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
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.
Puy de Wolf
Firmi
The Puy de Wolf is the largest Serpentinite massif in Europe. It is listed as a Natura 2000 zone.
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.
Tourbière des Founs à Arvieu
Arvieu
Below the Rocher du Diable on the road between Arvieu and Bonneviale. It is a humid area with a very rich (sphagnum, drosera, water clover, cotton grass...) and particularly rare flora. The council has implemented a course of educational and pastoral valuation to enable the curious discovering the value of that natural space.
Château de Valon
Lacroix-Barrez
The site of Valon is impressive. It offers a sumptuous panoramic view of the "Gorges de la Truyère". Come in through the door- you enter into a universe of history, tales and legends. A staircase straight out of a fantasy tale.
La zone humide de Maymac
Rignac
Following the path, you will cross a wet area equipped with pontoons allowing you to enter the heart of this special environment.
Le cheval du Roi
Lescure-Jaoul
DOLMENS TOUR
St-Affrique
Indulge yourself a sample of the great dolmens variety in southern-Aveyron, thanks to our discovery driving tour starting from Saint-Affrique (35 km).
Le Jardin de la Mothe
Salles-Courbatiès
Come and discover a splendid English garden in the hamlet of the Mothe in Salles Courbatiers. The garden has obtained the label "Jardin Remarquable". We have renovated the barn and installed a grand piano which enables us to organise concerts in the garden. Each weekend and in summer the garden propose homemade drinks and pastry.
Cascade de Salles-la-Source
Salles-la-Source
Cascade d'Agen D'Aveyron
Agen-d'Aveyron
La Fontaine des Fées
Le Bas-Ségala
Les Gorges de la Dourbie
St-Jean-du-Bruel
Eglise et Jardin botanique Saint-Xist
Le Clapier
Saint Xist is situated in the commune of Clapier, between this village and that of Fondamente. It's bell-tower completes its elegant architecture and serves as a landmark for the small hamlet nestling at its feet. At he foot of the plateau du Guilhaumard, reputed for its rich flora and fauna, come and discover the Saint Xist botanical garden.
Jardin d'insectes dit du perce-oreille
St-Léons
A real garden to discover insects in their natural habitat. Free access throughout the year.
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.
Le parcours Famille de pêche des Pélies
Conques-en-Rouergue
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