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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Jardin d'insectes dit du perce-oreille
Saint-Léons
A real garden to discover insects in their natural habitat. Free access throughout the year.
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.
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).
Sentier d'Interprétation de la Hêtraie
Auriac-Lagast
The interpretation path of the beech in the forest Domaniale du Lagast animated with informative panels on a length of 2800 metres will enable you to discover the forest ecosystem, the development of beech, from the beechnut to the adult tree, as well as the fauna and flora.
Le Puech Monseigne et ses coccinelles
Saint-Laurent-de-Lévézou
Orientation table with pretty 360° view of the viaduct of Millau, the gorges du Tarn, the Cévennes, the Larzac, the mountains of Auvergne... Ladybirds congregate here at the end of the summer.
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".
Vue panoramique et visite de Camarès
Camarès
Circuit discovery of the Vieux Camarès free visit (leaflet available at the Office de Tourisme).
Maison de l'Aubrac
Saint-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.
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