Tourism in Aveyron : major sites from the Lot Valley to Aubrac
Aveyron is packed with exceptional sites that highlight the region's cultural, historical and natural heritage. Here are a few must-sees to visit during your stay between the Lot Valley and Aubrac!
The Gorges du Tarn et de la Jonte, classified as a "Grand Site de France".
An emblematic natural site in southern Aveyron, the Gorges du Tarn et de la Jonte were awarded the "Grand Site de France" label in 2024. These spectacular canyons, which stretch for almost 70 km, are among the largest in Europe. The destination attracts nearly a million visitors every year. There are plenty of outdoor activities on offer, including hiking, canyoning, via ferrata, caving, climbing, swimming and canoeing. During your escape, be sure to make a diversion to Sainte-Enimie (listed as one of France's most beautiful villages), La Malène (a small town full of character) or Saint-Chély-du-Tarn.
Conques, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
Conques is a place steeped in history and a remarkable natural site. This stage village on the Pilgrim's Way to Santiago de Compostela is home to the 11th-century Romanesque abbey church, with its tympanum of the Last Judgement, the famous reliquary statue of Sainte-Foy and stained-glass windows by Pierre Soulages. Stroll through the cobbled streets of the old village, visit the European Centre for Medieval Art and Civilisation and cross the bridge over the Dourdou.
The Aveyron Gorges, Occitan Tuscany
To the south-west of Villefranche-de-Rouergue, in the Causses region, the Aveyron river winds its way between the high limestone cliffs of the Causses du Quercy. From Belcastel to Bruniquel, between canyons and bastides, it's the ideal playground for outdoor activities: hiking, mountain biking, canoeing, fishing, canyoning and rafting. Villefranche-de-Rouergue, Saint-Antonin-Noble-Val and Najac are all worth a visit for lovers of history and old stone.
The Causse du Larzac, a Grandeur Nature escape
Situated in the heart of the Grands Causses Regional Nature Park, in the south of the Aveyron department, the Causse du Larzac is a vast plateau covering 1,000 km² between Millau (Aveyron) and Lodève (Hérault). In the midst of the "Causses and Cévennes" landscapes, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the GR® 71 invites you to discover the history of the Knights Templar and Hospitallers at La Couvertoirade, Sainte-Eulalie-de-Cernon and Saint-Jean d'Alcas.
The Aubrac Plateau, where Aveyron, Cantal and Lozère meet
Aubrac, classified as a Regional Nature Park in 2018, is shared between Aveyron, Cantal and Lozère. The Aubrac plateau is criss-crossed by a number of long-distance footpaths (GR), such as the Pilgrim's Way to Santiago de Compostela (GR® 65), the Tour des Monts d'Aubrac and the Chemin de Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert, as well as numerous short-distance footpaths (PR). In winter, the Aubrac welcomes skiers (downhill and cross-country) to several mid-mountain resorts. Aubrac is also the land of the burons and the Aubrac cows, whose milk is used to make the Aligot tomme cheese: a speciality not to be missed!
The Lot Valley and its Bastides
This valley in the north of the Aveyron département separates the Monts d'Aubrac from the limestone plateaux to the north of Rodez and Séverac-le-Château. The upper reaches of the Lot offer landscapes of forests and pastures, with typical architecture (red sandstone houses) and numerous villages well worth a visit: Estaing, Saint-Côme-d'Olt, Saint-Géniez-d'Olt and Sainte-Eulalie-d'Olt. Nature lovers will love the many activities on offer in the Lot Valley: hiking, cycling, canoeing, white water sports, horse riding, tree climbing...
Rodez and the Soulages Museum
A town of art and history in Aveyron, 30km from Espalion, Rodez is famous for its listed monuments such as Notre-Dame cathedral, the episcopal palace and the church of Saint-Amans. The capital of Rouergue is also home to the Soulages museum, dedicated to the famous contemporary painter Pierre Soulages. The museum is one of the ten most visited museums in France.
The Millau Viaduct, the giant of Aveyron
A masterpiece of French architecture, the Millau Viaduct has long been the longest and highest bridge in the world, at 2,460 metres long and 343 metres high. Overlooking the Tarn valley, it links Clermont-Ferrand, Béziers and Narbonne on the A75 motorway. Guided tours, an exhibition and old construction site tracks will help you discover its history, records and secrets. A must-see!
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- holiday villages for families, couples and groups of friends
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