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Recommend an establishmentMotorcycle DestinationAveyron · Occitanie
Aveyron covers nearly 9,000 km² of highly diverse landscapes, from the Aubrac plateau in the north to the Larzac plateaus in the south, via the Lévézou and its lakes, and the gorges of the Tarn, Jonte, and Dourbie cutting through the limestone plateaus. Between Millau and Rodez, the scenery shifts between limestone steppes, green valleys, deep forests, and the red lands of the Rougier. This preserved part of the Massif Central offers an exceptional network of winding secondary roads, sometimes flowing across plateaus, sometimes more technical through the gorges. Medieval villages such as Conques with its stained glass by Soulages, bastide towns, the Templar sites of the Larzac, and the Roquefort caves naturally shape each stage of the journey. It is one of the richest departments in characterful roads in the Massif Central, with little traffic and constantly changing scenery.
Relief
Causses, Aubrac, Lévézou, from limestone plateaus to high altitude pastures
Gorges
Tarn, Jonte, Dourbie, canyons with roads carved into the cliffs
Villages
Most Beautiful Villages of France, national record with 10 listed villages
What to see and do in Aveyron ?
Aveyron is home to ten villages listed among the most beautiful in France, a national record. Conques and its Romanesque abbey with stained glass by Pierre Soulages, Belcastel and its restored castle, La Couvertoirade, a Templar town, and Estaing on the Way of Saint James are all highlights. Rodez features its pink sandstone cathedral and the Soulages Museum, while Millau stands out with its spectacular viaduct overlooking the Tarn valley. The Tarn, Jonte, and Dourbie gorges offer dramatic views of cliffs inhabited by reintroduced vultures. The rock formations of Montpellier le Vieux and the Bozouls canyon are also worth visiting, along with the Larzac plateau, listed by UNESCO, and the Lévézou lakes for a relaxing break. To the north, the Aubrac plateau with its pastures dotted with traditional stone huts completes the landscape. Local gastronomy is another highlight, with Roquefort caves, aligot from Laguiole, the famous knife of the same name, and farmers’ markets showcasing the richness of Aveyron’s terroir.
Millau Viaduct
HeritageTallest bridge in the world, 343 meters above the Tarn, designed by Norman Foster, with accessible viewpoints.
Millau
Roquefort and its caves
GastronomyWorld famous cheese matured in the village’s natural caves, with guided tours and tastings.
Roquefort-sur-Soulzon
Sainte Foy Abbey Church of Conques
HeritageRomanesque masterpiece on the Way of Saint James, with a sculpted Last Judgment tympanum and contemporary stained glass by Pierre Soulages.
Conques
La Couvertoirade
VillageFortified Templar village from the 12th century on the Larzac plateau, with intact ramparts, cobbled streets, and preserved architecture.
Larzac
Aubrac Plateau
NatureVast volcanic plateau of 2,500 km², high altitude pastures, Aubrac cattle, traditional stone huts, and Lake des Moines at 1,300 meters.
Northern Aveyron
Montpellier le Vieux Rock Formations
NatureStone city with spectacular rock formations across 120 hectares, marked trails, tourist train, and via ferrata.
Near Millau
Lévézou Lakes
NatureFive artificial lakes including Lake Pareloup, offering swimming, sailing, fishing, beaches, and mid mountain scenery.
Lévézou Plateau
Notre Dame Cathedral of Rodez
HeritageGothic cathedral in pink sandstone, 87 meter bell tower, built over three centuries, with views over the town and plateaus.
Rodez
Laguiole Forge
CultureVisit the workshops where the famous Laguiole knife is made, with demonstrations, shop, and traditional craftsmanship.
Laguiole
Belcastel Village
VillageMedieval village on the Aveyron river, with a 15th century castle and Gothic bridge, listed among the most beautiful villages in France.
Belcastel
Dourbie Gorges
NatureGreen gorges between Causse Noir and Larzac, with perched villages such as Cantobre and Saint Véran, and a winding 18 km road.
From Nant to Millau
Jonte Gorges
NatureNarrow canyon between Causse Méjean and Causse Noir, home to vultures, with viewpoints and the Vulture Center.
From Le Rozier to Meyrueis
Motorcycle routes and road trip ideas in Aveyron
Aveyron offers an outstanding playground with roads shaped by the relief of the Massif Central. The Tarn gorges can be followed via the D907bis, a legendary road clinging to the cliffs between Le Rozier and Sainte-Énimie, with an extension to the Jonte gorges via the D996 to Meyrueis. The Dourbie gorges are explored via the D991 between Nant and Millau, a winding and shaded route. The Larzac plateau loop via the D999 crosses wide open limestone landscapes, with detours to La Couvertoirade and Sainte-Eulalie via the D7. The Aubrac plateau is best discovered via the D533 between Laguiole and Nasbinals, a flowing road across high altitude pastures. The D911 connects Rodez to Espalion through the red landscapes of Marcillac. The Lévézou lakes can be circled via the D23 and D577, offering rolling terrain between forests and viewpoints. All these routes can be combined to extend into Tarn, Lozère, Cantal, or Hérault.
1
Tarn Gorges D907bis and Jonte Gorges D996
From Le Rozier, the D907bis runs through the Tarn gorges between towering cliffs, tunnels carved into the rock, and scenic viewpoints. At Le Rozier, turn onto the D996 towards Meyrueis for the Jonte gorges, a spectacular route with views of vultures and rock formations.
2
Dourbie Gorges D991 between Nant and Millau
The D991 winds for 18 km between the Causse Noir and Larzac, following the river through shaded sections. Villages such as Cantobre and Saint Véran cling to the cliffs. A technical and refreshing ride in summer.
3
Larzac Plateau Loop D999 and Templar villages
The D999 crosses the Larzac plateau from east to west, with vast open landscapes and detours to La Couvertoirade and Sainte Eulalie de Cernon via the D7. A unique atmosphere reminiscent of wide open western landscapes.
4
Aubrac Plateau D533 Laguiole to Nasbinals
The D533 crosses the volcanic Aubrac plateau between 1,200 and 1,400 meters, with endless pastures, traditional stone huts, and Aubrac cattle. A smooth and panoramic route, with possible detours to nearby lakes.
5
Lévézou Lakes D23 D577 around Lake Pareloup
A rolling circuit around the Lévézou lakes via the D23 and D577, through conifer forests and viewpoints over the water. A mix of flowing and more technical sections, ideal as a base to explore Millau and Rodez.
Frequently asked questions
From May to October, roads are open and the climate is pleasant. The gorges provide cooler temperatures in summer, ideal during heatwaves. Spring and autumn offer beautiful colors and fewer visitors. In winter, some Aubrac passes may be closed due to snow, so conditions should be checked in advance.
The Tarn gorges via the D907bis offer the most dramatic route with tunnels and cliffs. The Jonte gorges via the D996 combine technical riding with views of vultures. The Larzac loop via the D999 impresses with its vast mineral landscapes. The Aubrac plateau via the D533 stands out for its pastoral character. The classic two day loop combines the Tarn, Jonte, and Dourbie gorges.
The department offers great diversity. The gorges feature winding and technical roads with steep elevation changes. The limestone plateaus offer smoother and straighter routes. The Lévézou alternates between rolling terrain and forest curves. The Aubrac plateau provides flowing panoramic roads at altitude. The secondary road network is excellent, well maintained, and lightly trafficked outside July and August.
Three to five days are enough to cover the main highlights. A weekend is sufficient for the Tarn and Jonte gorges. A full week allows you to explore the entire department at a relaxed pace, including cultural visits and village stops. Distances between areas remain reasonable, with 100 to 150 km separating Aubrac, Larzac, and the gorges.
Aveyron is ideal for extended road trips. To the south, you can reach Hérault and the Pyrénées-Orientales. To the west, Tarn and its bastide towns, as well as the Lot and Dordogne valley. To the north, Cantal and the volcanoes of Auvergne. To the east, Lozère, the Cévennes, and Mont Aigoual. These combinations allow for varied itineraries lasting from one week to ten days.