Aubrac - Cantal
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The vast Aubrac region
Aubrac in the Massif Central is a high volcanic and granite plateau of about 3,000km². It extends over 3 départements : Cantal, Aveyron and Lozère. It is bordered to the north-west by the Monts du Cantal, to the east by La Margeride and to the south by the limestone plateau of the Grands Causses. Aubrac has been a Parc Naturel Régional since 23 May 2018. The Cantal section of the Parc Naturel Régional de l’Aubrac runs from the Vallée de la Truyère to the south-eastern tip of Cantal. Its wide-open spaces of high pastureland are a superb backdrop for walkers looking to ‘get away from it all ‘.
In the course of your walks around pastures bordered by dry stone walls, you are bound to meet famous Aubrac cattle, with their tawny coats and black-rimmed eyes. The low to moderate change in height along the footpaths of the Plateau d’Aubrac makes walking possible even for families with children. In summer, you can do different water sports on the banks of the River Truyère on the north-west corner of the Plateau.
The Parc Naturel Régional de l’Aubrac is home to unique, unspoilt countryside and magnificent scenery. The plateaux feature numerous traces of the ancient volcanic activity of the Massif Central including basalt lava flows, cinder cones, basalt columns and prisms, lava lakes exposed by inverted relief.
« Aubrac » comes from Alto meaning a high place and Braco meaning wet and muddy. There is water everywhere on the high Aubrac plateau and the area is dotted with peat bogs harbouring a wide diversity of wildlife.
Aubrac is a vast area with many outdoor activities. Walkers have a great choice of sign-posted paths providing an alternative way to explore Aubrac. Sporting enthusiasts can choose from land-based activities on the plateau or water sports in the Vallée de la Truyère : mountain biking, horse riding, canyoning, sailing, canoeing... or recharge your batteries in the hot spring waters of Caleden.
Aubrac is an ideal area for fishermen with fly-fishing in rivers and predator fishing in reservoirs.
Aubrac is a land of farmers !
You are bound to meet Aubrac cattle during your stay. Several family farms invite visitors to meet these famous cows with their black-rimmed eyes and discover the cultural and historic heritage of mountain farming. To learn more about the particularities of this type of farming, visit museums, eco-museums and fun workshops where children and adults can see how a farm works.
To make the most of your stay in the Parc Naturel Régional de l’Aubrac, don’t hesitate to ask the owners of your gite or B&B for help and advice. Gites de France owners are all passionate about their area and will tell you about unusual places to visit, picnic spots, beautiful views and incredible local tales. Some of them will be delighted to show you around their Cantal themselves !
To get to Aubrac, just choose your Gîtes de France accommodation from our selection and follow the owner’s instructions. Car access is easy because of the proximity of the A75 autoroute. However, if you are planning to come here in winter, make sure you have snow tyres and chains in the boot in case you get caught in a blizzard. Aubrac is a mid-altitude mountain plateau with an average height of 1,200m !"
