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.
157 results
Le Viaur Ă l'aire naturelle de La Roque
La Salvetat-Peyralès
Balade nature à Villefranche avec Gaëtan Albespy
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.
Cascade des Baumes
Saint-Rome-de-Tarn
Point de vue et dolmen de La Glène "Peyrelevade"
Saint-LĂ©ons
Large dolmen (5m x 3m4) on a former passage road.
Ligue pour la protection des oiseaux
Peyreleau
In the natural surroundings of the Grands Causses, discover nearly 100 couples of Griffon vultures as well as numerous other species of birds with the "Ligue pour la Protection des Oiseaux" (Birds Protection League).
Le pont du Cayla Ă La Bastide l'EvĂŞque
Le Bas SĂ©gala
What a picturesque getaway in the Aveyron gorges ! This ancient bridge is appreciated by the hikers who follow the GR62 B marked trail for its greenery background and preserved environment.
Berges du Dourdou Ă Conques
Conques-en-Rouergue
Tour de guet et jardin médiéval
Saint-Victor-et-Melvieu
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...).
Le Jardin des plantes du Mourot
Cassagnes-Bégonhès
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- CĂ´me-d'Olt and the Lot Valley.
Tourbière des Rauzes
Saint-Laurent-de-Lévézou
Whilst walking along a natural path, discover the Rauzes peat bog - a very specific and fragile ecosystem
to go
further
