Travel guide Aveyron

Aveyron is the authentic department par excellence. Large preserved spaces, a rigorously maintained historical heritage, the priority given to organic or integrated agriculture, and, beyond that, a very strong link between men and their territory, give indeed to Aveyron this true and generous character that tourists like so much.

If the Soulages Museum, inaugurated by François Hollande in 2014, has put the spotlight on Aveyron, culture was already very present in the life of the Aveyron people before it. Through a few major festivals, but above all through the action of a multitude of actors, all over the territory, who sing, dance and play on a daily basis.

The discovery of Aveyron gives birth to multiple emotions. One marvels at the cathedral of Rodez or the abbey church of Conques. We are subjugated by the prowess of the architects of the Millau viaduct. You can be scared by the via ferrata, paragliding or canyoning. And you will find serenity in front of the masterly landscapes of the Aubrac.

Aveyron's gastronomy is a heritage and the department's restaurateurs are its guardians. Lovers of good products - local if possible - they maintain this culinary heritage through high quality menus, which give pride of place to local specialities: charcuterie, aligot, truffade, estofinade, local cheeses...

Nature is still predominant in Aveyron. Through two regional natural parks, Aubrac and Grands Causses. Through an exceptionally rich fauna and forest. And also through structures (Maison de la cerise, de la châtaigne, de la truffe...) which here and there defend and promote the products to which nature has given birth.

Bowling is to Aveyron what pétanque is to Marseille: an institution! The game was codified around 1912 by the Aveyronnais of Paris and championships have been organized ever since.

The shots are made at several imposed distances (from 1 to 20 m), with a ball with handle weighing from 3,5 to 6 kg and a less heavy "playing" pin.

Crossed by the famous road to Santiago de Compostela, Aveyron is a great place for hiking. Hundreds of kilometers of trails wind their way through the mountains and valleys, gorges and plateaus of the region. And many professionals are on hand to help you discover all their resources.

It is after the Revolution that Rouergue became Aveyron. But the term Rouergue is still very much alive in the daily vocabulary of the inhabitants of the department. It is a rough name which comes from a Gallic tribe, the Rutènes, settled on a vast territory going from Aubrac to Larzac, from the Black Mountain to the Cevennes and to the Gévaudan.

Aveyron is the first sheep-farming department in France. And agriculture is particularly efficient, notably because of its famous sectors (Roquefort, Aubrac beef...). Beyond this farming dimension, the territory has remained predominantly rural. An identity that nourishes the minds and local public policies on a daily basis.

Solidarity characterizes the inhabitants of the territory, who stick together in all circumstances and help each other to succeed. This is particularly true for the Aveyronnais in Paris (there are an estimated 350,000 of them in the capital!), who are famous for their close-knit network and their annual meeting in October for the Marché des pays.

In addition to the traditions linked to gastronomy, Aveyron remains attached to its local history. Through folklore groups, the museums of Montrozier (archaeology) and Salles-la-Source (arts and crafts) and certain events (Estivada, sheep festival, agricultural fairs, etc.), Aveyron customs are shared with the general public.

Authenticity, quality, passion, conviviality, but also pugnacity, reliability and respect are among the intrinsic values of Aveyron. They are notably defended through two precious tools: the label "Made in Aveyron" and the shared brand "Aveyron Vivre Vrai", supported by Aveyron Ambition Attractiveness.