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.
155 results
Table d'interprétation de Novis
Sévérac d'Aveyron
In Novis, come and contemplate the wide open spaces! First discover the village, a small village perched on the Causse with remarkable architecture and a 360° panorama. Three interpretation tables will allow you to read and understand the landscapes around you...
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!
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).
Tour de guet et jardin médiéval
Saint-Victor-et-Melvieu
Tourbière des Rauzes
Saint-Laurent-de-Lévézou
Whilst walking along a natural path, discover the Rauzes peat bog - a very specific and fragile ecosystem
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...).
Château de Montaigut
Gissac
Immerse yourself in history in this unique medieval castle built on an ancient necropolis. And enjoy stunning views of the surrounding red soil region: the impressive Rougier de Camarès.
Serre de Cougouille et sa table d'orientation
Sainte-Eulalie-de-Cernon
Le Jardin des plantes du Mourot
Cassagnes-Bégonhès
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'.
Tables d'orientation de la Sentinelle
Saint-Jean-du-Bruel
Aire des Raspes
Viala-du-Tarn
Sentier d'Interprétation de la Hêtraie
Auriac-Lagast
The interpretation path of the beech in the forest Domaniale du Lagast animated with informative panels on a length of 2800 metres will enable you to discover the forest ecosystem, the development of beech, from the beechnut to the adult tree, as well as the fauna and 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.
Table d'orientation du Pic du Pal
Vézins-de-Lévézou
Orientation table with pretty views of the Aveyron valley, the mountains of Aubrac, Cantal...
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