Top 3 sporting activities to experience in Aveyron!

You’ll find the Grands Causses tucked away in the department of Aveyron, down in southwestern France. These vast limestone plateaus crisscrossed by deep gorges are not only a UNESCO world heritage site, but much much more than a tourist destination. They are an all encompassing feast for the senses, with jaw dropping landscapes shaped by millions of years of erosion.

Also known the Millau viaduct and ancient templar villages, the Grands Causses entices you to explore all it has to offer. If an active holiday in an incredible region far from the masses sounds up your street then read on for our top 3 activities to do in Aveyron!

Gravel exploring in the Grands Causses

Gravel Up is a travel agency that specialises in gravel bike trips, so we are best placed to help you explore all the area has to offer. A gravel bike really is the ideal way to experience the Grands Causses - it’s equally at home on the small winding back roads as the wide gravel tracks that give the region it’s name “Terre du Gravel” or Land of Gravel. The Grands Causses are a perfect playground for getting out in wide open nature, with over 500kms of trails at the heart of the park.

From the Larzac to the Rougiers plateaus, the trails and rocky landscape will take you to another world. Not forgetting the breathtaking views for days across the valleys and gorges far below, especially from the summit of the Pouncho above our basecamp.

We have two trips for you to choose from of 3 or 5 days depending on your experience and level of riding. We’ve thought of everything so that you have the best experience possible - guides, comfy accommodation, tasty meals, bonus activities, kit transport, bike hire…

You can find out more about all our adventures here 👈

Hiking in the Grands Causses Natural Regional Park

Explore the incredibly varied landscapes of the Grands Causses Natural Regional Park on foot - there’s paths for everyone be it as a family or a light and fast solo adventure.

You’ll find massively varied trails, pristine flora and fauna, as well as breathtaking scenery of course. The limestone plateaus and deep gorges make for an ever-changing landscape with plenty to stop and admire.

A multitude of memories are guaranteed from a day hike or a multi day adventure in the Grands Causses.

Here’s 3 hikes to try:

• The Ladder Path. Incredible views across the Larzac, the Tournemire horseshoe and the village of Roquefort. Step back in time on this route taking in village life of years gone by.

• The Rajol cliffs. From the Dourbie gorge to the Causse Noir, this sensational loop tops out with impressive views of the Rajol cliffs and rocky outcrops of Roquesaltes.

• The Heart of the Rougier. An ideal walk for all ages, where you can admire the often photographed red earth emblematic of the region and wander through wine coloured valleys and wooded hills.

Time to try something new in France ?

We couldn’t choose a third from the massive list of activities available… you definitely won’t be bored that’s for sure!

Climbing - the limestone cliffs of the Grands Causes offer climbing for all levels in stunning settings, with the Tarn and Jonte gorges being particularly well known.

Canyoning - explore the caves and canyons of the area. Guided visits are a great way to experience this incredible underground world safely.

Kayaking - paddle down the world class rivers of the region. A great way to travel down the Tarn and Jonte gorges, with a unique perspective of a river eye view.

Paragliding - take to the skies and admire the Grands Causses from the air. If you love a bit of adrenalin then this is for you, with jaw dropping views from high in the sky.

Horseriding - explore the varied landscapes of the Grands Causses on horseback. You’ll find many farmsteads offering treks on horseback for all levels and all distances.

Thanks to the incredible scenery of the region it’s a dream destination for all kinds of adventure, be it on foot or in the saddle, from water, land or in the air. Tucked away in pristine nature, the Grand Causses make for a refreshing escape, where every trail leads to something new just waiting to be explored. Hard to beat for an active and adventurous holiday!

Have we whetted your appetite? You can download our full 2024 Trip Directory here.