Aveyron

Overview

Key Facts

• Type of place: department.

• Location: in the southern Massif Central.

• Department code: 12.

• Bordering departments: Cantal, Gard, Hérault, Lot, Lozère, Tarn, and Tarn-et-Garonne.

• Prefecture: Rodez.

• Sub-prefectures: Millau and Villefranche-de-Rouergue.

• Number of communes: 285.

• Population: 278,644 inhabitants (2014).

• Area: 8,735 km².

• Highest point: Les Cazalets (1,463 m).

• Lowest point:

• Coastline: 0 km; no maritime access.

• Highlights (out of ★★★★): Nature ★★★; Adventure ★; Culture ★★; Relaxation/Holidays ★/ ★★

• Website: http://www.tourisme-aveyron.com

History of Aveyron

Geography and Environment

Culture and Economy

What to See in Aveyron

• What to See in Occitanie and Aveyron

Like most of its neighbors, Aveyron is a predominantly rural department that will delight nature lovers with its rocky plateaus (Causses, Larzac...), gorges, and deep valleys. In addition, it boasts a rich cultural heritage with its many medieval towns and Templar cities, not to mention its ten communes labeled "Plus Beaux Villages de France."

What to Do in Aveyron

- Swimming and water activities: no beaches here, but lakes and equipped water sports centers (see details).

- Horseback riding: equestrian centers as well as opportunities for rides and hikes for all levels and durations (see details).

- Cycling: given its landscape, villages, and quiet roads, the region is highly popular with cycling enthusiasts (see details).

- White-water sports: canoeing, kayaking, paddleboarding, rafting, canyoning, and white-water swimming—the rivers of Aveyron offer plenty of options for fans (see details).

- Climbing and caving: Aveyron has its share of climbing sites, plus via ferrata options. Underground caves can also be explored with guidance (see details).

- Golf: a few golf (and mini-golf) courses available in the department (see details).

- Fishing: the Aveyron countryside has 7,000 km of rivers and around forty lakes. Trout, pike, and carp are among the catches (see details).

- Hiking: the department is a paradise for walkers, with 1,250 km of long-distance trails (GR 65 and 71) and 5,300 km of walking and hiking paths. Several trail-running routes are also available (see details).

- Wellness: spas and balneotherapy in Aveyron (see details).

- Winter sports: Aveyron isn’t the first department that comes to mind for winter activities, but there are two ski resorts in Aubrac offering ski touring, snowshoeing, and dog sledding (see details).

- Mountain biking: in addition to cycling, on marked trails or specific routes (see details).

- From the sky: Aveyron seen from above—hot-air balloon, microlight, paragliding, hang gliding, parachuting, or gliding. Bungee jumping is also an option (see details).

Climate and Weather

Due to its geographical position, Aveyron sits at a "climatic crossroads." It can be divided into three zones: the west has a mild oceanic climate, the north has a harsher mountain climate, and the south has a Mediterranean climate with cold winters and dry summers.

Transport

Getting There

Getting Around

Accommodation

Food

Further Information