Maison des Vautours

Gorges du Jonte, Grands Causses > France

Fantastic scenic viewpoint, situated in the vulture visitor's centre near Le Truel. Chances of seeing all 4 species of European vulture.

Added* by Mats van Kasteren
Most recent update 27 January 2023

Description

From the 1990's onwards, 3 species of vulture have been reintroduced here. Starting with Griffon Vulture, followed by Black Vulture (The world's largest raptor after the American condors) and finally, around 2012, the Bearded Vulture was brought back to the area too. The Egyptian Vulture returned naturally. Apart from these magnificent giants, many other raptors can be seen here ( eg Golden Eagle, Short-toed Snake Eagle and European Honey-buzzard) as well as Blue Rock Thrush and several others.

The viewpoint itself is a platform, built into the rock. It is part of the "maison the vautours" (house of the vultures); an interpretation centre dedicated to the reintroduction of the vultures in the region of the Grands Causses. It turned out to be one of the most successful reintroductions in europe: nowadays the area holds around 500 pairs of Griffon Vulture and, even more impressive, 28 pairs of the endangered Black Vulture . The latter now has one of it's most important colonies globaly in this area.

Details

Access

The house of vultures is located in the Gorges de la Jonte, downstream from the village of Truel, between Rozier and Meyrueis:

3km from the village of Rozier, direction Meyrueis; 15km from the village of Meyrueis, direction Millau; 25km from the A75 motorway direction North / South, exit 44bis Meyrueis; 30km from the A75 motorway direction South / North, exit 47 Millau Center. There are two large free car parks. Entry fee is 6 euro.

Easily reached from Le Rozier (well signposted). Along the road keep your eyes peeled to the sky because this is where we saw one of the introduced juvenile Bearded Vulture and also a perched Black Vulture (see map).

Terrain and Habitat

Mountain , Canyon/cliff , Valley

Conditions

Mountainous , No shadow , Hilly , Rocky , Dry

Circular trail

Is a telescope useful?

Can be useful

Good birding season

All year round

Best time to visit

Summer , Spring

Route

Paved road

Difficulty walking trail

Easy

Accessible by

Foot , Bicycle , Car , Wheelchair

Birdwatching hide / platform

Yes

Extra info

It pays off to stop where you can along the road between Le Rozier and the visitor's centre to scan the slopes and check the skies. As said, this is how we saw both our Bearded Vulture and Black Vulture.

Links