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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Oreilles en balade à Villefranche de Rouergue - Balade sonore
Villefranche-de-Rouergue
Les Martinets du Lézert, forges du cuivre
Le Bas Ségala
In the heart of the Aveyron gorges and the Lezert valley lies a historical savoir-faire… During your visit of la Bastide l'Evêque, come and discover the copper foundries. Meet passionate people that brought back to life "martinaïres" !
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...
Tournemire Circus and Plesiosaur house
Tournemire
Come and step back in time to the Jurassic period! The Tournemire amphitheatre situated between the Roquefort caves and the Templar and Hospitaller sites is an outstanding geological area.
Visite du site des Igues du Py et de Rouffiés
Compolibat
This unique phenomenon in Rouergue is caused by erosion and generates natural abysses dug in the red clay, known under the nickname of 'the path of the fairies'.
Jardin d'insectes dit du perce-oreille
Saint-Léons
A real garden to discover insects in their natural habitat. Free access throughout the year.
Balade nature à Villefranche avec Gaëtan Albespy
Villefranche-de-Rouergue
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.
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.
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!
Statue et point de vue de Notre Dame des Lacs
Salles-Curan
The statue of Notre Dame des Lacs, also called "la Vierge des Lacs".
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.
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.
Tables d'orientation de la Sentinelle
Saint-Jean-du-Bruel
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