The 14 things to do in Aveyron

Need an authentic break in southern France? Please visit the department of Aveyron to enjoy peaceful and picturesque moments.

Visiting the Aveyron is a trip to one of the most beautiful places in the south-west. Here lies rivers, green plateaus, greedy visits, demeasured gorges and picturesque villages. There's something to do! It is full of exceptional sites to discover, between charming villages and grandiose natural landscapes.

No doubt, the department of Aveyron is well anchored in strong French traditions. Discover our best tips to visit the region and 23 things to do in Aveyron.

To discover also :

1. The Larzac

Do you like nature activities? So Le Larzac, land with unique cultural and architectural heritage will delight you. Inscribed to Unesco’s World Heritage, biodiversity presents over 1,000 square kilometres south of Aveyron is exceptional. One of its most beautiful steps is the stop in the medieval village of La Couvertoirade.

2. The Lot Valley

Here you will oscillate between discovering atypical villages of the region and striking heritage discoveries.

Whether by going through Saint-Geniez-d’Olt to enjoy a cake at the brooch, speciality not to be missed if you visit the Aveyron. Or if you make a stop at Sainte-Eulalie-d’Olt , ranked among the most beautiful villages of France .

Then a passage through the City of Saint-Côme-d’Olt, everything will make you enjoy this parenthesis of calm and authenticity.

3. The Carladès hikes

Do you want to hike in the Aveyron? We advise you to look at Carladès. Here, more than twenty-three hikes and walks around the Gorges de la Tuyère are offered. Natural routes and discoveries that will leave you an intractable memory of the region.

4. The cellars of Roquefort-sur-Soulzon

This unique and atypical cheese is an integral part of the French heritage. It is here in Aveyron that you can know all the secrets. It is in the Regional Natural Park of the Grand Causses that the famous cheese is made in Roquefort-sur-Soulzon.

The cellars have been designed by the Companions and are an indispensable part of the Aveyron.

5. Hospitaller Templar sites

The Templar circuit is an original way to make a good in history in Aveyron. Here, in the heart of the Regional Natural Park of the Great Causses, the territory was recognized by UNESCO as an exceptional territory. Discover the history of the Order of the Temple of Hospitallers. Guided tours are possible and recommended to capture each detail of this section of History.

6. The Plateau de l’Aubrac

It is the heart of the highlands of Aveyron, on 2,500 square meters of forests and pastures. The Plateau de l’Aubrac ensures a perfect disbursement and an assured oxygen treatment.

Laguiole Museum

It is a star place of the Plateau de l’Aubrac. The Laguiole knife is known worldwide. You can see in the Museum of Ancient Laguiole knives, but also the exhibition of the tools of the former professions. An indispensable to visit in Aveyron.

Restaurant Chez Bras

The establishment of the Bras family , located on the Suquet puech, is a mandatory stop if you go to the Aveyron. Here, the cuisine is seasonal, local and honours the country’s specialties. It is also and above all one of the top ten restaurants in the world, as well as telling you that the bar is very high.

The burons

It is a tradition on the plateau. Go and enjoy an aligot in a buron. These old stone houses on the roof of the Twelve remind us of the time the shepherds took refuge to make and store the cheese.

7. The Great Causses

This natural park covers more than 330 000 hectares. In other words, it is the third largest natural park in France. Located south of the Central Massif, it forms a perfect triptych, with Cevennes National Park and Haut-Languedoc Regional Natural Park among the largest natural spaces in Europe.

8. The throats of the Dourbie

One of the most unknown jewels of Aveyron. These green gorges are located close to Millau and offer stunning views between the Black Causse and the Larzac Causse. These are 18 kilometers across the river where villages and hamlets of character will cross your road.

9. The Lévézou

The Plateau du Lévézou is located in the centre of Aveyron. Here oscillates a reserved natural space between lakes and mountains. So you can discover five artificial lakes. Lake Bages, Pont-de-Salars, Gourde, Pareloup and Villefranche-de-Panat.

10. The Abbey of Sylvanès

It is one of the first Cistercian abbeys built in Rouergue in the 12th century. The place is sacred and its architecture bears witness to one of the greatest spiritual and artistic moments of the West. The International Festival of Sacred Music and World Music takes place every year in July and August.

11. GR® 65

We're also surnamed him path of Santiago de Compostela . The roaming path is done on five days or stages by stages. There are 102 kilometers east in the West to explore in Aveyron. Each step will make you pass through must-sees in the region.

12. The most beautiful cities and villages in Aveyron

Millau

In the heart of the Grand Causses Regional Natural Park, Millau is rich in history. It is nicknamed the glove capital compared to its past where the work of quality skins has raised the city to this rank.

Prehistoric times are discovered with the Gaufesenque archaeological site, the Middle Ages with the remains of the Pont-Vieux and the contemporary era with the famous Millau viaduct and much more.

Conquests

We know when we get here why we love this village so much. Indeed, it is rare to see so many riches in the same place! Between the Abbey of Conques, masterpiece of Roman art, the treasure of Sainte-Foy, the bridge of Dourdou and the stained-glass windows Pierre Soulages difficult to choose.

Villefranche-de-Rouergue

Here you can see the typical pattern of the new cities of the Middle Ages in the southwest of France. Founded in the 12th century by Alphonse de Poitiers, the city has a quality historical architectural heritage.

• College

This bastide in the South Gothic style has put more than 300 years to be completed. The masterpiece of the collegial is the stalls of the sculptor André Sulpice at the bottom of the church. There are sixty-two in all.

• Restaurant at Noémie et Quentin de Top Chef

If you are looking for a place to stay and eat in the city, go to the restaurant l’Univers held by the two stars of the small screen. The cuisine is refined and creative, but above all highlights regional strengths.

Rodez

This is the cultural city in Aveyron. This is how she got the Country of Art and History label. Here, whether museum visits or walks through its alleys, enchantment is at the rendezvous. The Soulages Museum stands at the top of its contemporary Corten steel building. One of Rodez's jewels to visit in Aveyron to learn more about the French painter Pierre Soulages. It is also an opportunity to take a gourmet break at Bras Café

Sauveterre-de-Rouergue

A must-have medieval city if you go to the Aveyron and enjoy the stone houses or wood-pans that give the tone.

Belcastel

Landscape worthy of a postcard, impossible not to pass through this village. The ruined castle was completely renovated by Fernand Pouillon, one of the most eminent architects of the twentieth century.

Najac

Perched on a rocky stop, Najac is a village that stretches on a single street. A beautiful view of the Aveyron that flows down and a castle classified as Historical Monument.

Estaing

Located in the heart of the Lot Valley, this village offers stunning views of the Lot. A beautiful place.

Sainte-Eulalie de Cernon

Located on the Midi road, this village will immerse you in the history of the Hospitaller Templars. The place is ideal for walking or mountain biking walks among the 45 kilometers of marked trails. If you are looking for what to do in Aveyron in case of maussade time, do not hesitate to visit the Larzac Reptilarium.

13. Bozouls

The geological site of the Bozouls Canyon, known as Trou de Bouzouls, is the result of the erosive action of the waters. This is an impressive curiosity that you will need to visit in Aveyron. On 400 metres in diameter and 100 metres in depth, the site is classified as Sensible Natural Space to not disturb its remarkable fauna and flora.

14. The specialties of the terroir

Visiting Aveyron is also an opportunity to enjoy local specialities. Gastronomy, as in all regions of France, is an important aspect for the region.

• In dish, it is impossible not to test the food, the tripous, the stuffed, the cheese soup or the estofinado; the cheeses of Laguiole or the ferret;
• Link with cheese, such as Laguiole, Roquefort's cabis or the not less famous Rocamadour. All accompanied by an excellent wine by Marcillac. In the Lot valley, it is the civet of hare and deer, but also the qunelles of trout or the wines that make sensation;
• Finally, finish in beauty with either a cake at the pin, or a whip, a dessert located between the bun and the cake. Or an oil pump, made on the basis of brioche paste.

How do I go to the Aveyron?

If you come from a distance, you can arrive:

• By plane at Rodez Airport directly. Direct lines from Paris or Brussels are arranged. The use of a comparison of such flights Ulysses However, it will be useful to find the schedules and rates that are appropriate to you;
• To come by train, Rodez train station is also a good compromise. However, a change will be required during your journey;
• By car, from theA20 orA71 if you come from the North of France, or fromA47 from the East andA20 from the southwest;
• It is also possible to take the bus and to arrive at the bus station of Rodez or Millau.

Where to stay in Aveyron?

To fully enjoy your holiday in Aveyron, the region offers diversified accommodations. From simple hotel or Airbnb , to more atypical rentals like huts or yurts in nature on the highest plateaus.

The advantage of Aveyron is not to know the phenomenon of mass tourism. This leaves the opportunity to find housing with a good value for money. Look at one Compare hotels online to compare the offers. Our advice is to focus on it Aubrac if you are looking for peace and desert landscapes, Millau and its surroundings for sports activities, Rodez to be the most in the center and the side of Villefranche-de-Rouergue for atypical villages and medieval cities.