site de Castelbouc ** campsite is located 50 metres from the Tarn with direct access to the beach, 1km from the mountains and the forest. You can sleep in a mobile home or even a teepee, and go kayaking and puddling to cool off, or play table tennis to let off steam. The campsite benefits from total shade, which is particularly appreciated in summer.

Discover the treasures of Sainte-Enimie

A hotbed of green tourism, Lozère is well known to nature lovers for its many walks and the landscapes it offers. Sainte-Enimie, at the heart of the listed Gorges du Tarn site, is no exception. Here, the beauty of nature and the beauty of old stone are one and the same. You can admire the medieval limestone houses.

Inside the village of Sainte-Enimie
Inside the village of Sainte-Enimie© iStock
Street in the village of Sainte-Enimie
Street in the village of Sainte-Enimie© iStock

The Ermitage grotto is a magnificent place that today houses a chapel where many pilgrimages are organised. According to legend, Princess Enimie wanted to escape the marriage imposed on her by her father, King Clotaire II, and contracted leprosy. She took refuge in the cave and lived there as a hermit, hence the name of the hermitage. Today, you can no longer visit the cave, but you can go into the chapel and see part of Princess Enimie's home.

 

Listed as a Historic Monument for almost 40 years, Notre-Dame-du-Gourg is a Romanesque church. Built in the 14th century, the interior is a sight to behold, particularly the vaulted ceiling of the nave and the choir. There are some very fine 12th-century statues, including one depicting Princess Enimie.

Church of Notre-Dame-de-Gourg
Church of Notre-Dame-de-Gourg© iStock

Situated above the Gorges du Tarn, the Château des Prades dates to the 12th and 13th centuries. It is also listed as a Historic Monument but cannot be visited as it is now privately owned. However, you are welcome to admire it from the outside.

 

The ruins of Castelbouc castle and its semi-troglodyte village provide the opportunity for a beautiful 2? hour walk along the Tarn, amidst an abundance of nature and superb scenery. Once you arrive at the village, you won't regret the hike. The troglodyte houses and the ruins of the castle destroyed in the 16th century will not leave you indifferent. However, children should be warned not to enter the castle ruins.

Village of Castelbouc
Village of Castelbouc© iStock

For sports enthusiasts, Sainte-Enimie's location in the middle of the Tarn gorges, a protected and supervised site, encourages the practice of outdoor sports such as climbing, paragliding, via ferrata and canyoning in the Tarn. It's the ideal place to practice these sports.

Canoeing in the Gorges du Tarn
Canoeing in the Gorges du Tarn© iStock

 

 

 

 

 

See all my campsites consulted