Bozouls A marvel of nature

In the heart of the Causse Comtal, the Canyon de Bozouls offers a spectacular and unexpected discovery. Boasting breathtaking panoramas, this sensitive natural area, with its incredible biodiversity, will take you on a geological journey through the millennia.

Bozouls Canyon Birth of a nugget

It was theerosion of this limestone plateau – a causse – by the Dourdou river over millions of years that gave rise to the Canyon de Bozouls. At the heart of this gorge, which stretches for several kilometers, you’ll find a horseshoe-shaped meander in the village, known to its inhabitants as lo traouc – the hole – in Occitan.

With a diameter of almost 400 m and a depth of around 100 m, its dimensions are remarkable. And yet it’s not a chasm, but a canyon… How would you like to discover its mysteries?

Learn more about canyon formation

What to see in Bozouls The must-haves

Explore Bozouls (and its trails!)

The viewpoints from Place de Mairie and Rue du Trou
Therocky outcrop of suspended houses,
and theRomanesque church of Sainte-Fauste
The Gourg d’enfer waterfall, visible from the lookouts or from the PR1 bridge.
Le Saut du mendiant on the spur above the waterfall
Medieval towers

Let yourself be guided and discover the secrets of the village through our interactive walk!

Bozouls digital circuit

Bozouls and men Legendary defensive site

An obvious natural stronghold, Bozouls was settled in Gallo-Roman times to take advantage of its location. The original village was built on therocky outcrop. Bordered by a river and surrounded by cliffs, access to the oppidum – a fortified village – was easy to defend. The Counts of Rodez maintained this defensive position by building their castle, which has now disappeared. Gradually, houses were built on the other side of the river, towards the Bozouls of today, which can be seen from the Place de la Mairie.

Built at the end of this promontory, theRomanesque church of Sainte Fauste overlooks the Dourdou at a dizzying height. Legend links it to the birth of this incredible site. Push open the door of the building, whose interior features details as surprising as its delicate position on the edge of a precipice.

How to hike (and walk) in the Canyon de Bozouls?

3 trails (PR)

1h to 2h30 on foot
2.5 to 6 km

Departure

Place de la Mairie
common to all 3 PRs

Download

Trail map

Enjoy spectacular panoramic views and get as close as possible to the Dourdou by following one of our 3 main trails (PR). Sheltered by the cliffs, you’ll plunge into an exotic world lulled by the course of the river, which you’ll cross via footbridges. The signs on the botanical trail will introduce you to the plant and animal species that thrive here. An ancestral practice on the causse,ecopastoralism helps to maintain the site. If you’re lucky, you’ll come across the canyon’s gardeners! Donkeys graze on the paths, while goats perform stunts at the top of the cliffs.

Bozouls is both a village and an extraordinary natural site. The best way to discover it is to put on your sneakers or opt for soft mobility! Whether on foot, horseback or mountain bike, the Canyon de Bozouls always has a thrilling adventure in store for you!

Take the adventure a step further and follow theold railroad line from Bertholène to Espalion, passing through Bozouls and Gabriac. An astonishing route full of relief and surprises, with tunnels and viaducts between the Causse Comtal and the Lot and Dourdou valleys.

Bozouls For Reveurs 2020 Credit Maxime Authier 111

Silence, it's spinning!

Bozouls has recently attracted the attention of series producers in France and even on the other continent! In 2024, it was in the spotlight with the American production of Mr Spade, retracing the adventures of the main character in the famous Maltese Falcon, as well as the French detective series L’Éclipse, starring Anne Charrier and Claire Keim.