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.
139 results
Puech de Buzeins
Sévérac d'Aveyron
You will discover a magnificent panorama of the Haute vallée de l'Aveyron from the Puech de Buzeins!
Versailles Natural Area
Camboulazet
Bucolic in spring, refreshing in summer, poetic in autumn & soothing in winter : an area you can spend time in all year round!
Tourbière des Rauzes
Saint-Laurent-de-Lévézou
Whilst walking along a natural path, discover the Rauzes peat bog - a very specific and fragile ecosystem
Chapelle St-Cyrice et Sentier d'interprétation
Le Truel
Above Le Truel, on the site of the chapel Saint-Cyrice of the Ifernet, the Parc naturel régional des Grands causses has installed an interpretation path around this peaceful site. Stop for picnic and discovery of the heritage.
Maison de l'Aubrac
Saint-Chély-d'Aubrac
Discover the Aubrac in all its dimensions: its nature, its history, its culture, its economy, its gastronomy, its traditions... through the seasons.
Sommet du Merdelou
Peux-et-Couffouleux
Le Merdelou culminates at 1100m, it is one of the highest summits of the Aveyron. In clear weather it provides views of the Mediterranean sea. It is where its name comes from, in occitan written "merdellon" which means far away sea. The wind blowing on that mountain has encouraged the installation of a park with 12 wind turbines in the years 2000.
Statue et point de vue de Notre Dame des Lacs
Salles-Curan
The statue of Notre Dame des Lacs, also called "la Vierge des Lacs".
CHATEAU ET JARDIN DE BOURNAZEL
Bournazel
Private Renaissance château listed as a Historic Monument. One of southern France's most significant buildings with its innovative architecture and remarkable carved decor. Its gardens are classified 'Jardin Remarquables'.
Belvédère du barrage de Sarrans
Argences-en-Aubrac
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.
DOLMENS TOUR
Saint-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).
Les Martinets du Lézert, forges du cuivre
Le Bas Ségala
In the heart of the Aveyron gorges and the Lezert valley lies a historical savoir-faire… During your visit of la Bastide l'Evêque, come and discover the copper foundries. Meet passionate people that brought back to life "martinaïres" !
Tour de guet et jardin médiéval
Saint-Victor-et-Melvieu
Miramont Rock - Viewpoint and its indicator
Centrès
At an altitude of 552m, a 360-degree view over the Ségala, the wooded valleys of the Viaur River & its tributaries... that will guide your look up to the Pyrénées in clear weather!
Aire de notre Dame du Désert
Saint-Victor-et-Melvieu
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