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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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.
Table d'orientation du Pic du Pal
Vézins-de-Lévézou
Orientation table with pretty views of the Aveyron valley, the mountains of Aubrac, Cantal...
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.
Tour de guet et jardin médiéval
Saint-Victor-et-Melvieu
Tables d'orientation de la Sentinelle
Saint-Jean-du-Bruel
Vue panoramique et visite de Camarès
Camarès
Circuit discovery of the Vieux Camarès free visit (leaflet available at the Office de Tourisme).
Jardin d'insectes dit du perce-oreille
Saint-Léons
A real garden to discover insects in their natural habitat. Free access throughout the year.
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.
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.
Sentier de découverte de la Gourgue de Maroule
Argences-en-Aubrac
5 km circuit in Ste Geneviève sur Argence, for the exploration of the fauna and flora.
Point de vue, table d'orientation et tables de pique-nique de "la Croix de Bel" à Goutrens
Goutrens
Between Goutrens and Saint-Christophe.
Le pont du Cayla à La Bastide l'Evêque
Le Bas Ségala
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.
Cascade de Salles-la-Source
Salles-la-Source
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