Aveyron

Aveyron is a department in the Occitanie region of southern France. Named after the Aveyron river, it bears the department number 12 and has Rodez as its prefecture. The territory is divided into three arrondissements: Rodez, Millau, and Villefranche-de-Rouergue.

Situated in the western Massif Central, Aveyron features high limestone plateaus known as the Grands Causses and the Aubrac plateau, as well as river valleys carved by the Lot and Tarn. The Aveyron river runs through the department, giving it its name. The Millau Viaduct spans the Tarn valley and is a notable landmark.

Aveyron was created on 4 March 1790 during the French Revolution from parts of the former Rouergue province. It formed part of Languedoc-Roussillon before 2016 and is now in Occitanie, following regional reorganization.

The economy is largely agricultural, with dairy farming and livestock. Roquefort cheese, produced at Roquefort-sur-Soulzon, is among the region’s best-known products. Tourism emphasizes medieval towns and landscapes, including Conques, the Gorges du Tarn, and the Grands Causses regional natural park.

The population is around 270,000 to 280,000, with Rodez as the largest city and administrative capital, followed by Millau and Villefranche-de-Rouergue. The department preserves a rich cultural heritage, including Occitan influences and historic architecture, alongside a landscape noted for its natural beauty.