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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Sentier botanique des Arasses
Villefranche-de-Panat
A family walk takes you on a discovery yourney of the local flora.
Le Roseraie à Sauveterre de Rouergue
Sauveterre-de-Rouergue
Aire naturelle de La Roque
La Salvetat-Peyralès
Relax here with the family on the banks of the Viaur between the villages of Bellecombe and La Roque, just south of La Salvetat Peyrales. Just beside the river Viaur, which separates the Aveyron from the Tarn, you'll find all you need here for a relaxing day in the sunshine- picnic tables, barbecues, covered seating area and toilets, all in a beautiful riverside setting. From here you can also follow walk no 9 of the Family Rambles to the chapel at Murat.
Cascade
Agen-d'Aveyron
Jardin de la Colombie
Brousse-le-Château
IMDERPLAM Institut Méditerranéen de Documentation, d'Enseignement et de Recherches sur les Plantes Médicinales
Villecomtal
Knowledge of medicinal plants: botanical, cultural and touristic meetings to in the heart of the Dourdou valley and its rich and varied vegetation. Small botanical garden to be visited (free).
Maison du bois
Taussac
The maison du bois (wooden house) is an extension of the discovery trail on the theme of wood and the forest.
Point de vue et dolmen de La Glène "Peyrelevade"
St-Léons
Large dolmen (5m x 3m4) on a former passage road.
Maison de l'Aubrac
St-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.
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!
Chapelle St-Amans de Valsorgue
Marnhagues-et-Latour
Jardin Botanique de l'Aubrac
St-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...).
Roc Saint-Jean et Sentier d'interprétation
Ayssènes
The Roc Saint-Jean with its belvedere and interpretation path with a stunning view on the Gorges des Raspes du Tarn.
Circuit des dolmens
St-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).
