Explore the Aubrac in Lozère, a land of wide open spaces and authenticity. High plateaus, peaceful lakes, charming villages and iconic burons come together to form a region to be experienced to the full, on foot, on horseback or by bike. With its unspoilt nature, heritage, aligot and range of activities, let yourself be charmed by the unique experience of the Aubrac.
Welcome to part of the Aubrac Regional Nature Park, which straddles the departments of Lozère, Aveyron and Cantal. You are in the south of the Massif Central, between Occitanie and Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, on its iconic high plateaus. Incidentally, you may be wondering what ‘Aubrac’ means. It comes from ‘braco’, which means ‘wet’. Here, wetlands are everywhere, from rivers and waterfalls to natural lakes.
Discover the Aubrac region in Lozère and its high plateaus
Lakes and rivers
The four natural lakes that the Aubrac has preserved, at an altitude of over 1,000 metres, are like sparkling dots in a sea of greenery: the deep, dark Lake des Salhiens; the peaceful Lake Souveyrols, surrounded by tall grass; Lake Saint-Andéol, which, with a circumference of two kilometres, is the largest and most famous; and finally, Lake Born.
The Déroc Waterfall
Don’t forget to stop off and explore the Déroc waterfall. It overlooks the small glacial valley of the Gambaïse stream: breathtaking views of the Marchastel region, with the vast expanses of the Lozère granite Aubrac in the background.
A 30-metre-high waterfall – in other words, a giant mist sprayer!
Buron and aligot
The Aubrac region is known for its beautiful cows, its burons and its culinary specialities. The old burons of the Aubrac still dot the landscape: these little cottages with slate roofs evoke a time when shepherds sought refuge in these cramped rooms to make and store cheese, and to shelter from the burle, that fearsome westerly wind.
Some restaurant owners in Lozère have transformed these burons into truly authentic restaurants where aligot is prepared in the traditional way and local produce delights diners and food lovers alike. The Buron de Treille, perched at an altitude of 1,333 metres, is now the only one to produce Laguiole Buron AOP directly on site. It’s a real gem not to be missed.
Iconic Villages
Nasbinals
Continue your stay in the heart of the unmissable village of Nasbinals, which welcomes thousands of pilgrims every year as they make their way through its narrow streets on the route to Santiago de Compostela.
Small in size but big on character, the village of Nasbinals is a crossroads where people meet and mingle. With its octagonal bell tower, the Romanesque church resembles a mountain lighthouse. It guides pilgrims and irresistibly draws in travellers.
Aumont-Aubrac
Start your stay with a visit to the village of Aumont-Aubrac, the gateway to the Aubrac region in Lozère. This charming village is steeped in history, particularly from the late Middle Ages, and you can admire its architecture in the town centre – be sure not to miss the Tourist Office.
Just round the corner, you’ll find the restaurants run by Lozère’s only Michelin-starred chef: Cyril Attrazic.
Marvejols
Carry on and take a stroll through the streets of Marvejols, nicknamed the “royal town”. It owes this title to Philip IV the Fair, who made it the administrative capital of Gévaudan in 1307. In the 16th century, the majority of its population converted to Protestantism and sided with the future King Henry IV. This support would cost them dearly: a siege by Catholic troops, the destruction of the town… and the massacre of its inhabitants.
From its distant past, the town has preserved three main gates flanked by round towers: the Chanelles, Théron and Soubeyran gates, which are emblematic of Marvejols, are the most visible and striking remnants of that era.
What is there to do in the Aubrac region of Lozère?
Randonnées et balades
On the Way of St James
From Le Puy-en-Velay, the legendary GR®65 takes you along the paths of the Aubrac in Lozère. From Saint-Roch, with its granite chapel, to Saint-Alban and its castle, where walkers can see the scallop shell and the pilgrim’s staff – emblems of the pilgrims to Santiago de Compostela – carved into the building’s pediment.
The Way of St James then passes through Aumont-Aubrac and its priory, which now houses the Tourist Office, then Nasbinals and its Church of Sainte-Marie, where pilgrims would sometimes part ways, with some continuing along what is now the GR®65, whilst others headed further south, along the ‘Chemin de Saint-Guilhem’ or the Chemin Urbain V.
Moments of well-being
at La Chaldette
In the heart of the Aubrac region in Lozère, the Chaldette spa resort is situated in an exceptional natural setting, on the banks of the River Bès, at an altitude of 1,000 metres, and combines the benefits of thermal water with the beneficial effects of the climate. Rediscover serenity and balance of both body and mind through beauty treatments, balneotherapy, machine-assisted massages, the fitness area or even body sculpting.
Relaxation and tranquillity in this peaceful setting are the hallmarks of a restorative and rejuvenating stay. Don’t miss out on the resort’s magnificent terrace, bathed in sunshine, where you can enjoy a moment of tranquillity.
Les spots photos incontournables
PANORAMA FROM THE SUBLIME POINT
Panoramas
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Nature and landscapes
Wild flora
Every year, in late May, the fields of daffodils cover the Aubrac in a white blanket with an enchanting scent. Highly prized by perfumers, these flowers are harvested with the utmost care. It must be said that, with 800,000 flowers required to produce one kilo of absolute, their value is immense! But they are not the only flowers to be found on the plateau; especially in spring, magnificent daffodils bloom everywhere. They thrive in the harsh climate of the Aubrac. Then, in summer, gentians take their turn to add splashes of colour to the fields that stretch as far as the eye can see.
As we drive along, we come across incredibly charming burons, pretty stone villages and lunar landscapes that feel like the end of the world. It’s just like the Scottish Highlands on our doorstep! A wonderful sense of freedom we discovered during our road trip through northern Occitanie."
Aubrac cows
They aren’t the only local stars – we’re talking, of course, about the Aubrac cows. They’re the symbol of the region. They’re easily recognisable by their distinctive physical features: they’re beautiful blond cows with black-rimmed eyes.
Every year in spring, you can watch herds of cows adorned with multicoloured flowers during the great traditional festival known as ‘la Transhumance’ at the Col de Bonnecombe, on the weekend closest to 25 May. Make a note in your diary! Other species can be found on the plateau, so do take the time to observe them in their natural habitat.
Unique experiences
Make the most of your stay in the Aubrac to try out some new adventures. Whether it’s wellness, exploration, hiking or fine dining, whatever the season, plan your stay by booking some unique experiences.
Stay in the Aubrac region
Traditional and authentic accommodation
Fancy a change of scenery in accommodation that reflects the character of this region? Give it a go and book your bed and breakfast, holiday cottage, self-catering accommodation, hotel room, stopover accommodation, camping pitch or room in a holiday village.
Bed and breakfasts
Bed and breakfasts
Bed and breakfasts
BED AND BREAKFAST – MARYLINE SLAB
Bed and breakfasts
Bed and breakfasts
BED AND BREAKFAST AT CHÂTEAU DE LA BAUME
Bed and breakfasts
Bed and breakfasts
Chalet Flower Camping du Gévaudan – 4 people, accessible for people with reduced mobility
Rental in village
Bookable online
Group / holiday gîtes
Group / holiday gîtes
Group / holiday gîtes
GITE D’ETAPE DE SAINT GERMAIN DU TEIL
Group / holiday gîtes
Group / holiday gîtes
Group / holiday gîtes
Group / holiday gîtes
Group / holiday gîtes
CAMPING MUNICIPAL DE NASBINALS
Graded campsite
Graded campsite
Hotels – restaurant
Hotels – restaurant
2 stars Hotels – restaurant
2 stars Hotels – restaurant
How do I get there?
- By car from Mende, Sainte-Enimie, Florac, La Canourgue, Villefort, Langogne and Aumont-Aubrac
- By car from Paris, Bordeaux, Toulouse, Montpellier, Lyon, Marseille and Nîmes
- By train, on the Train de l’Aubrac line
- By bus with liO
- By tourist shuttle: minibuses that criss-cross Lozère in every direction during July and August
- By plane, via the nearest airports: Rodez, Clermont-Ferrand, Nîmes, Montpellier, Marseille, Lyon, Toulouse
On the Aubrac railway line
Imagine arriving in the Aubrac region on one of “Europe’s most beautiful railway lines”. Accessible from Paris and Montpellier, the Train de l’Aubrac is an Intercités service that runs daily between Béziers and Clermont-Ferrand. Your gateways to exploring the Lozère region of the Aubrac are the stations at Saint-Chély-d’Apcher, Aumont-Aubrac, Marvejols, Chirac and Le Monastier. Trust us, the adventure begins here.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Aubrac part of Lozère, Aveyron or Cantal?
The Aubrac is a region stretching from Lozère to Aveyron and Cantal.
What outdoor activities can you do on the Aubrac plateau?
You can go hiking and horse riding, road cycling and mountain biking, fishing and enjoy winter sports.
What are the local produce of the Aubrac region?
There are plenty of local specialities to try: aligot, Aubrac beef, charcuterie, drinks, Aubrac tea…
When is the best time of year to visit the Aubrac?
Whatever the season, the Aubrac has some lovely surprises in store for you.
