The 12 essential things to do in the Regional Natural Park of the Great Causses

What are you looking for at the Grand Causses Regional Natural Park? Here are 12 places to visit in order not to miss the richness of the region!

Visiting the Grand Causses Regional Natural Park is discovering a land rich in history and traditions. Prehistoric vestiges, unaltered medieval villages, religious buildings: the human hand has often helped to enrich the beauty of the place. But it is especially a wild nature that awaits you! From the spectacular landscapes of the Tarn Gorge to the beauty of the Causse du Larzac, to the flamboyant colours of the Rougier de Camarès... The richness and diversity of the park will not fail to surprise you. Do you want to dive into this unique historical and natural heritage? Here are the 12 must-sees to visit!

1. La Couvertoirade

To know what to do at the Grand Causses Regional Natural Park, let's start with La Couvertoirade. This fortified city has everything beautiful French villages . It is that we do not expect to find such a treasure of heritage by contemplating the wild lands of the Larzac Causse! It is believed that the walls of the 15th century were able to protect the city until it was imprisoned in time. The castle, the church, the squares, the poles, the oven... Everything is admirably well preserved. It is a charming visit that awaits you, between the beauty of the surrounding nature, the old stones and the animation of the alleys.

The history of La Couvertoirade is marked by the presence of the Order of the Templars, then the Hospitallers two centuries later. If you are looking for what to do at the Grands Causses Regional Natural Park to discover their history, here are other sites to visit:

• The Fort of Saint John of Alcas, “the Fort of the Ladies”;
• The ramparts of the cavalry;
• The Commandery of Sainte-Eulalie de Cernon;
• The tower of the Viala of Pas de Jaux.

2. The Abbey of Sylvanès

We are in the 12th century. The Lord Pons of the Hera is known to be rusty, silky, and even a little bit brigand on the edges. However, it is touched by divine grace and turns to religion. He then founded the Abbey of Sylvanès, as the monk Hugues Francigena tells in his chronicles.

Visiting the Regional Natural Park of the Great Causses is an opportunity to admire the abbey, a true jewel of Cistercian art. Not to mention that it has become an internationally renowned cultural centre today! Symposiums, workshops, concerts... Don’t forget to consult the program before you go there.

3. Gorges du Tarn

What to do at the Grands Causses Regional Natural Park for a natural getaway? Go to the Tarn Gorges! These are spectacular landscapes that await you, mixing the sculptural beauty of rocks with the purity of the waters of the Tarn. Unquestionably one of the most beautiful canyons in France.

Between friends or family, activities are not missing to enjoy this stunning natural heritage. Hiking, climbing , paragliding, glider, boat, canoë-kayak ... On the road, don't miss the splendid stone villages along the banks. Whether it’s Sainte-Enimie or Hauterives, they seem to have been frozen in time.

Council : in the middle of the season, the Gorges du Tarn attract a lot of visitors. ♪ Gorges de la Dourbie are then a good alternative.

4. Scratch him

Brousse-le-Château is an ancient medieval town that has preserved all its charm. Its castle, towers and walls surrounded the village. There you will find character houses, a church, an oratory and a Romanesque-style bridge. All in a natural bucolic setting, between river and forests! It’s a must-see if you’re looking for what to do at the Grands Causses Regional Natural Park to get to know its historical heritage better.

5. The caves of Roquefort

Visiting the Grand Causses Regional Natural Park is also visiting the Roquefort country! An opportunity to discover how this famous cheese is made. You will find many caves of Roquefort open to the visit. They open the doors of secular know-how, mixing the virtues of a tiny mushroom with unique climatic conditions.

The cellars are open all year round and it is not necessary to book to go there.

6. The mill road

If you're looking for a hike, why don't you go on the mill road? This 14-kilometre loop makes you discover the beautiful Lotoise countryside. It is a beautiful part of the mills, including Boisse, a listed historical monument.

In addition to the mills, you will cross hamlets and traditional farmhouses. But it is also an opportunity to dive in the heart of the nature of the park! In short, a nice hike to make during your stay in Occitania.

7. The castle of Montaigut

Take the road of the Lords of Rouergue to discover the castle of Montaigut. Its presence has been attested since the 10th century and it still offers a precious testimony of the medieval era. They are enthusiasts who welcome you to the place. They will let you discover the castle through many activities, thoughts for children and adults.

Nestled on a rocky grove, Montaigut Castle dominates the landscape. It is a privileged point of view to admire the colours of the Rougier de Camarès. The purple land that characterizes the region gives it small Colorado air, in the heart of Aveyron!

8. The castle of Peyrelade

Another important step in the route of the seigneurs of Rouergue, Peyrelade Castle is amazed by its atypical architecture. It is built between the 12th and 16th century. Perched on a huge rock, it offers an exceptional view over the Tarn valley.

You can discover it through many activities: animations, courses, treasure hunts, etc.

9. The statues-menhirs

The statues-menhirs are one of the peculiarities that invite the curious to visit the Regional Natural Park of the Great Causses. You will find them at the turn of the trails that surround the Lacaune Mountains. They evoke men or women, presenting marked sexual attributes, trimmings and tattoos. Much older than the medieval villages that make the salt of the region, these statues-menhirs are more than 5,000 years old! In other words, they date from the end of the Neolithic and the beginning of the Bronze Age.

To admire them and feel the weight of the years, go to the Fenaille Museum or Damien Bec Museum. But you can also use the following circuits to discover them in their natural environment:

• Sernin-Orient-Pousthomy;
• St Sernin-Balaguier-Miolles;
• Monteils-Anglas-Le Cayla.

10. The Millau viaduct

You may have already crossed it through the Meridienne (A 75 motorway)... The Millau viaduct is a must during your holidays in Aveyron. 343 meters high, 2,460 meters long: it has the world record of height! In fact, it is difficult not to find the breath cut out in front of this architectural prowess. Visit the Caussenard farm on the Viaduct de Millau area to admire it and enjoy a spectacular view of the Tarn valley.

11. The city of stones

Visit the Regional Natural Park of the Great Causses without leaving to discover the city of stones? Unthinkable! Visit Montpellier-le-Vieux, in the heart of the Black Causse, to discover this strange place. Sculpted by time, it has everything from a real city. The rocks form cathedrals, arches, ramparts, alleys, labyrinths...

You can enjoy it along a walk that makes you discover the most spectacular formations and panoramas. But you can also mix discovery and thrill by engaging in via ferrata!

12. The Oppidum of Granède

Those who want to immerse themselves in the ancient history of the park can stop at the oppidum of the Granède, near Millau. This fortified village flourished during the Iron Age from the ninth century before our era. There are even the remains of a Paleochretian church, built on the ruins of a Gallo-Roman cult.

How to go to the Grand Causses Regional Natural Park?

Millau and Rodez are excellent starting points to visit the Grands Causses Regional Natural Park. In addition to being well served, the two cities are located in the centre of the territory.

• You can reach them thanks to theHighway A 75. This is the opportunity to cross the Millau viaduct! You can also take the bus or train to go. Generally, you will need to make a correspondence to Clermont-Ferrand or Béziers.
• Are you far from Occitania? If you want to fly, the best solution is to go through theairport of Montpellier. To find the best flight offers, you can consult our partner's website Skyscanner.
• Once on site, know that the park has a good bus network. It allows you to reach the different communes with ease.

Where to sleep at the Grand Causses Regional Natural Park?

The options are not missing to visit the Grand Causses Regional Natural Park! Those who want to radiate throughout the territory will find a wide offer of accommodation to Rodez and Millau . Nature lovers can turn to one of the many lodges in the park. Restored mills, traditional buildings, unusual accommodation... You must find your happiness!

Finally, those who come especially by love of old stones will find accommodation in medieval villages: La Couvertoirade, Sainte-Eulalie , Peyre, Scratch him , etc.

Enjoy your stay in the Grands Causses Regional Natural Park!