Every spring, daffodils and jonquils illuminate the Aubrac plateau. Indeed, after a harsh winter, these wildflowers carpet the meadows and undergrowth, offering a striking natural spectacle. Locals and visitors alike come to admire this awakening of nature, which transforms the plateau into a veritable jewel of color.
The daffodils of Aubrac are distinguished by their white flowers and delicate fragrance. Every spring, they bloom profusely, creating vast expanses of white that contrast with the tender green of the meadows.
These flowers are also linked to local traditions. They are harvested to decorate homes or used in perfumery. The fragrance is concentrated in the flower heads.
To distill it, only the flowers are picked; the leaves and stems are never cut. They are then sent to the distiller, who produces a concentrate used by perfumers. This practice preserves the plant and maintains the natural beauty of the Aubrac meadows.
The daffodils of the Aubrac region are easily recognizable by their bright yellow petals.
They grow abundantly on grassy slopes and in forest clearings, adding vibrant splashes of color to the spring landscape. Depending on the weather, they can be seen in bloom from March to April.
This natural spectacle attracts visitors and nature lovers, offering a unique immersion into the heart of the Aubrac meadows.
The flowering of daffodils and jonquils in the Aubrac region changes every year. Indeed, the winter and spring weather conditions influence their appearance.
Some years, the flowers bloom early, others later. Every year, we receive many requests for the exact flowering dates of the daffodils. However, it is impossible to predict the precise time in advance. With climate change, they can bloom as early as the beginning of May.
Sometimes, the flowering lasts only a few days if the heat is too intense. To fully enjoy the spectacle, we advise you to come and observe the flowers as soon as you arrive on the plateau and let yourself be surprised by this unique natural phenomenon.
Generally, jonquils bloom from April onwards, primarily in the northern part of the Aubrac region, near Fournels. Daffodils bloom in May and are located in the center of the plateau around Nasbinals.
Gentian is an emblematic plant of the Aubrac and Margeride plateaus. The most commonly used variety is yellow gentian, also known as common gentian (Gentian officinalis). It flowers in July.
Its harvest is regulated and takes place from September to November. Its stem can reach a meter in height, and it grows in high-altitude meadows.
It has medicinal properties: it aids digestion, is said to have antidepressant effects, and was once used as a fever reducer. Gentian is also used to make syrups, liqueurs, and cosmetic products.