While the lowlands swelter, the Aubrac breathes. At over 1,000 metres of altitude, the plateau keeps its cool, its vast green expanses and its unhurried pace. Looking for what to do in the Aubrac in summer, as a family, without rushing around or breaking the bank? Here are 10 simple, unforgettable experiences — from toddlers to grandparents — tried and approved at our place.
The Aubrac isn't a destination you "do" in two days. It's a place you take the time to live. Summer here is mild and luminous, punctuated by village fêtes and food markets. And the good news: most activities are free or nearly so, and perfectly suited to children. Let us show you around.
1. Hike the plateau (even with little legs)
The Aubrac is a hiker's paradise, and contrary to received wisdom, you don't need to be a serious walker to enjoy it. The plateau is gentle, the climbs modest, and the scenery spectacular from the very first minutes.
For a first family outing, choose short loops of 1 to 2 hours, starting from the villages or the mountain passes. Children love these paths lined with low stone walls, peaceful herds and little streams to dip their feet in. Set off early in the morning: the light is beautiful and the heat still gentle.
Our tip: bring water, a cap and a small picnic. On the plateau, shade is scarce and the sun is stronger than you'd think at altitude.
2. Cool off in the rivers and lakes
When the thermometer climbs, the Aubrac offers its waterfalls, clear-water rivers and pools for memorable wild swims. There's nothing like an afternoon with your feet in the water, paddling about and hunting for tadpoles.
Choose child-friendly spots, with shallow areas and easy access. Always keep an eye on the youngest, and check the water level, especially after summer storms.
Our tip: pack water shoes — river beds are often stony.
3. Explore the "Most Beautiful Villages of France"
A few kilometres from the plateau hide some of the official "Most Beautiful Villages of France." Conques and its UNESCO-listed abbey church, Estaing and its château on the banks of the Lot, Saint-Côme-d'Olt and its twisted bell tower: each tells a story and is easy to explore with the family.
These villages can be seen in half a day, without tiring anyone out. Cobbled lanes, fountains, artisan ice cream and shaded terraces: the perfect programme when you want to alternate nature and heritage.
Our tip: visit Conques late in the day, once the tour coaches have left and the light turns the stone golden.
4. Taste aligot and Aubrac cooking
You can't come to the Aubrac without tasting aligot, that silky blend of mashed potato, fresh tome cheese and garlic that stretches into long ribbons to the children's applause. It's as much a show as a treat.
All summer long, farm inns and local tables serve aligot with sausage or Aubrac beef. It's generous, convivial and deeply rooted in the plateau's tradition.
Our tip: at La Domerie, aligot is one of the pleasures of our table d'hôtes — a recipe passed down from generation to generation that children love to watch "stretch."
5. Meet the Aubrac cows and visit a buron
The Aubrac cows, with their black-rimmed eyes and fawn coats, are the real stars of the plateau. Children fall instantly for these gentle animals you meet at every turn of the path.
To go further, visit a buron — those old stone huts where Laguiole cheese was once made during the summer grazing season. Some are open to visitors and offer tastings: a lovely dive into the living heritage of the Aubrac.
Our tip: tell the children about the buronniers, the men who lived alone for months up on the heights. It always leaves an impression.
6. Wander the food and evening markets
In summer, the Aubrac markets come alive. Producers' markets in the morning, evening markets after dark: there you'll taste charcuterie, cheeses, honey, jams and local pastries.
The evening markets are a magical family moment: you grab dinner between the stalls, often to live music, in a relaxed atmosphere. Children love them, and it's the chance to fill your basket with local produce.
Our tip: check the dates with the tourist office — evening markets vary from week to week.
7. Set off to discover nature
The Aubrac is a real playground for budding naturalists. Waterfalls, peat bogs, wild flowers and elusive wildlife: every walk becomes an adventure. In spring and early summer, the plateau is covered in flowers: narcissi, gentians, daffodils.
To keep the children busy, turn the walk into a treasure hunt: spot a waterfall, watch a cow, find a yellow flower, listen for a bird. A playful way to get them walking without realising it.
Our tip: bring binoculars and a little notebook to draw or jot down your discoveries.
8. Enjoy the summer fêtes and festivals
Summer in the Aubrac is also the season of village fêtes, Midsummer bonfires (feux de la Saint-Jean), transhumance festivals and local festivals. Dances, open-air meals, traditional entertainment: the atmosphere is warm and authentic.
These celebrations are precious moments to discover the real life of the plateau and meet its people. Children always find their fun between the fairground rides, the concerts and the fireworks.
Our tip: check the events calendar as soon as you arrive — some fêtes are worth the trip on their own.
9. Cycle or take a gentle outing
For active families, the Aubrac can also be explored by bike or mountain bike. Plenty of waymarked routes let you ride at your own pace, on quiet, safe trails.
For the youngest or less experienced, opt for gentle rides or guided outings on the greenways. It's another way to cover ground and mix things up.
Our tip: several rental shops offer electric bikes — perfect for keeping the whole family together without anyone wearing out.
10. Take your time: a "slow" family day
The most precious experience in the Aubrac may also be the simplest: doing nothing. Spread a blanket in a meadow, picnic facing the wide-open spaces, read in the shade, watch the children chase butterflies.
And when evening comes, look up: far from any light pollution, the Aubrac sky offers one of the finest star displays in France. A memory that stays etched.
Our tip: one summer evening, stay outside after sunset. The Milky Way is often visible here to the naked eye.
In short: a family summer that means something
From hiking to swimming, from villages of character to aligot, from evening markets to starry nights, the Aubrac in summer offers everything you'd want from a real family holiday: fresh air, time, authenticity and a head full of memories.
The hardest part, in the end, will be leaving.
If you're looking for a warm base to experience all this, we'd be delighted to welcome you to La Domerie, in the heart of the Aubrac. Our house, our table and our tips are here to make your stay something special — and to make the most of a great base camp, here's where to stay in the Aubrac.
