The Aveyron is one of the biggest and one of the most beautiful departments of France. The last few years it has become well-known because of the Millau viaduct. As for nature it is one of the best areas of France and offers a lot of possibilities on cultural discoveries.

In fact each village is worth a visit: here it is a Roman chapel or the ruins of a feudal castle that attracts the attention, a little further along a fortified farm, a gothic bridge or an old mill . . . . .

The Aveyron consists of three different geographical areas: firstly the Tarn valley with its villages like eagles nests. Linked by almost hidden paths leading us to lovely views of nature that remains entirely intact. The Tarn will bring us to the so-called “route des Seigneurs du Rouergue”, with castles seeming  to reappear from the Middle Ages. Here the scenery gets rounder shapes bordered with tender green and wooded hills where little brooks twist and meander through the hills. It is an area of tremendous farmhouses, as massive giants of stone in the scenery. . . .

A little further south it is the competing range of colours of green and red of the “Rougier de Camares” inviting us to wonderful walks. The area takes its name from its earth of red ochre, which you will see again in houses, churches and bridges . . . .

Lapaloup, La Libaudié and la Grande Combe, i.e. ‘les 3 randonnees’ are situated on the edge of Parc naturel régional des Grands Causses. The three locations are on an average distance of 16 kilometres from each other; an ideal distance to plot walks.

Our surroundings are characterised by remarkable green woodland and pastureland criss-crossed by the river Tarn and several other rivers like the river Rance, the river Mousse and the river Dourdou. The local people make a living from the sheep-culture. Sheep’s milk is collected here for the production of the famous Roquefort cheese.

Our area is still deprived of mass tourism. You will find that you will probably hardly encounter anyone else during your walks.

The Tarn basin is a remarkable area climate wise; it has a micro climate and is under the influence of the continental climate of the Central Massif and the subtropical climate of the Mediterranean. From mid-March the climate is already very pleasant and extremely suitable for walks. From July until mid-August it is hot, very hot. By than walks are only advised for people who can stand this heat. From mid-August till mid-November the weather is ideal for walking.