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.
125 results
Sentier ethno-botanique en Ségala "al travers"
Rignac
From the platform to the gorges de l'Aveyron discover the natural, landscape and built heritage of the Segala along the path.
le Jardin des Amis
Le Bas-Ségala
Site du Calvaire
Villefranche-de-Rouergue
Exceptional site whose origin is a protohistory fortification of 20 acres. Oppidum Gaulois a double fortification. Castellum after the conquest by Caesar on the Roman road.
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
Cirque de Tournemire et Maison du Plésiosaure
Tournemire
Come and step back in time to the Jurassic period! The Tournemire amphitheatre situated between the Roquefort caves and the Templar and Hospitaller sites is an outstanding geological area.
Point de vue, table d'orientation et table de pique-nique
Escandolières
On the road between Escandolières and Auzits, Minades (646m above sea level).
Les Gorges de la Dourbie
St-Jean-du-Bruel
Parc du Château du Colombier
Salles-la-Source
Family birthplace of the count De La Panouse, the Parc du Colombier reveals to you several centuries of history.
Sentier d'observation botanique et écologique du bois de Laguiole
Laguiole
Ce parcours est au départ de la station de ski de Laguiole au Bouyssou. Le parcours fait 9 kms mais il existe 2 raccourcis pour ceux qui ne veulent pas faire la randonnée en totalité.
Cascade des Baumes
St-Rome-de-Tarn
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...).
Point de vue et dolmen de La Glène "Peyrelevade"
St-Léons
Large dolmen (5m x 3m4) on a former passage road.
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.
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