Visitors to Taussac can choose to focus on nature watching, circular walks, horse-riding activities or cultural heritage. The Lande de Mayrinhac is known for its protected landscape and birdwatching; the Forêt Magique offers a specific circular walk featuring a garden, wooden cabins and an open-air theatre. Churches, a château and the Maison du Bois add to the historical attractions.

Nature and birdwatching at the Lande de Mayrinhac

Located within the municipality of Taussac, the Lande de Mayrinhac lies at an altitude of around 750 metres. It is a Natura 2000 site protected under the European Birds Directive of 1979. Heathland, meadows, farmland, forests and rocky outcrops shape the landscape and support exceptional biodiversity. Among the many bird species that can be observed here are the red kite, short-toed snake eagle, honey buzzard and eagle owl. A signposted discovery trail with information panels adds to the nature-watching experience. Visitors can explore the Lande through both its varied habitats and the birds found there.

A circular walk through the Forêt Magique

The Forêt Magique is an easy 4.5-kilometre circular walk that takes around two hours and 15 minutes. It is open year-round and free to access. Along the way is the Jardin des 5 Sens, an educational garden next to the Maison du Bois on the Taussac circular route, La Forêt Magique. The Forêt Magique also features wooden cabins and an open-air theatre. Alongside the walking route, the trail offers these additional designed features, making it different in focus from observing the protected landscape and birdlife of the Lande de Mayrinhac.

Other trails and traces of history

The Ronesque walk passes through the deeply cut valleys of the Goul and its tributaries. One route option leads to the Chapelle de Lez. The chapel dates from 1745 and was restored in 1897. Visitors interested in Taussac’s history can also explore the Notre-Dame de l’Assomption church: it dates from the 15th century and contains examples of folk art from the 17th century. Taussac Castle stands on the site of a fort that was already there in the 13th century.

The Maison du Bois has its own history, too. The house in Taussac stood empty for almost a century. In 2009, the municipality acquired it along with its furniture, linens, crockery and personal belongings. These items offer a glimpse into a family’s everyday life before the First World War. Together with the church and castle, the house represents different historical connections: from the medieval fort to religious art and objects from family life.

Horse-riding activities for different lengths of time

Ranch du Barrez offers recreational and competitive horse riding year-round for all ages and skill levels. Themed lessons are held during school holidays. The activities also include rides and horse-riding excursions lasting one hour, one day or several days. This means you can choose from different time options, from a one-hour ride to multi-day horse-riding tours. By comparison, the Forêt Magique is described as an easy circular walk taking around two hours and 15 minutes. These durations help distinguish the available activities by the time required, without implying that the different experiences are the same.

Discover more destinations: Tauriac-De-Naucelle, Buzeins, Montézic, La Cavalerie, Sainte-Croix, La Capelle-Bleys, Peyreleau, Castelnau-De-Mandailles

For the wider travel overview: Aveyron.