Bozouls is a small commune in the Aveyron department in southern France. The town is best known for its spectacular scenery, which includes the Trou de Bozouls, a horseshoe-shaped canyon. This natural feature is a deep gorge carved out by the Dourdou torrent.
Le trou de Bozouls is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike. Visitors can enjoy breathtaking views of the gorge from one of the many observation points, or hike into the valley to explore the area up close. Several restaurants and cafés can also be found at the top of Bozouls, making it the ideal place to rest and refuel after a day’s exploring.
Whether you’re looking for breathtaking views oran adventure, Bozouls certainly has something to offer. Let’s discover this unique geological site.
A stroll through Bozouls, the medieval village in Aveyron
Bozouls is a small village straddling the Causse Comtal, an area rich in limestone plateaus. The majority of Bozouls’ population lives on its eastern side, near the cliffs and canyon. Accessible only from the south, the rocky outcrop is home to the medieval heart of the village, with the church of Sainte-Faust and the old castle district. Today, the château no longer exists, but that’s how this part of the village is known. It is thought to have been built in the 9ᵉ century and to have belonged to the Comte de Rodez family. The church is a Romanesque structure built entirely of red sandstone, dating from the 12th century, and has undergone several modifications over the centuries.
The village offers several vantage points from which to admire the grandeur of the site. The “flagship” viewpoint is right in the center of town, opposite the tourist office, and there are other viewpoints from the rocky outcrop. To admire the view, it’s best to choose the right time of day, so as not to be caught off guard by the sun.
Guide your way through the village from the east side of the canyon, where you’ll find the stores, restaurants and businesses that bring this area to life. Then head down the rue de l’Hospitalet towards the two towers, cross the Dourdou and climb back up to visit the church of Sainte Fauste and the old castle district.
The famous Bozouls canyon
To admire this curious geological site, you have to go to Bozouls to stroll through this canyon of impressive dimensions: 400 m in diameter and 100 m deep. This horseshoe-shaped meander is the result of water erosion and the process of river entrenchment. Over millions of years, the Dourdou would have shaped this gigantic trench.
This area has been classified as a sensitive natural space, to protect the flora and fauna and the natural habitats it shelters. Take a stroll along the trails and discover the richness of this canyon. These wooden paths and footbridges make this walk accessible to all, with explanatory signs to help you follow the stages of your walk.
Accommodation around Bozouls ?
Looking for accommodation near Bozouls? Located a 30-minute drive from Bozouls, Domaine de Combelles welcomes you to its vacation village in Aveyron. Are you a nature lover? Come and recharge your batteries at the magnificent Domaine de Combelles. Discover our lodges and chalets in the heart of a 120-hectare park. Let yourself be seduced by the most beautiful villages in France or the must-see sites around Domaine Combelles.
