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Getaway in Aubrac Nature in its raw state

Discover the unspoilt magic of the Aubrac Regional Nature Park, a land of contrasts and diversity with a distinct identity. Over the centuries, man has forged the distinctive character of this raw treasure of granite and basalt. At the foot of the plateau, the Lot Valley and Truyère Gorges mark the border of this ancient volcanic massif. Explore these mythical and mystical lands and soak up their unique atmosphere!

Our favorites and soon yours!

For a day’s escapade from our valleys, Aubrac offers unique landscapes right on our doorstep and a multitude of outdoor activities to get some fresh air. Discover the must-sees of Aubrac through our list of favorites.

#1 Landscapes character

The Aubrac is a land of endless expanses, where burons, crosses and rocky outcrops serve as landmarks for hikers and pilgrims on their ancestral trails. But the plateau and its foothills are also populated by waterfalls, enchanting lakes, immense forests, rushing rivers and surprising geological sites. So many magical places to exercise, hike, fish, swim or simply marvel.

  • We recommend
    • The villages ofAubrac and Saint-Chély-d’Aubrac, starting points for numerous hikes, and a visit to the Maison de l’Aubrac, which presents the region’s landscapes and endemic plants.
    • The Route des Lacs from Nasbinals, with a stop at the surprising Cascade du Déroc basalt waterfall.
    • The Cascade du Saut du chien with its incredible panorama of the Château de Valon, or the Cascade de la Devèze in the heart of the forest.
    • Nearby lakes for swimming: Lac La Selve, also known as Lac de Maury, in Saint-Amans-des-Côts, and Lac des Galens in Soulages-Bonneval.
    • Fishing lakes nearby: Lac de Sarrans, Lac des Picades and Lac des Moines at Saint-Chély-d’Aubrac.
    • Take a trip to the Presqu’île de Laussac, a listed site.

#2 His cows The stars of the set

On this high – alto – and humid – braco – land, man has braved the harsh climate to develop a breed of cattle that is now emblematic of the region: the Aubrac breed. These hardy, beautiful cows with made-up eyes have adapted perfectly to their terroir, supplying meat and milk. They are the symbol of an agro-pastoral tradition that is still very much alive, and which lives to the rhythm of the seasons. In the pastures or on transhumance days, you can’t help but fall in love with their gentle eyes!

#3 Its gastronomy comforting

To brave the harsh climate, there’s nothing like the rich, comforting gastronomy of Aubrac! Made from raw milk on the plateau, its cheeses perpetuate the tradition inherited from the buronniers and will surprise you with their character. From Laguiole to Écir to Thérondels, your taste buds will find plenty to choose from. The emblematic fresh Aubrac tome is used to makealigot or truffade (also known as retortilla), which can be enjoyed in a buron, accompanied by fresh sausage or a good slab of Aubrac beef. Let’s eat!

  • We recommend

    The Jeune Montagne cooperative, present in Laguiole and Thérondels, will show you the secrets of making these two emblematic cheeses. But it’s also possible to visit farms.

#4 Routes in Aubrac 2 must-see trails

– Covering 165km in 8 days, the GR® de Pays – Tour des Monts d’Aubrac takes you across the vast grassy plateau between Lozère, Cantal and Aveyron. Granitic rocks, traditional burons and rounded peaks will tell you all about the authentic soul of Aubrac, and will be your travelling companions on trails where silence reigns, in an invitation to slowness and contemplation.

– From Le Puy-en-Velay, the GR®65 to Santiago de Compostela winds its way through Aubrac before reaching our villages in the Lot Valley. Like the section linking Saint-Côme-d’Olt/Espalion/Estaing, the Nasbinals/Saint-Chély-d’Aubrac section is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. From the bridge over the Bès to the Domerie d’Aubrac, symbol of the past power of the monks who shaped this territory, follow in the footsteps of pilgrims on this mythical path of exceptional heritage.

#5 His knife Ancestral know-how

Aubrac is, of course, synonymous with the art of cutlery. France’s most famous knife is thought to have appeared in Laguiole around 1800. A peasant’s tool par excellence, it was designed for everyday use, including prayer. Practical and aesthetic, it is inspired by nature. Handles are traditionally made of horn or local woods. It can be distinguished by its characteristic bee, essential for flower reproduction.

  • We recommend

    In Laguiole, in the various cutlery stores, select THE piece of your choice and discover the history and techniques of assembly and production.

#6 A multi-season destination

Aubrac offers a lively spectacle in every season. Discover the beauty of its snow-covered landscapes, among daffodils, narcissi and orchids, witness an explosion of flowers in spring, shiver under the echo of the stag’s bellow in the heart of autumn’s shimmering forests, and confront the variations of its skies, which can change in an instant from deep gray to brilliant blue.

Outstanding flora and biodiversity 

From the rich flora that flourishes in the pastures, the famous Maison Bras has made its main culinary asset for a unique taste experience. Traditionally, gentian, Aubrac tea, mushrooms and wild garlic are found in everyday consumption. Daffodils, which carpet the fields by the thousands, are distilled into luxury perfumes. Extraordinary fauna thrives in these vast landscapes, which the Aubrac Regional Nature Park is committed to preserving.

The Regional Nature Park de l'Aubrac

  • 3 departments :Aveyron, Cantal and Lozère
  • 2regions: Occitanie and Auvergne Rhône-Alpes
  • 2,282 km²surface area 1/3 wooded, 2/3 agricultural, mostly natural meadows
  • 1/4 of the territory covered by protected natural areas
  • 5UNESCO World Heritagesites
  • 68 or 64 ? communes, including 6 villages in our territory: Coubisou, Entraygues-sur-Truyère, Estaing, Le Cayrol, Saint-Côme-d’Olt, Le Nayrac + Lassouts (associated commune)
  • 2250 km of waterways
  • Highest point : Signal du Mailhebiau (1469 m)
  • Lowest point: Entraygues-sur-Truyère (250 m)*
  • Population: 30,000

All responsible Let's preserve this natural treasure

  • My garbage has no place in nature
  • I admire flowers, berries and plants without picking them – many are protected.
  • My dog’s presence is tolerated as long as it’s not running at large.
  • I keep my distance from herds and close fences behind me.
  • To each his own… I only use marked hiking trails.
  • I share the mountain with respect for all its users (hikers, cyclists, riders, hunters, farmers, etc.) and for the rules of the road (speeding, respectful parking, etc.).
  • To preserve wildlife, I move silently, leaving each natural element or living creature in its place.
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