Discover Aveyron
An ideal location for discovering the jewels of Aveyron
Situated halfway between the 3 canyons (Tarn, Jonte and Dourbie) and the Levezou plateau and its lakes.
And not so far from other equally interesting sites
The Gorges
The Tarn, Jonte and Dourbie gorges form a spectacular series of canyons around Millau, offering breathtaking scenery.
Tarn gorges
The Tarn gorges are the most famous and impressive. Cut between the Causse Méjean and the Causse de Sauveterre, they reach depths of 400 to 600 metres.
There are some remarkable sites, including the "Cirque de Pougnadoires", the "Détroits" and the "Point Sublime", which offers a panoramic view of the canyon.
The area has a rich built heritage, with hilltop villages and medieval castles overlooking the river.
Jonte gorges
Nicknamed the ‘little sister’ of the Tarn gorges, the Jonte gorges are narrower but just as majestic.
They are characterised by spectacular rock formations such as the "Vase de Chine" and the "Vase de Sèvre".
These gorges are also renowned for their colony of vultures, offering visitors an impressive aerial spectacle.
Dourbie gorges
Less well known but just as charming, the Dourbie gorges stretch for 18 kilometres between the Causse Noir and the Causse du Larzac.
They alternate between small arable plains and vertiginous cliffs, offering a wild and verdant landscape.
There are picturesque villages like Cantobre and Saint-Véran, perched on the cliffs.
The Lakes of Lévézou
Lévézou is home to a number of magnificent man-made lakes, the three main ones of which are described below.
Surrounded by lush forests and green pastures, they offer an ideal setting for nature holidays, outdoor activities and relaxation.
Pareloup lake
Lac de Pareloup is the largest and most emblematic of the Lévézou lakes. With a surface area of 1,230 hectares and 130 km of shoreline, it's a paradise for water sports enthusiasts. The lake offers a wide range of activities:
- Swimming on the beaches at Arvieu and Salles-Curan
- Water sports: windsurfing, catamaran, canoeing, pedalos, water-skiing and jet-skiing
- Fishing
- Walks around the lake
Pont-de-Salars lake
The Pont-de-Salars lake is another jewel in the crown of the Lévézou region, offering a peaceful, green setting. This lake is appreciated for :
- Its tranquillity
- Swimming opportunities
- Fishing
- Hiking trails in the surrounding area
Lac de Bages et de la Gourde
Although less well known than their neighbours, Lac de Bages and Lac de la Gourde are both lakes for fishing, but also places for preserving and observing flora and fauna. Some key features:
- Sensitive natural area: providing a habitat for various bird species.
- Fishing: Fishing is permitted all year round, with species such as pike (no-kill), pike-perch and roach. Trout releases are also organised.
- Activities: Unlike other lakes in the region, swimming and water sports are prohibited, which preserves the tranquillity of the site. Five wooden pontoons have been built to facilitate fishing (Lac de la Gourde).
Hiking
On this map you'll find some of the walks we can recommend. Don't hesitate to ask us for more information if you need it.
For each hike, a link to Komoot is available so that you can follow the hike on your application.
The GPX trail is also available for download so that you can import it into your favourite hiking application.
A little further... but it's worth it
Trou de Bozouls
The "Trou de Bozouls" fascinates visitors with its spectacular panorama and unique geological history. This natural canyon, carved out by the River Dourdou, offers a rich and varied tourist experience that will delight nature and heritage lovers.
Viewpoints have been set up to allow visitors to contemplate this impressive geological cirque, where the sheer cliffs tell the story of millions of years of erosion. Hikers can follow picturesque paths equipped with wooden footbridges, gradually descending to the river and discovering a remarkable biodiversity.
The village of Bozouls, nestling around this canyon, adds a historic and cultural dimension to the site. Its medieval architecture, with its ancient castle perched on a rocky spur, tells the story of centuries gone by. Local legends, such as the one attributing the creation of the hole to the devil, enrich visitors' imaginations and add a mysterious charm to the place.
- 50 min
- 1h30
Rougier of Camarès
This unique landscape is characterised by its red clay soil, rich in iron oxide, which gives it a distinctive brick-red colour. The gullied land contrasts with the soft green cultivated areas, creating spectacular vistas reminiscent of the American Colorado. This unspoilt region is home to a rich historical heritage, including Neolithic statue-menhirs, Roman remains and medieval châteaux such as Montaigut. You can explore this exceptional landscape on foot, by bike or by car, offering breathtaking views of this land that looks like the Wild West of Aveyron.
- 1h10
- 1h
Sylvanès Abbey
Sylvanès Abbey is a Cistercian jewel nestling in a wooded valley in the south Aveyron region of France. Founded in 1136 by Pons de l'Héras, a repentant knight, the abbey is a remarkable example of southern Romanesque architecture.
Listed as a historic monument in 1854, the abbey has undergone an exceptional renaissance since 1970, thanks to the commune of Sylvanès and the Association of Friends of the Abbey. Today, the abbey has become a cultural meeting place, offering festivals of sacred music, artistic courses and cultural events. Sylvanès Abbey is now a lively place that combines historical heritage, spirituality and artistic creation, welcoming international artists every year.
- 1h10
- 1h
