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.
158 results
Miramont Rock - Viewpoint and its indicator
Centrès
At an altitude of 552m, a 360-degree view over the Ségala, the wooded valleys of the Viaur River & its tributaries... that will guide your look up to the Pyrénées in clear weather!
Vue panoramique et visite de Camarès
Camarès
Circuit discovery of the Vieux Camarès free visit (leaflet available at the Office de Tourisme).
Réserve naturelle régionale des coteaux du Fel
Le Fel
A real sanctuary of biodiversity, the regional nature reserve "les coteaux du Fel", shelters over more than 123 acres a surprising wealth of animal and vegetal species.
Cascade de Salles-la-Source
Salles-la-Source
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.
Vestiges du château d'Auriac
Saint-Rome-de-Tarn
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
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.
Tour de guet et jardin médiéval
Saint-Victor-et-Melvieu
Aire de notre Dame du Désert
Saint-Victor-et-Melvieu
Puy de Wolf
Firmi
The Puy de Wolf is the largest Serpentinite massif in Europe. It is listed as a Natura 2000 zone.
Sources de l'Aveyron
Sévérac d'Aveyron
At 2km from Sévérac-le-Château, the river Aveyron has its source. Enjoy the picnic tables and this shaded space to make a little stop!
Serre de Cougouille et sa table d'orientation
Sainte-Eulalie-de-Cernon
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