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.

140 results
Chapelle et Chateau de Gozon
Les Costes-Gozon
Cascade de Muret le Château
Muret-le-Château
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!
Monument Talabot
Saint-Geniez-d'Olt-et-d'Aubrac
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!
Aire naturelle de La Mouline
Prévinquières
On the banks of the river Aveyron, perfect for picnics or just for relaxing. You can holiday in the open air at the nearby campsite.
Le Belvédère de Castelnau-Lassouts
Castelnau-de-Mandailles
Cascade de Salles-la-Source
Salles-la-Source
Le Moulin de Castel
La Rouquette
Visit the mill with video presentation of the restoration and demonstration of milling. Micro production of electricity. Exhibition of photos of the local flora and fauna. Shaded 2km botanical path.
Site naturel de la Presqu'île de Laussac
Thérondels
It's perhaps the most romantic place in the Aveyron, in any case a pearl placed on Sarrans lake that astonishes visitors.
Vue panoramique et visite de Camarès
Camarès
Circuit discovery of the Vieux Camarès free visit (leaflet available at the Office de Tourisme).
Roc Saint-Jean et Sentier d'interprétation
Ayssènes
The Roc Saint-Jean with its belvedere and interpretation path with a stunning view on the Gorges des Raspes du Tarn.
Jardin Botanique de l'Aubrac
Saint-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...).
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