Would you like to discover the treasures of our beautiful country? Visit the Aubrac Regional Nature Park, France’s newest heritage gem!
« Douce France, cher pays de mon enfance » sang Charles Trenet. And yet, with the advent of global tourism, it’s easier for us to leave our homeland and visit the other side of the world. On the face of it, this is perfectly normal, since a change of scenery is what dreams are made of, and unfamiliar cultures arouse curiosity. But let’s not forget that our country is rich in heritage, culture, nature and even gastronomy. So, set off to discover the Aubrac Regional Nature Park, which straddles three départements: Aveyron, Cantal and Lozère; and two regions: Occitanie and Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes. Created in 2018 by decree, it’s a large park of over 2,200 square kilometers characterized by its contrasts. Whether in terms of altitude, soil or climate, it is home to its own unique flora and fauna. One of these is the Aubrac cattle, a breed rooted in its terroir, whose quality and tradition have been preserved to this day. To discover the full extent of the region and its secrets, we’ve put together a list of the 9 must-do things to do when visiting the Aubrac Regional Nature Park.
1. Hiking
Photo Credit: Shutterstock – CoralieD
There’s no better way to discover a park than by walking through it. The geographical location of the Parc naturel régional de l’Aubrac makes it possible to follow trails through mountains, plateaus, valleys and meadows.
The Pilgrim’s Way to Santiago de Compostela via the GR®6
It’s a well-known fact that the Occitan and Auvergne regions are crossed by one of the immense pilgrimage routes to Santiago de Compostela. This is the GR®65, one of the best-known of these routes, part of which you can follow. Between Aumont-Aubrac and Saint-Côme-d’Olt, via Saint-Chély-d’Aubrac and Nasbinals, let yourself be seduced by the park and its untouched nature. You’ll pass along paths that have been used by pilgrims for centuries.
So whether you’re making this journey for spiritual, religious or sporting reasons, don’t forget to look up at your surroundings. Time and man have left their mark.
« Rand’Aubrac from Chaudes-Aigues to Saint-Urcize (June)
Organized by the Chaudes-Aigues Tourist Office, Rand’Aubrac is a much-anticipated annual event. It takes place in June. In fact, it’s a supervised walk open to all, with the aim of helping you discover or rediscover the region and, of course, visit the Aubrac Regional Nature Park.
There’s a choice of four different routes, ranging in length from 12 to 33 kilometers. On the menu: good-natured walking, plenty of refreshments and, of course, a local meal for all participants at the finish line!
Les Gorges du Bès
On the border between Cantal and Lozère, the Gorges du Bès, the confluent river of the Truyère, stand proudly. Take time out for a dose of nature and enjoy the fresh air. Follow a steep, narrow path through impressive scenery, from the valley to the ruins of the Château d’Arzenc d’Apcher.
With a little physical effort, the Gorges du Bès open up to you, offering a new view of the region. Beware: you may come across grazing animals, so don’t bring your dog.
2. Chaudes-Aigues spa resort
Photo Credit: Facebook – Village de Chaudes-Aigues
The town of Chaudes-Aigues is home to a natural spa with an incredible history. First a spa town under the Roman Empire, the quality of its hot waters was recognized as early as 450 AD. Then, from the Middle Ages to the present day, despite several changes of ownership, the resort has remained accessible. Several springs gush forth, releasing water at temperatures of up to 82°C (Par spring).
Come and enjoy a natural spa treatment in the heart of the Aubrac Regional Nature Park.
3. Attend a transhumance
Photo credit: Tourisme Aveyron
At the end of May, every year, an ancestral tradition takes place: the transhumance. The Aubrac cows make their way to the plateau, which spring has enriched with green pastures. Adorned with colorful wreaths of flowers, they cross the roads, villages and fields on their way to the summer meadows.
Hundreds of spectators come every year to watch the cattle and enjoy the events organized in their honour. It’s usually a whole weekend of festivities, exhibitions and visits, to the delight of young and old alike, and of nature lovers!
4. The origins of Laguioles knives
Photo Credit : Laguiole
Visiting the Aubrac Regional Nature Park means taking an interest not only in the surrounding countryside, but also in local craftsmanship. The charming village of Laguiole, pronounced « laïole » by the locals, lies at the heart of the park, not far from Saint-Urcize. A visit to the museum of the Laguiole knife, forged object and cutting tool is highly recommended. It traces the history of this object, which has become the emblem of a village. Laguiole also boasts a number of cutlery workshops, where you can watch a knife being made, or simply buy one.
The village of Laguiole is also well worth a visit, with its church and panoramic view of the Aubrac plateau.
5. Eating Aubrac products
Photo credit: Tourisme Aveyron
While visiting the Aubrac Regional Nature Park inevitably leads to the subject of nature and the environment, it should not be forgotten that the creation of such a park also highlights the local terroir. Terroir includes crafts, culture and, above all, local gastronomy! And Aubrac is no exception in this respect.
After a hike or bike ride on the plateaux, take the time to taste an aligot (tome purée) in one of the burons, or try stuffed cabbage or farçous. Why not give in to the temptation of an Aubrac truffade or fouace (a typical flavored brioche)? Discover local cheeses too, including Laguiole PDO tome, another pride of the village.
6. Discover the park’s unique geology
Photo credit: Wikimedia – Jmp48
The Aubrac Regional Nature Park is not only lush and verdant, but also geologically unique. It was formed on a basaltic base by the effusive activity of volcanoes in the past. Depending on where you are, you may also spot deposits of schist, granite or gneiss.
Nonetheless, if you’re out walking or hiking, you might like to take a look at the basalt organs, columnar formations that are sure to fascinate you. You’ll find them near waterfalls like the Saltou or Déroc.
8. The village of Saint-Urcize, a small town full of character
Photo credit: Wikipedia – Thérèse Gaigé
Saint-Urcize is a pleasant little mountain village on the edge of the Aveyron department, bordering Lozère. A town of character dating from the 16th century, one of its main points of interest, in addition to its mountain views, is its church, with its ambulatory and its curves.
Nevertheless, the village’s narrow, flower-filled streets and stone walls lend it a singular, if not medieval, atmosphere. The village is surrounded by nature: a lake, waterfalls and lush green meadows full of Aubrac cows (of course!). In winter, a ski resort opens its four slopes for the pleasure of winter sports enthusiasts!
9. The village of Montpeyroux
Photo credit: Wikipedia – Maurice Bosse
Montpeyroux, a magnificent village of charm and character, is home to a splendid château. Château de Bousquet is the landmark of this picturesque hamlet. This 14th-century historical monument is in an exceptional state of preservation! In fact, it is both inhabited and furnished.
What are you waiting for to discover Montpeyroux and its sublime, mysterious château?
How do I get to the Aubrac Regional Nature Park?
To get to and visit the Parc naturel régional de l’Aubrac from France, you have two options: car or train. The nearest major towns are Aurillac and Rodez, but there are also cities like Toulouse, Montpellier and Lyon a little further away.
By car
- Paris (via Clermont-Ferrand): follow A10, A71 then A75.
- Bordeaux (via Brive-la-Gaillarde and Aurillac): follow the A89, the D921, the D1120 and finally the D120.
- Lyon (via Le Puy-en-Velay): follow the A47 then the N88.
- Montpellier : follow the A75.
By train
Generally via Clermont-Ferrand or Brive-la-Gaillarde, there are many train lines to visit the Aubrac Regional Nature Park. So you’ll have no trouble finding any railroad lines. One of the region’s main train stations isAumont-Aubrac, located due east, or Saint-Flour, slightly outside the park but nonetheless close by.
Where to stay near the Aubrac Regional Nature Park?
There’s no shortage of accommodation in the park. In addition to being plentiful, accommodation is varied, ranging from hotels to campsites, bed & breakfasts and unusual accommodation.
Among this list, we’d still recommend theChâteau de Varillettes hotel. This charming building has been converted into a hotel. The interior is warm and welcoming, immersing you in a medieval atmosphere, as is the beautiful, well-kept garden. Alternatively, for those who prefer the unusual, sleep in a mill, the Moulin des Gardettes. Set in the heart of nature, this former windmill offers a breathtaking view of the Auvergne mountains, in an authentic period atmosphere, thanks to the furniture and stonework visible on the interior walls. A real favorite!
And don’t forget to take a look at the hotel comparators, which guarantee you the best accommodation offers at the best prices!
So, are you ready to visit the Aubrac Regional Nature Park on your next trip?
Map of hotels and accommodation – Millau,fr