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
Le Puech Monseigne et ses coccinelles
St-Laurent-de-Lévézou
Orientation table with pretty 360° view of the viaduct of Millau, the gorges du Tarn, the Cévennes, the Larzac, the mountains of Auvergne... Ladybirds congregate here at the end of the summer.
Château de Valon
Lacroix-Barrez
The site of Valon is impressive. It offers a sumptuous panoramic view of the "Gorges de la Truyère". Come in through the door- you enter into a universe of history, tales and legends. A staircase straight out of a fantasy tale.
Belvédère du barrage de Sarrans
Argences-en-Aubrac
Aire de notre Dame du Désert
St-Victor-et-Melvieu
Tourbière des Rauzes
St-Laurent-de-Lévézou
Whilst walking along a natural path, discover the Rauzes peat bog - a very specific and fragile ecosystem
Sentier ethno-botanique en Ségala "al travers"
Rignac
From the platform to the gorges de l'Aveyron discover the natural, landscape and built heritage of the Segala along the path.
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.
Le Belvédère de Castelnau-Lassouts
Castelnau-de-Mandailles
Les Gorges de la Dourbie
St-Jean-du-Bruel
Sentier botanique de St-Léons
St-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
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'.
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!
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.
Chapelle et Chateau de Gozon
Les Costes-Gozon
Site du Viaduc de Millau
Millau
For the discovery of the Viaduct and the Aveyron. This unique area installed in the old Causses farm of Brocuéjouls, is the ideal location to discover the viaduct of Millau, the Aveyron, its cultural and natural heritage.
La zone humide de Maymac
Rignac
Following the path, you will cross a wet area equipped with pontoons allowing you to enter the heart of this special environment.
Tour ornithologique
Lescure-Jaoul
On the Puech de Flauzins, this tower provides spectacular views and the opportunity to observe sedentary and migratory species.
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