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
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...).
Sommet du Merdelou
Peux-et-Couffouleux
Le Merdelou culminates at 1100m, it is one of the highest summits of the Aveyron. In clear weather it provides views of the Mediterranean sea. It is where its name comes from, in occitan written "merdellon" which means far away sea. The wind blowing on that mountain has encouraged the installation of a park with 12 wind turbines in the years 2000.
La 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.
Balade au bord de l'Ouche à Conques
Conques-en-Rouergue
Vestiges du château d'Auriac
Saint-Rome-de-Tarn
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.
Puy de Wolf
Firmi
The Puy de Wolf is the largest Serpentinite massif in Europe. It is listed as a Natura 2000 zone.
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.
Jardin d'insectes dit du perce-oreille
Saint-Léons
A real garden to discover insects in their natural habitat. Free access throughout the year.
Sentier de découverte de la Gourgue de Maroule
Argences-en-Aubrac
5 km circuit in Ste Geneviève sur Argence, for the exploration of the fauna and flora.
Rose Garden in Sauveterre de Rouergue
Sauveterre-de-Rouergue
The bastide's former cemetery adorn itself with the roses' colours...
Le Cirque de St-Paul des Fonts
Saint-Jean-et-Saint-Paul
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