Description:

The Levezou is an area covering some 854 km² in the heart of the department of Aveyron, with twenty three communities and 15,000 inhabitants.  The lakes and hills offer a perfect landscape for relaxing and enjoying the beauty of the area.

The plateau is at a height of 900 metres and forms a physical and sociological barrier between Rodez and Millau.  It is surrounded by the forests of Palanges and Lagast and is covered with waterfalls, peat bogs and gorges. 

In the 1950's, five larges lakes were formed by damming the rivers to form the Levezou water system and with a surface area of 5,000 hectares is one of the biggest water systems in France.  The lakes, Pont de Salars, Bages, Gourde, Parloup and Villefranche de Panat, now offer a multitude of activities to keep the whole family amused and entertained and gives you the opportunity to fish, swim and partake in many water sports.

A short walk will take you to the lovely Palanges waterfall; to reach the waterfall, drive from Agen d'Aveyron for 1.5 km in the direction of Millau and park next to an old quarry where the path will take you to the waterfall (45 minute round trip walk).

From the 1128 m peak of Montseigne mountain it is possible to see the Pyrenees on a clear day and the view also takes in the Tarn valley, the Causses and the Aubrac.  Close to the town of Agen d'Aveyron lays the forest of Palanges, covering around 444 hectares.  The economy of the area was once strongly linked to the forest, but the oak coppices have been replaced by pines and firs and pleasant trails have been created within the forest. 

The economy of the region is based around farming and cattle breeding but there is also a strong craft industry.  The formation of the lakes enabled the hydroelectric power of the water to be tapped and it now provides much of the energy upon which the economy relies.

There are a multitude of things to do in the area, from horse riding, water sports and hiking to micro-light flying, giving something for everyone.  If visiting the Aveyron, be sure to spend some time in the Levezou.

The Levezou tourist office has more detailed information on the area.