What to do in Aveyron in winter?

Aveyron is a very popular nature destination . It must be said that this rural department has a very preserved environment, which offers an ideal setting for many sports activities , even in winter ! Lovers of old stones will also be seduced by its Templar commanderies , its hilltop villages and its magnificent capital: Rodez . It is an authentic country with a deeply rooted culture and a tormented history , which you can discover in the many museums in the region. Without forgetting its gastronomy and its wine-growing region which will satisfy both gourmets and gourmets . We offer you an unforgettable winter stay in Aveyron .

Opening : © Olivier Poncelet / Adobe Stock

Practice a winter sport in the great natural spaces of Aveyron

The Causses , carved out by the Lot and Aveyron, the Aubrac mountains , the forests of the Aveyron valleys , the Larzac and the Rougiers de Camarès … form a giant sports ground , in all seasons. This rugged and wild nature lends itself well to winter sports. If you are a skier, it is in Aubrac that you have to go. Two ski resorts are famous: Laguiole and Brameloup.

The resort of Laguiole is family-friendly. It is the ideal place for an initiation from an early age : a " snow garden with tele-lollipop ", an area reserved for sledges, lessons, trails for all levels, 50 km for cross-country skiing and 30 km for snowshoe enthusiasts, ... You can also try your hand at more unusual activities, such as dog sledding , horseback riding ...

The Brameloup resort is more intimate. At the heart of the forest, the environment is calm and rejuvenating. It nevertheless offers you all the traditional activities to enjoy the snow: classic skiing, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, sledding ... A space is reserved for children. It is a welcoming resort, where convivial celebrations take place, such as the “ Snowshoe Festival ” or torchlight descents .

Visit the beautiful villages of the Aveyron

The Aveyron has an exceptional architectural heritage , because of its position on the “ Chemins de Saint-Jacques-de-Compostelle ” and thanks to the installation of the Templars . The former commanderies will allow you to better understand the life in medieval times of these extraordinary knights. This landscape of Causses and mountains forced men to build perched villages with picturesque charm . Most of these typical villages have been labeled “ Most beautiful villages in France ” and some are even listed as “ World Heritage of Humanity ”.

To not miss any, here is our selection of the ten most beautiful villages in Aveyron . If you are more city, do not miss the most beautiful city of Aveyron: Rodez has a rich history, from antiquity to the ^20th century, which reads through his magnificent monuments ...

Take a stroll through the Couvertoirade, this town all dressed in stones

On the way to Belcastel, a village and its hilltop castle

Rodez, in winter we discover its heritage and go shopping?

Relax in the hot springs of Aveyron

After the sport, the comfort ... You have crisscrossed the tracks, strolled in the middle of nature in the cold, surveyed beautiful villages ... It is time to enjoy a well-deserved rest. It is a rather unknown activity in the region, but the gorges and valleys of Aveyron have hot springs which benefit the Thermes de Cransac and wellness centers , especially around Decazeville.

If coal has contributed to the economic development of the region, this “ Burning Mountain ” conceals other treasures. In the middle of a strange forest, you may come across some astonishing fumaroles … We invite you to discover this curiosity in Aveyron , in our report on the hot springs and the thermal establishment of Cransac . If you are looking for a relaxation and well-being area , here are our good addresses for spas, saunas, hammams ...

Cultivate yourself in the museums of Aveyron

The museums give you the opportunity to appreciate the region in all its facets: a unique and preserved environment; a long, sometimes eventful history; traditions and customs; inspired artists; and to finish in greed: local products sublimated by a renowned gastronomy. To select the museum to visit according to your tastes and your current desire, here is our full article on all the museums in Aveyron and a small selection by category:

Environment and nature : Terra Memoria , in Bozouls.

History : Archaeological Site of Graufesenque , in Millau.

Local life and traditions of yesteryear : Museum of manners and customs, in Espalion (Rouergue Museum) .

Arts : Saint Cyprien Chambers of Light , in Conques-en-Rouergue.

Gastronomy and wine terroir : Maison de la Truffe , in Comprégnac.

Our blogger makes you discover the Soulage Museum and its 50 shades of black ...

The Soulage Museum, a highly nuanced visit

Discover local Aveyron crafts

Aveyron is a country of traditions , with its specific know-how, its uses and its ancient trades . Entering a craftsman's shop , meeting these enthusiasts who are dedicated to their crafts , and admiring their works allow these trades of yesteryear to continue, to disseminate these traditional techniques and to support the local economy , while being pleasure.

To visit workshops and find great gift ideas

Laguiole knives are appreciated all over the world and are emblematic of the region. We recommend the Coutellerie du Barry and its cutlery artisans who will share with you their passion for these beautiful objects.

In Millau, the Cordonnerie Poujoul offers you to make your belt in 30 minutes! Unique and personalized, it is also an original idea for a gift.

Discover the famous Laguiole knives, visit the factory in the eponymous town

Discover the gastronomy and the vineyards of Aveyron

For gourmets, we give you some ideas to discover the gastronomy of this rural and agricultural country which offers many local products .

Take a tour of the markets to meet local producers and have a little tasting: Roquefort, Aubrac veal and beef, Aveyron lamb… There are many others to discover on our page: " Gastronomy and products of the Aveyron terroir ”. Then we take a good recipe for typical Aveyron cuisine and get in the kitchen!

Go to the restaurant to taste the regional specialties .

Take a road trip on the Aveyron cheese route .

Go wine tourism, visit vineyards and taste good wines .

Visit the Roquefort cellars to learn all about this cheese

The Aveyronnaise gastronomy is rich, but this is not a problem in winter!

Bonus: How to keep children occupied in winter in Aveyron

In winter, occupying the children requires a little more imagination ... So if you are looking for an activity to share with the family, whether it is fun, educational or sporting, we give you some tips to please young and old alike. :