Merdelou, Mountain summit in Aveyron, France
Merdelou is a mountain summit in the Monts de Lacaune massif within the Aveyron region and rises to about 1,110 meters. The peak sits within the broader Massif Central range and is surrounded by other summits and valleys that shape the mountain landscape.
The area has a long history with a medieval church and hospice whose remains were found near the later Saint-Méen Chapel built in 1919. This religious past shows the region was inhabited and visited by travelers for centuries.
The name Merdelou comes from the Occitan language and reflects pre-Latin roots connected to areas rich in water. Visitors can see this linguistic heritage reflected in local place names and the way people speak about the landscape.
The mountain is reached via a hiking trail of about 9.4 kilometers starting from the Saint-Méen hamlet, with parking available at the village square. The path is well-marked and offers different difficulty levels depending on the route chosen.
The mountain feeds more than ten natural springs that supply water to three different rivers: the Sanctus, Dourdou, and Rance. This hidden role as a water source makes it an important starting point for several regional water systems.
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