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.
138 results
Point de vue et dolmen de La Glène "Peyrelevade"
St-Léons
Large dolmen (5m x 3m4) on a former passage road.
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.
Point de vue et table d'orientation à Villefranche-de-Rouergue
Villefranche-de-Rouergue
Table d'orientation de Beauregard
Vézins-de-Lévézou
Pretty panorama of the Aveyron valley, the Aubrac and the mountains of Cantal located on the D28 linking the municipality of Vezins-de-Lévézou to Laissac.
Le Moulin de Castel
La Rouquette
Visit the mill with video presentation of the restoration and demonstration of milling. Micro production of electricity. Exhibition of photos of the local flora and fauna. Shaded 2km botanical path.
Le cheval du Roi
Lescure-Jaoul
Site du Calvaire
Villefranche-de-Rouergue
Exceptional site whose origin is a protohistory fortification of 20 acres. Oppidum Gaulois a double fortification. Castellum after the conquest by Caesar on the Roman road.
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.
Mille Ans de Traces en Aubrac
Condom-d'Aubrac
Exhibition " Mille ans de Traces en Aubrac " : the life of the farmers in the 11th century, mills, the resistance movement, the fauna and the deers.
Aire naturelle de La Mouline
Prévinquières
On the banks of the river Aveyron, perfect for picnics or just for relaxing. You can holiday in the open air at the nearby campsite.
Le Cirque de St-Paul des Fonts
St-Jean-d'Alcas-et-St-Paul-des-Fonts
Puy de Wolf
Firmi
The Puy de Wolf is the largest Serpentinite massif in Europe. It is listed as a Natura 2000 zone.
Sentier botanique des Arasses
Villefranche-de-Panat
A family walk takes you on a discovery yourney of the local flora.
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