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.
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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.
Site de Mirabel, point de vue
Rignac
Located in the municipality of Rignac, the hamlet of Mirabel dominates the valley of Aveyron, crossed by the famous GR62B hiking trail, the ethno-botanical trail in Ségala "Al travers" and the trail of the Resistance.
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.
Table d'interprétation de Peyralbe
Vabres-l'Abbaye
Enjoy an exceptional panorama with a 360° view while breathing the pure air of the Aveyron countryside.
Sentier botanique des Arasses
Villefranche-de-Panat
A family walk takes you on a discovery yourney of the local flora.
Jardin d'insectes dit du perce-oreille
Saint-Léons
A real garden to discover insects in their natural habitat. Free access throughout the year.
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.
Berges du Dourdou à Conques
Conques-en-Rouergue
Cascade de Muret le Château
Muret-le-Château
Chaos rocheux de Roquelaure dit "coulée de lave"
Lassouts
A must not to be missed the 'lava stream of Roquelaure'. Incorrectly named, because this actually is a mass of fallen basalt rocks stretched over the hills of Roquelaure, above the village of Saint- Côme-d'Olt and the Lot Valley.
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!
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.
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