Aveyronpage 1/2


 

Location map		  

Aveyron is one of the largest departments in France. Located to the southern edge of the Massif Central, it is made up of high rocky plateaus cut by deep valleys at the bottom of which flow the rivers Truyère, Lot, Aveyron or Tarn.

The department has an exceptional natural heritage. From the arid lands of the Larzac to the high volcanic plateaus of Aubrac via the red soil of Camarès or the limestone chaos of Montpellier-le-Vieux, Aveyron offers a great diversity of landscapes

In the south of the department and straddling the Lozère, the Grands-Causses alone constitute one of the largest natural spaces in Europe. Subject to continental, Mediterranean and mountain climatic influences, this region is rich in fauna and flora. Many species of nesting birds and endemic plants attract more and more discerning enthusiasts every year. This territory marked by millennia of pastoralism also shelters an architectural heritage (sheepfolds, barns, lavognes ...) which is emblematic of the landscapes of the Causses region.

  




Steppe landscapes of Causse Méjean (top, center). Tarn gorge from the Roc-des-Hourtous (bottom)


Multi-head trimmer - Plateau of Guilhaumard


Roundabout - Roquefort-sur-SoulzonPastoralism - Tiergues


Aveyron is full of flower species from the most common to the rarest. Orchids have pride of place with 72 species listed out of around 160 listed in France. Among them, two species are particularly emblematic of the Grands-Causses: Ophrys aveyronensis and Ophrys aymoninii. These two gems alone attract a good number of orchids lovers from all over Europe. More common although rare in the south of France, Cypripedium calceolus is also present in the gorges of Tarn river (Lozère) or Jonte river (Aveyron).



Ophrys aveyronensis, Cypripedium calceolus and Ophrys aymoninii


The Causses of Larzac and Guilhaumard are particularly rich in species. These are sites widely prospected by amateurs who, towards the end of May, survey the dry lawns in search of Ophrys and Orchis. Among the most famous places are the towns of Lapanouse-de-Cernon, La Couvertoirade, Cornus or Le Clapier. Many hybrids are also present on these sites where the undulating relief offers great panoramic views.




Various hybrids of Ophrys (The names appear when the pointer is passed over the photos)


In addition to orchids, many other plants can be observed on the Causses. By the end of May, it is not uncommon to find on dry lawns the elegant Pasque Flower (Pulsatilla vulgaris and its variety costeana), the Causses Aster (Aster alpinus ssp. cebennensis) a close cousin of that of the Alps or the pinnate Stipe (Stipa pennata) also called angel hair. The Poet's Daffodil (Narcissus poeticus) and the Common Aquilegia (Aquilegia vulgaris) prefer more humid environments (meadows, undergrowth or roadside embankments). On the causses, messicole plants such as the cornflower (Centaurea cyanus) or the poppy (Papaver rhoeas) brighten up the cereal fields with their bright colors.



Pasque flower, Causse Aster, Poet's Daffodil, Common columbine, Common hepatica, Pasque flower, Starthistles


Cornflower and Common Poppy... flowers all the time


On these plateaus the always flush stone constitutes the basic material for the constructions. Lauzes roofs, subtle arches and vaults embellish many farms and hamlets. You can admire the Caussenarde architecture by visiting the Templar and hospitable places of Sainte- ulalie de Cernon, La Couvertoirade, La Cavalerie or Le Viala du Pas de Jaux. Among these listed sites, La Couvertoirade which was built in 1249 by the Templars constitutes a true miniature of the medieval city.

La Couvertoirade


Village of La Crouze (Gorges du Tarn)


Lavogne (left) and stemless carline thistle (right)



 

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