Picnic areas in Aveyron: the best spots for a gourmet getaway

The weather is nice, lunchtime is approaching, and a picnic basket is waiting for you for an outdoor meal ? There's no doubt about it, this lunchtime is picnic time in Aveyron! And you won't be short of ideas for setting up your checkered tablecloth in the region with the Tarn-Aveyron Guide. By the river, in the heart of the forest, or in gardens, the picnic areas in Aveyron are varied to satisfy both young and old gourmets.

Picnic in Rodez

Rodez, the largest city in Occitania, is a must-see destination in Aveyron, with plenty of surprises in store for you, including the Soulages Museum, the Fenaille and Denys-Puech Museums, and its historic center. Surrounded by the Aveyron River, it offers plenty of opportunities for strolling and picnicking in the heart of the city and its surrounding areas :

• At the Haras de Rodez with the installation of 7 shaded tables
• In public gardens like Capucins or Foirail
• In the squares equipped with benches with a playground for the Bonnafé square and the Marie-Thérèse-Astruc square
• On the banks of the Aveyron in Layoule for a lunch on the grass

Green and wooded, the Rodez area is also attractive for picnicking between the Vabre leisure park, which is the largest around the city, or the Domaine de Combelles with its holiday village, its equestrian center and its numerous activities.

Picnic in Millau

Renowned for its famous viaduct and historic center, Millau is a pleasant city to live in, crossed by the Tarn River in Aveyron. On foot, by bike, or by canoe, there are a variety of walks to enjoy the beauty of the landscapes, without forgetting to take a gourmet break to taste Millau's specialty: farçous.

Gourg de Bades picnic area

This is a spot you'll love, located on the banks of the Tarn with a magnificent view of the mountains. Tables, deckchairs and children's games allow you to spend quality time with the family in a furnished, semi-shaded picnic area equipped with public toilets.

Info : you can reach it on foot or by car from the free parking lot in La Grave

Victory Park Picnic Area

Everything you need to get together with family or friends for a delicious picnic ! The largest of Millau's parks, the Parc de la Victoire is a huge green space where you can sit in the shade and enjoy a delicious meal. Tables and chairs allow you to unpack your food while the children have fun in the playground. With a large car park and public toilets, there's nothing missing for a great day out.

Picnic in Villefranche-de-Rouergue

Less than an hour from Rodez, this magnificent historic fortified town, nicknamed "the pearl of Rouergue," is splendid with its medieval streets and rich heritage, which includes 28 listed and registered monuments. Crossed by the Aveyron River, it is ideal for strolling and picnicking in the peace and quiet of green spaces and nature.

• The Théâtre de Verdure has picnic tables and a children's play area, as well as parking and toilets.
• The Treize-pierre spring has been converted into a picnic area and gardening space.
• The quays and the riverbank path offer a beautiful stroll along the Aveyron with the possibility of taking a break for a picnic.

Picnicking in Aveyron, unmissable spots

Aveyron is a vast playground for lovers of wide open spaces and nature, who can set up picnics almost anywhere in the open air. While a small, flat, green, shady spot might be just the ticket for getting out the checkered tablecloth, a few picnic areas in Aveyron are essential for the Tarn-Aveyron guide:

• The Cirou Bridge in the Viaur Valley, a peaceful spot on the riverbank
• The Salles-la-Source waterfall for a refreshing break with a view of the village
• The Dourbie Gorges in Millau are ideal for picnicking, swimming and canoeing.
• On the Aubrac plateau at Lac des Moines in the heart of wild landscapes
• On the Lévezou facing the lake with picnic tables on the small beaches
• In the Aubrac national forest, in the shade of the trees and in peace and quiet

The list is long and almost endless, as Aveyron is full of gems where you can have a picnic. To complement the few ideas mentioned, here is the official Aveyron Tourism website which lists more than 300 picnic spots in Aveyron.

Enjoy your food !

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