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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Les Gorges de la Dourbie
Saint-Jean-du-Bruel
Jardin d'insectes dit du perce-oreille
Saint-Léons
A real garden to discover insects in their natural habitat. Free access throughout the year.
Parc du Château du Colombier
Salles-la-Source
Family birthplace of the count De La Panouse, the Parc du Colombier reveals to you several centuries of history.
Point de vue, table d'orientation et table de pique-nique
Escandolières
On the road between Escandolières and Auzits, Minades (646m above sea level).
Point de vue, table d'orientation et tables de pique-nique de "la Croix de Bel" à Goutrens
Goutrens
Between Goutrens and Saint-Christophe.
Point de vue et table d'orientation à Villefranche-de-Rouergue
Villefranche-de-Rouergue
Aire des Raspes
Viala-du-Tarn
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.
Chapelle et Chateau de Gozon
Les Costes-Gozon
Sentier ethno-botanique en Ségala "al travers"
Rignac
From the platform to the gorges de l'Aveyron discover the natural, landscape and built heritage of the Segala along the path.
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.
Maison Natale de Jean-Henri FABRE
Saint-Léons
Birth place of Jean-Henri FABRE. Visit: life and work of Jean-Henri FABRE, discover the setting of his childhood life. Displays: in the village, in the insect garden, along the botanical path. Itinerant exhibitions (under the microscope, history of a log, the world of butterflies).
Cascade des Baumes
Saint-Rome-de-Tarn
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