The best outdoor activities in the southern French Lot, Lozère and Aveyron

Cave expedition or climbing fun in Lot

'In the Lot, it's like Swiss cheese underground,' says outdoor guide Laurent Macary. He organises exciting adventures both underground and above ground in the Lot department, a playground for climbing enthusiasts and cave adventurers. He leads excursions in some of the two thousand (already discovered) caves in the region. Safely covered in a helmet, his participants crawl and clamber through naturally formed passages to large underground chambers, which you can't get to in any other way. Above ground, he also provides participants with a helmet and ropes to go on an adventure. The via ferrata routes of Liauzu on a limestone rock face above the Célé valley are also his workplace. Young and old climb under his guidance over the easy to much more difficult routes, with exciting steps hundreds of metres above the ground.

^{Foto: Paulien van der Werf}

On an electric scooter through Lozère

With the wind in your hair and the sun on your skin, discover the green nature of Lozère with an electric scooter . The sturdy scooters with wide tires are very suitable for the gravel paths, dry plains and green valleys of the region. Without harmful emissions, you take a ride under the guidance of a guide who can tell you everything about the area. Taking a ride on the e-scooter is not difficult, and therefore also suitable for those who like to take it easy in terms of exercise. Enjoy the view of the Cevennes National Park and Gorges du Tarn, the natural highlights of Lozère, while rolling quietly on two wheels. Look into deep gorges between wooded slopes from red gravel paths or zoom along a crystal clear river in which you can take a refreshing dip on warm days. Also fun: a ride through Rondin Parc, through the forests and meadows on the shore of the Lac de Naussac. More about that in our blog about adventure in the nature of Lozère .

^{Foto: Remi Flament}

Cycling on four wheels through Aveyron

An Amuse quad bike is not a noisy machine with smelly exhaust fumes. No, it is a mountain bike with four wheels, or an elegant version of a go-kart. On these quad bikes you can take a ride through the nature of Aveyron in peace. Start your adventure in the villages of Belcastel or Bournazel and head into the green. You provide 50% of the effort yourself and the other 50% comes from electric support such as with an e-bike. Cycle uphill and downhill over all types of terrain. You can even cycle down stairs and slalom around obstacles. Do you want to test that? Ask the rental companies if you can use the bike park. For a one or two hour ride, follow the marked panoramic or cultural cycle route to discover Belcastel and Bournazel and their surroundings.

^{Foto: By Les Coflocs}

Paragliding over the Grands Causses

See the landscape of Aveyron and the Parc Naturel Régional des Grands Causses from a whole new perspective while paragliding . Accompanied by an experienced paraglider, you will take a tandem flight above the city of Millau and its iconic viaduct. Run down a limestone plateau and soar like a bird above the landscape. Admire the mountain peaks and rugged cliffs surrounding the city. Watch the river meander between the red roofs of the city and the patchwork of farmland. An unforgettable experience that will have you thinking: I want to do it again as soon as you stand with both feet on the ground again!

^{Foto: Kayleigh van Proemeren}

Climbing above and below ground

Aveyron is also popular with via ferrata climbers and cave adventurers (speleologists). You can also climb challenging limestone cliffs. You don't have to be an experienced speleologist or climber to enjoy these adventures. Go on a hike with a guide and learn how to undertake these activities safely, while also being able to ask all your questions about the landscape. For example, discover how the stalagmites, stalactites and other special shapes have grown underground. And which flora and fauna can survive on the dry limestone plateaus.

For example, test your fear of heights on the via ferrata (also called climbing) in the Gorges de la Dourbie near Millau, or go in search of mineral treasures in the Gorges du Tarn. On this page you will find an overview of routes and organisations that offer guidance. There is plenty of choice, also for young adventurers. On a rare day of bad weather, you can go to the climbing hall in Millau. Tip: get inspiration for more adventures in the Aveyron .

This special was created in collaboration with Explore France and Lot, Aveyron, Lozère – Extraordinary enjoyment . You can find more travel inspiration about this region on our theme page Extraordinary enjoyment in Lot, Aveyron and Lozère >