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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Panorama over the Viaur Viaduct
Tauriac-de-Naucelle
Completed in 1902, this railway bridge - listed among the Historical Monuments in France - cross the valley where the Viaur River runs. Imagined by Engineer Paul Bodin, this steel-made masterpiece will surprise you with its apparent lightness!
Chapelle et Chateau de Gozon
Les Costes-Gozon
Berges du Dourdou à Conques
Conques-en-Rouergue
Visite du site des Igues du Py et de Rouffiés
Compolibat
This unique phenomenon in Rouergue is caused by erosion and generates natural abysses dug in the red clay, known under the nickname of 'the path of the fairies'.
Table d'interprétation de Novis
Sévérac d'Aveyron
In Novis, come and contemplate the wide open spaces! First discover the village, a small village perched on the Causse with remarkable architecture and a 360° panorama. Three interpretation tables will allow you to read and understand the landscapes around you...
Table d'orientation du Pic du Pal
Vézins-de-Lévézou
Orientation table with pretty views of the Aveyron valley, the mountains of Aubrac, Cantal...
Panorama de la Confluence à Entraygues sur Truyère
Entraygues-sur-Truyère
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.
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.
Aire de notre Dame du Désert
Saint-Victor-et-Melvieu
Site naturel de la Presqu'île de Laussac
Thérondels
It's perhaps the most romantic place in the Aveyron, in any case a pearl placed on Sarrans lake that astonishes visitors.
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