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
Site de la Vinzelle
Conques-en-Rouergue
Puy de Wolf
Firmi
The Puy de Wolf is the largest Serpentinite massif in Europe. It is listed as a Natura 2000 zone.
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.
Berges du Dourdou à Conques
Conques-en-Rouergue
Cascade des Baumes
Saint-Rome-de-Tarn
Vestiges du château d'Auriac
Saint-Rome-de-Tarn
Aire de notre Dame du Désert
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...).
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.
Sentier botanique de St-Léons
Saint-Léons
1h walk (return to the dry lawn) or loop of 2h. Approx. fifteen panels on the trees of various natural environments (identification, use, legends...) Free access throughout the years
Table d'interprétation de Peyralbe
Vabres-l'Abbaye
Enjoy an exceptional panorama with a 360° view while breathing the pure air of the Aveyron countryside.
Balade canoë sur l'Aveyron à Villefranche
Villefranche-de-Rouergue
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- Côme-d'Olt and the Lot Valley.
Tournemire Circus and Plesiosaur house
Tournemire
Come and step back in time to the Jurassic period! The Tournemire amphitheatre situated between the Roquefort caves and the Templar and Hospitaller sites is an outstanding geological area.
Tour de guet et jardin médiéval
Saint-Victor-et-Melvieu
Point de vue et table d'orientation à Villefranche-de-Rouergue
Villefranche-de-Rouergue
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