The most beautiful natural sites in Aveyron

Aveyron is a surprising department. Its nature is multiple, plural, it sometimes reserves beautiful surprises. Put on your hiking sneakers, pack a picnic and set off to explore our Top 10 natural sites in Aveyron. The best way to get to know a department is to think outside the box!

Opening photo: Salles-la-Source waterfall Photo: AdobeStock Elodie

1 The Tarn Gorges

The Gorges du Tarn cross Aveyron (but not only that!) You will find them in the south of the department. It’s a place that looks like a real postcard, it’s a paradise for hikers and climbing enthusiasts. You can go canoeing , mountain biking, or simply a nature road trip to appreciate the beauty of this site, dug by time and erosion. Don't forget the towel to bathe in its turquoise waters.

2 The Causse du Larzac

When we tell you that you shouldn't miss it, Larzac is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site! Still south of Aveyron, it is a unique landscape , sometimes lunar, sometimes just arid. Causse, plateau, small villages where the aura of the Templars and Hospitallers still floats… You will appreciate the walk as much for the natural side as for the historical side.

3 The Dourbie Gorges

Not far from Millau, the Gorges de la Dourbie are not far from those of Tarn and Jonte (a little road trip?). This is where the Dourbie and its blue waters meander. You will go to this area to go hiking, enjoy exceptional panoramas and pass through pretty little villages.

4 The Salles-la-Source Waterfall

It flows in the eponymous village, or rather nearby, on the road to Conques. The waterfall is easily accessible, there is no parking nearby, the best is to park in the village of Salles-de-la-Source , take a walk and get to the waterfall. In season, a small café is on the corner for a refreshing break.

5 Lac des Moines in Aubrac

Lac des Moines is located in Saint-Chely-d'Aubrac, at an altitude of 1300m on the Aubrac plateau. It is little known and therefore you will often be alone in the world. Perfect place to fish, stroll around the lake, admire the sunset or enjoy a night with millions of stars.

6 The Rougiers of Camarès

Another unique landscape, an incredible site! Rub your glasses if you want, it won't change the color of this blood-red earth, enhanced with green touches of vegetation. An arid landscape, an astonishing geological phenomenon. To visit this place, it happens on foot (a 1km loop but also a longer one from Gissac) or by mountain bike (follow the circuits to respect the natural site)

7 Le Lévézou and Lake Pareloup

The Lévézou is a beautiful region in the Aveyronnaises, ideal for swimming, making visits, enjoying local products. Lake Pareloup is one of the jewels of this area, with its blue waters perfect for the beach (there are 3 and a few wild places to settle), swimming, sports and nautical leisure activities, fishing, walking. It is the ^5th largest artificial lake in France. The lake is located 800m above sea level and reaches a maximum depth of 45m, a real small sea!

8 Devèz Waterfall

The Cascade du Devès, located in Aubrac, is interesting (among all the waterfalls in Aveyron because there are many!) because circuits have been set up to access it. It is in the middle of nature and you can get there by walking 5km or 10km depending on the time you have and your desires. Accessible in all seasons.

9 The Rajal del Gorps

A funny name for a natural area that is no less than 240 million years old. Near Millau, these limestone rocks dug by erosion and erected in an arid landscape are spectacular. Strange atmosphere … A picturesque place, a nice hike to do with the family, for a change.

10 The Roc de Gorb, near Najac

A very pleasant natural site, on the edge of a river, with an easy via ferrata. Take the opportunity to bring climbing equipment and a towel for swimming. A super nice nature campsite is located at the foot of the Roc de Gorb.

We hope that this tour of the natural sites of Aveyron has made you want to go there for the holidays. Sports stay, with family or road trip, Aveyron is a natural land full of surprises, it's like an exotic trip because the landscapes are so diverse!

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