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.
139 results
Point de vue, table d'orientation et table de pique-nique
Escandolières
On the road between Escandolières and Auzits, Minades (646m above sea level).
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.
Jardin d'insectes dit du perce-oreille
Saint-Léons
A real garden to discover insects in their natural habitat. Free access throughout the year.
Oreilles en balade à Villefranche de Rouergue - Balade sonore
Villefranche-de-Rouergue
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.
Le parcours Famille de pêche des Pélies
Conques-en-Rouergue
Vestiges du château d'Auriac
Saint-Rome-de-Tarn
Site de la Vinzelle
Conques-en-Rouergue
Oreilles en balade à Peyrusse-le-Roc
Peyrusse-le-Roc
With a helmet on your ears, discover the Aveyron. Let yourself be guided by the stories told and lived by the inhabitants of the village. An activity for everyone or family. Adult version and child version, free.
Le Jardin des plantes du Mourot
Cassagnes-Bégonhès
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...
Chapelle St-Cyrice et Sentier d'interprétation
Le Truel
Above Le Truel, on the site of the chapel Saint-Cyrice of the Ifernet, the Parc naturel régional des Grands causses has installed an interpretation path around this peaceful site. Stop for picnic and discovery of the heritage.
Grotte préhistorique de Foissac
Foissac
Come and meet the life of prehistoric men in the magical setting of the cave. Unique concretions and prehistoric remains in place.
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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