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.
121 results
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.
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.
Puech de Buzeins
Sévérac-d'Aveyron
You will discover a magnificent panorama of the Haute vallée de l'Aveyron from the Puech de Buzeins!
Circuit des dolmens
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 cheval du Roi
Lescure-Jaoul
Tour ornithologique
Lescure-Jaoul
On the Puech de Flauzins, this tower provides spectacular views and the opportunity to observe sedentary and migratory species.
Les Amis du Jardin
Le Bas-Ségala
Monument Talabot
St-Geniez-d'Olt-et-d'Aubrac
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.
Sentier botanique des Arasses
Villefranche-de-Panat
A family walk takes you on a discovery yourney of the local flora.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Parc et Château du Colombier
Salles-la-Source
Family birthplace of the count De La Panouse, the Château du Colombier reveals to you several centuries of history.
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.
Belvédère du barrage de Sarrans
Argences-en-Aubrac
