Aveyron is a lush, mid-mountain region, with magnificent landscapes grazed by flocks and herds. Emblematic sites include Rodez, with its cathedral and Soulages museum, and Millau, with its viaduct overlooking the Tarn valley. The department is characterized by typical geological formations, such as the limestone Grands Causses, the red earth Rougiers and the marls. There's also the volcanic and granite Aubrac, the Levézou mountains and lakes, the Rougier de Camarès, the Larzac and its sheep, the Tarn gorges and the Marcillac wine-growing valley. The landscapes of this département are breathtaking. So, what's there to do in Aveyron? Follow us on a tour of Aveyron's must-sees.
1. Rodez and its cathedral, a must-see in Aveyron
Rodez is a city brimming with architecturally remarkable buildings. These include the episcopal palace, the canonical house, the Raynaldy tower and the remains of the Gallo-Roman forum. On your way to the Place d'Estaing, don't hesitate to pass under the porch to admire the inner courtyard adorned with gargoyles and Gothic arches. Notre-Dame Cathedral, imposing and majestic, is also one of the town's must-sees, and is open to visitors free of charge all year round. To discover the architectural riches of the old town, a signposted tour is available in several places. It allows you to wander through the narrow pedestrian streets and discover Rodez's hidden treasures. Last but not least, don't miss the Musée Soulages, an exceptional museum housing a collection unique in the world.
2. Millau and its viaduct
Millau is famous for its viaduct, considered to be the most beautiful corkscrew in the world. In fact, it's one of the most beautiful places to see in the Occitanie region. To learn more about its history, a walking tour is recommended. The charming Place du Maréchal-Foch has retained its fine arcades built between the 12th and 16th centuries, as well as a beautiful fountain. The square is also home to Notre-Dame church, an ancient Romanesque building rebuilt in the 17th century, whose choir is adorned with magnificent frescoes. In the heart of the town, the belfry is an ancient 12th-century square tower, topped by an octagonal tower in the 18th century. The 42-metre-high tower offers a breathtaking view of the city. Not to be missed!
Looking for an unusual experience during your stay in the area? Book this bungee jump from the bridge at Sainte Eulalie, near Millau!
3. What to do in Aveyron Visit Conques
Conques is one of the 25 most beautiful villages in France. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, Conques is a village set in lush greenery and considered an essential stopover on the Pilgrim's Way to Santiago de Compostela. To discover its treasures, it's best to visit on foot, as car traffic is forbidden. Strolling along the cobbled streets with their central gutter, you can admire the half-timbered and corbelled houses, as well as the lauze roofs. Among the monuments not to be missed, the 11th and 12th century Abbey Sainte-Foy is a real gem. Here you can admire stained glass windows by Pierre Soulages and the exceptional tympanum of the Last Judgement. All in all, Conques offers a real journey back in time to the heart of the Middle Ages.
4. Roquefort sur Soulzon and its cellars
This village, situated at an altitude of 630 meters in the Grands Causses regional nature park, has given its name to a famous cheese, Roquefort. According to legend, the cheese was born after a young shepherd abandoned his rye bread and ewe's curd to chase a young lady. By the time he returned, the bread had gone mouldy, transmitting its blue color to the cheese. Julius Caesar is even said to have eaten a cheese with an uncanny resemblance to Roquefort during the siege of Alesia. Today, the making and maturing of Roquefort has become a genuine tourist product, attracting thousands of visitors every year to the streets of the village to buy the famous cheese in classic, artisanal or organic versions. You can visit the cellars of two companies, Société and Papillon, as well as the Coulet eco-museum.
5.Sylvanès Abbey, Aveyron's Cistercian monument
Sylvanès Abbey, founded by the companions of Saint Bernard in the 12th century, was the first Cistercian abbey built in Rouergue. The monks were expelled during the French Revolution, but the abbey has retained half of its buildings, including the abbey church, the ribbed cloister, the former sacristy and the scriptorium. This jewel of Cistercian art boasts the largest nave in France, giving it exceptional acoustic capabilities. It has recently been fitted with the largest modern organ in Occitanie and stained glass windows that enhance the musicality and luminosity of the site. For over 40 years, the abbey has hosted the annual Festival International de Musique du Monde - Musiques Sacrées, which has become a not-to-be-missed summer event in Aveyron.
6. The City of Stones, an "imaginary city
It's an imaginary town, seemingly designed by nature... Overlooking the Dourbie gorges, the Cité de pierres is a 120-hectare natural site made up of limestone rocks eroded by water. The most spectacular part is the chaos of Montpellier-le-Vieux, which extends over 120 hectares in the commune of La Roque-Sainte-Marguerite. The shapes of the rocks are reminiscent of building ruins, and the attractions are varied: six walking itineraries, a train to discover the site effortlessly, a via ferrata with five zip lines and the Explor'Games. Sports enthusiasts and nature lovers alike can enjoy the exceptional panoramas created by the receding ocean.
7. The village of Laguiole
One of Aveyron's villages of character is Laguiole, known for its tradition of livestock farming and 19th-century cutlery-making. Walking down the square, you can admire the monumental Taureau de Laguiole, the work of sculptor Georges Lucien Guyot, which has become the symbol of the Aubrac breed and a good-luck charm for passers-by who touch it. A visit to the cutlery workshops is a must to discover the know-how and pride of the village, located at an altitude of almost 900 metres in Aubrac. Raw-milk cheese is made here, as are the artisanal knives of the same name. All in all, Laguiole is well worth a visit for its heritage and craftsmanship.
8. The Gorges du Tarn, a must-see in Aveyron
They're one of the hottest destinations to visit in France, and one of the most beautiful places to see in Lozère. The Gorges du Tarn, located in the heart of the Grands Causses Regional Nature Park, offer splendid landscapes listed as a Unesco World Heritage site. You'll be able to enjoy magnificent hikes, horseback rides and bike rides, and perhaps catch a glimpse of griffon vultures. Fans of white-water sports, such as canoeing and climbing, will also be delighted to discover this unspoilt natural environment. It's also a place rich in history, with the Route des Seigneurs du Rouergue offering many medieval castles to visit.
Click here to book your canoeing trip in the Gorges du Tarn. It's a great way to discover sublime landscapes and get your fill of adventure!
9. Micropolis, city of insects, in Lévézou
Micropolis is a unique, fun place dedicated to insects. It offers a scenography halfway between a museum and a theme park, with fifteen themed and interactive areas to help children and adults alike discover the extraordinary world of insects. Micropolis is also home to the Carnival of Insects, an open-air promenade featuring giant insect sculptures. New events are added every season. Micropolis is a must-see place to immerse yourself in the fascinating world of insects.
10. La Couvertoirade, the best-known Knights Templar and Hospitaller site
Located in the heart of the Larzac plateau, La Couvertoirade is a village where history mingles with legend. In fact, it's one of the best-known Templar and Hospitaller sites. In the 12th century, the Knights Templar settled on the Larzac lands following a donation, and built a defensive castle unique in France (the only one built by the Knights Templar in the 13th century). In 1312, the Templar order was dissolved and the Hospitallers became the new masters of the town. They built the city walls in five years to protect themselves against the "Routiers". The Hôtel de la Scipione is a perfect reminder of this period. And don't miss the communal oven, the church and the largest lavogne on the Larzac, all of which have contributed to the reputation of la Couvertoirade.
Interested in this period of French history? Discover the 15 most beautiful Cathar castles to visit in Occitanie.
11. Pradinas animal park
Aveyron is the perfect destination for a vacation in France with children ! Created in 1989, this 20-hectare animal park is home to some 30 species of mammal, several species of bird of prey and exotic birds, including many parrots. A 3 km loop allows you to discover all this wildlife. The park is designed to provide a pleasant family outing, with a stopover at the miniature farm where children can see dwarf animals. An exhibition room is dedicated to deer and other park animals.
12. Monts et lacs du Lévézou: a protected natural area in the heart of Aveyron
Aveyron isn't one of the best countryside destinations for nothing. Located in the heart of the department, the Lévézou plateau is distinguished by its dominant colors of green and blue. In this unspoilt natural area, fields stand side by side with five man-made lakes: Bages, Pont-de-Salars, la Gourde, Pareloup and Villefranche-de-Panat. The pleasures to be discovered on Lévézou include swimming and water sports such as windsurfing, canoeing, water-skiing, jet-skiing and pedal-boating. Hiking is also an ideal activity in this corner of Aveyron, which alternates between lakes and mountains. For information and advice, visit the Pareloup-Lévézou tourist office, located at the bottom of the village of Pont-de-Salars, on the Place de la Rivière. Several brochures are available.
13. What to do in Aveyron Visit the Cistercian Fort of Saint Jean D'Alcas
At the foot of the Causse du Larzac, in a typical Causse landscape, lies the fort of Saint-Jean-et-Saint-Paul, a little gem of Cistercian architecture. Your visit begins in front of the Pourtal, the fort's main entrance. Admire the imposing, defensive facade of the ramparts, then enter the fort to admire the four lanes and 15th-century houses. Next, head for the church , whose construction began in the 13th century. Contemplate the sobriety of its architecture, characteristic of Cistercian churches, and the Gothic elements adorning its choir and chapels. Next, climb the pepper tower in the upper part of the fort. From here, you can admire the Larzac foothills, the Saint-Paul des Fonts and Tournemire cirques, the Combalou and Lévézou mountains. The tour ends with a visit to the refuge room , built in 1356, and the abbess's dwelling.
14. Do a section of the GR®65 following the Pilgrim's Way to Santiago de Compostela
Aveyron is criss-crossed by the GR®65, a 5500 km hiking trail that follows the Chemins de Saint Jacques de Compostelle and is one of the most beautiful long-distance hiking trails in France. In this département, the trail stretches for 102 km and offers a beautiful hike across the Aveyron steppes. In five days, hikers can cover this section of the GR®65 and discover Aveyron's varied landscapes, from arid plateaus to verdant valleys. The trail passes through picturesque villages and historic sites such as Conques and its abbey, and the Millau Viaduct. A unique experience for nature and history lovers, Aveyron is one of the best places to go hiking.
Starting out on the Camino de Santiago de Compostela? Discover our dedicated article "Chemin de St Jacques de Compostelle: 12 tips for success"
15. Taste the culinary specialities of Aveyron
Aveyron is a department renowned for its rich and varied cuisine, typical of French gastronomy! These include aligot, a dish based on potatoes and fresh tome cheese, which has become a veritable symbol of Aveyron cuisine. Roquefort, a blue-veined ewe's milk cheese, is also a local staple. Tripoux, a speciality based on stuffed mutton belly, and estofinado, a dish of stockfish (dried fish) accompanied by potatoes, are also typical Aveyron dishes. If you're in the mood for a comforting soup, cheese soup is for you! It's made with bread, cheese and stock, and is usually served au gratin.
For those with a sweet tooth, gâteau à la broche, a cone-shaped pastry made from crêpe batter and baked on a spit, and flaune de Millau, a dried fruit and cream tart, are desserts not to be missed.
What to do in Aveyron with children?
If you're planning to visit Aveyron with children, you should know that this département is packed with wildlife sites that will delight young and old alike, and is one of the best places to go on a family vacation. Among the must-sees is Micropolis, the city of insects, located in Lévézou. This fun and educational theme park lets you discover the fascinating world of insects in a fun and interactive way.
The Pradinas animal park is also an ideal place for families to visit. It is home to many species of animals, from mammals to birds and reptiles, and offers entertainment and shows for children. The Jardin des Bêtes de Gages (Montrozier) is a zoological park with farm and exotic animals, and offers fun and educational activities for children.
If your children have a passion for reptiles, don't miss the Reptilarium du Larzac, home to an impressive collection of snakes, lizards and turtles.
What to visit in Aveyron in 5 days?
Aveyron is a department rich in natural and cultural heritage, offering many possibilities for travelers to visit. In just five days, you can discover the region's must-see sites.First of all, a visit to the town of Rodez is a must, with its Notre-Dame cathedral and Soulages museum. Then it's on to Conques, a medieval village ranked as one of the most beautiful in France, and home to Sainte-Foy Abbey and its treasure trove of Romanesque art. On the third day, the Tarn gorges offer spectacular scenery, with breathtaking cliffs and turquoise waters. On the fourth day, the Larzac plateau and its caussenard landscapes are well worth the detour, with the Fort des Dames and the village of La Couvertoirade. Finally, on the fifth day, the Millau Viaduct, the highest in the world, is an engineering marvel not to be missed. These five days in Aveyron will enable you to discover the riches of this region and enjoy its breathtaking landscapes.
What are the most beautiful villages to visit in Aveyron?
Aveyron is a French department brimming with picturesque villages steeped in history. Among the most beautiful villages to visit in Aveyron are :
- Conques, a medieval village listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, famous for its abbey and its treasure trove of Romanesque art. It is one of the most beautiful medieval villages in France.
- Belcastel, a hilltop village dominated by its 15th-century fortified castle.
- Najac , a fortified village built on a rocky ridge, with its 13th-century castle and cobbled streets.
- Sauveterre-de-Rouergue , a 13th-century bastide, with its arcaded central square and half-timbered houses.
- Sainte-Eulalie-d'Olt, a village on the banks of the River Lot, with its turreted houses and terraced gardens.
- Saint-Côme-d'Olt, a medieval village built around a Benedictine abbey, with half-timbered houses and cobbled streets.
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