Espace vert à LayouleEspace vert à Layoule
©Espace vert à Layoule|Office de tourisme Rodez Agglomération
Wander close toThe Rodez city center.
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  4. Take a botanical walk on the banks of the Aveyron

Take a botanical walk on the banks of the Aveyron

The banks of the Aveyron, or Layoule, are the ideal place for an easy family walk along the river, near Rodez city centre.

Getting there
Layoule

A quiet and verdant location.

This walk attracts a lot of people on sunny days because of its location close to the city of Rodez, its countryside and natural environment.

FleursFleurs
©Fleurs|Office de tourisme Rodez Agglomération

    The countryside just beneath the city

    Located below Rodez city centre, Layoule is known to all the people of Rodez. This place has recently become an LPO refuge (French Society for the Protection of Birds). The banks of the Aveyron are therefore destined to become a real nature reserve in favour of biodiversity.

    From the historic centre of Rodez, we’re told that the walk down will be a doddle, while the upward climb will be athletic (or will encourage us to take the bus back). By car, parking is freely accessible next to the municipal campsite.

     

    At the entrance to the Layoule site, a sign indicates  the family walk: a loop of 5.5 kilometres.

    The circuit begins with a well-maintained dirt track that runs along the Aveyron river. The ducks are waiting for us at the edge of the small wooden pontoons where a few apprentice anglers have set up their rods. An ideal place to relax, we notice that the place is popular with families, joggers and cyclists.

    Concours de pêche à Layoule, sur les berges de l'AveyronConcours de pêche à Layoule, sur les berges de l'Aveyron
    ©Concours de pêche à Layoule, sur les berges de l'Aveyron|C.MERAVILLES - Mairie de Rodez
      Fleur de printemps à RodezFleur de printemps à Rodez
      ©Fleur de printemps à Rodez|Office de tourisme Rodez Agglomération

        The children walk hand in hand towards the outdoor playground, while parents set up their picnic on the wooden tables available. Others have taken their blankets to stretch out on the grass, read a book or just chill out. Lovers sit on the benches and watch the world go by.

        Different generations meet in Layoule, a lively place.

        Further on, signs planted at the foot of the trees inform us of the diversity of the species on display. After the barrier, we begin to hear the birds squabbling to reach the nesting boxes and their food. We stop, keeping still so as not to frighten the birds. We breathe slowly and watch the show. The children are transfixed.

         

        This beautiful place is sometimes wooded, sometimes composed of meadows, or maintained green spaces. We never leave the Aveyron river which follows us constantly. After the dirt road, we cross a bridge to change banks and reach a small tarmac road (access prohibited for motor vehicles). The path is mostly flat.

        At the end of the walk, we pass over a last stone bridge, with a large cross.

        We turn right to get back to the starting point.

         

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