Natural sites
in Aveyron
unusual natural sites
The Aveyron has a great diversity of scenery and crossing the département, you are quickly struck by the changing landscape: from the arid land of the Causses du Larzac to the high volcanic plateau of the Aubrac passing via the Rougier de Camarès, you quickly realise that it is a land conducive to impressive natural sites that are unusual at times.
Don’t hesitate! Walk around the “Trou” de Bozouls (Bozouls “hole”), make out the shapes of the rocks at the chaos of Montpellier le Vieux, descend the meanders of the prehistoric caves at Foissac, go for a romantic walk on the Presqu'île de Laussac (Laussac peninsula).
The omnipresent flora
In the south, on the arid land of the Causse du Larzac bathed in the Mediterranean and oceanic climates, both mountain and Mediterranean garrigue scenery are found. Here you will see the symbol of the causse, angels' hair. Will you be able to identify the 45 species of orchids (there are 150 found in France) including the rare Aveyron Ophrys that can be admired but not picked? And what about the magnificent cardabelle golden thistle ?
In the north, on the Aubrac plateaux, the fields wake in spring after having spent several months under snow. Yellow carpets of crocuses and daffodils emerge. Then, the gentians appear that are much appreciated at aperitif time and the Aubrac tea that flavours infusions and liqueurs. Botanical lovers will be won over by more than 2000 plant species to see !
Wild Fauna
A multitude of wild species evolve in complete freedom in the immense woods. Go collecting mushrooms or blackberries and you will see the footprints of foxes, wild boar, deer and hares. Raise your head and perhaps you will glimpse the tail of a red squirrel. What is the impressive bellowing you can hear in early autumn? It’s the deer rutting.
Barn owls, tawny owls, falcons, buzzards or Griffon vultures are just some of the species of birds of prey amongst the 250 that are now found today in the Aveyron.
Along the river banks, herons live alongside coypus. Apparently, even beavers have reappeared on the banks of the river Tarn.
115 results
Visite commentée de Bozouls
Bozouls
An accompanied visit to discover the village of Bozouls, built around the canyon: its history, its heritage, the formation of the canyon, its Romanesque church.
Sentier botanique de St-Léons
St-Léons
1h walk (return to the dry lawn) or loop of 2h. Approx. fifteen panels on the trees of various natural environments (identification, use, legends...) Free access throughout the years
Le cheval du Roi
Lescure-Jaoul
Cascade
Agen-d'Aveyron
Jardin Botanique de l'Aubrac
St-Chély-d'Aubrac
Jardin Botanique de l'Aubrac (Botanical Garden of the Aubrac) - New for 2011 - discovery area dedicated to wild plants of the Aubrac. For everybody: children and adults (individuals, families, groups, school trips...).
Jardin de la Colombie
Brousse-le-Château
Le Roseraie à Sauveterre de Rouergue
Sauveterre-de-Rouergue
Point de vue, table d'orientation et tables de pique-nique de "la Croix de Bel" à Goutrens
Goutrens
Between Goutrens and Saint-Christophe.
Aire du Viaduc de Millau
Millau
For the discovery of the Viaduct and the Aveyron. This unique area installed in the old Causses farm of Brocuéjouls, is the ideal location to discover the viaduct of Millau, the Aveyron, its cultural and natural heritage and the local gastronomy.
Conques
Conques-en-Rouergue
Point de vue et table d'orientation à Villefranche-de-Rouergue
Villefranche-de-Rouergue
Grotte préhistorique de Foissac
Foissac
Come and visit the prehistoric vestiges preserved on site. Underground quarries, graves and prehistoric reserves. Naturally coloured limestone concretions. Recreated prehistoric park, animals and display of the flora.
Tour ornithologique
Lescure-Jaoul
On the Puech de Flauzins, this tower provides spectacular views and the opportunity to observe sedentary and migratory species.
Table d'orientation de Beauregard
Vézins-de-Lévézou
Pretty panorama of the Aveyron valley, the Aubrac and the mountains of Cantal located on the D28 linking the municipality of Vezins-de-Lévézou to Laissac.
