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.
127 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.
Sources de l'Aveyron
Sévérac-d'Aveyron
At 2km from Sévérac-le-Château, the river Aveyron has its source. Enjoy the picnic tables and this shaded space to make a little stop!
Château de Valon - ouverture 9 juin 2021
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.
Oreilles en balade à Peyrusse-le-Roc
Peyrusse-le-Roc
With a helmet on your ears, discover the Aveyron. Let yourself be guided by the stories told and lived by the inhabitants of the village. An activity for everyone or family. Adult version and child version, free.
Point de vue, table d'orientation et table de pique-nique
Escandolières
On the road between Escandolières and Auzits, Minades (646m above sea level).
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.
Cascade
Agen-d'Aveyron
IMDERPLAM Institut Méditerranéen de Documentation, d'Enseignement et de Recherches sur les Plantes Médicinales
Villecomtal
Knowledge of medicinal plants: botanical, cultural and touristic meetings to in the heart of the Dourdou valley and its rich and varied vegetation. Small botanical garden to be visited (free).
Le Puech Monseigne et ses coccinelles
St-Laurent-de-Lévézou
Orientation table with pretty 360° view of the viaduct of Millau, the gorges du Tarn, the Cévennes, the Larzac, the mountains of Auvergne... Ladybirds congregate here at the end of the summer.
Arbre remarquable
Tayrac
This symbolic oak tree is 21 metres high by 18.5 metres wide and has a trunk of 2.5 metres in circumference.
Maison du bois
Taussac
The maison du bois (wooden house) is an extension of the discovery trail on the theme of wood and the forest.
Grenier du Monsieur
Salles-Curan
Grenier de Monsieur Granièr de Monsenhor (around 1460) Attic of the bishop..
MAISON NATALE DE JEAN-HENRI FABRE
St-Léons
Birth place of Jean-Henri FABRE. Visit: life and work of Jean-Henri FABRE, discover the setting of his childhood life. Displays: in the village, in the insect garden, along the botanical path. Itinerant exhibitions (under the microscope, history of a log, the world of butterflies).
Viaduc de Millau, le Sentier des Explorateurs
Millau
Book now for a guided tour along The Explorers' Path, a must-see for reliving the construction and understanding how this exceptional structure operates.
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.
Balade au bord du Créneau
Marcillac-Vallon
