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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Tourbière des Rauzes
St-Laurent-de-Lévézou
Whilst walking along a natural path, discover the Rauzes peat bog - a very specific and fragile ecosystem
Roc Saint-Jean et Sentier d'interprétation
Ayssènes
The Roc Saint-Jean with its belvedere and interpretation path with a stunning view on the Gorges des Raspes du Tarn.
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'.
Site de la Plancelle
Campagnac
east of Campagnac the site of la Plancelle provides a spectacular panoramaof the Lot Valley and Aubrac, the villages of Verteilhac and Canilhac in the Lozère.
Puech de Buzeins
Sévérac-d'Aveyron
You will discover a magnificent panorama of the Haute vallée de l'Aveyron from the Puech de Buzeins!
Le Jardin de la Mothe
Salles-Courbatiès
Come and discover a splendid English garden in the hamlet of the Mothe in Salles Courbatiers. The garden has obtained the label "Jardin Remarquable". We have renovated the barn and installed a grand piano which enables us to organise concerts in the garden. Each weekend and in summer the garden propose homemade drinks and pastry.
Château de Montaigut
Gissac
Immerse yourself in history in this unique medieval castle built on an ancient necropolis. And enjoy stunning views of the surrounding red soil region: the impressive Rougier de Camarès.
Sentier d'observation botanique et écologique du bois de Laguiole
Laguiole
Ce parcours est au départ de la station de ski de Laguiole au Bouyssou. Le parcours fait 9 kms mais il existe 2 raccourcis pour ceux qui ne veulent pas faire la randonnée en totalité.
Visitez Saint-Salvadou
Le Bas-Ségala
Come and discover the wooded and green landscapes of Saint Salvadou; a village in which resides the “Segala’s cathedral”, a neolithic church ! This small, beautifully flowered village is labeled 2 flowers of “Villes et Villages Fleuris”.
Aire de notre Dame du Désert
St-Victor-et-Melvieu
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.
Jardin d'insectes dit du perce-oreille
St-Léons
A real garden to discover insects in their natural habitat. Free access throughout the year.
Chapelle et Chateau de Gozon
Les Costes-Gozon
Le Jardin des plantes du Mourot
Cassagnes-Bégonhès
Ligue pour la protection des oiseaux
Peyreleau
In the natural surroundings of the Grands Causses, discover nearly 100 couples of Griffon vultures as well as numerous other species of birds with the "Ligue pour la Protection des Oiseaux" (Birds Protection League).
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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