The Gorges du Tarn

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The Gorges du Tarn at the heart of the Parc Naturel Régional des Grands Causses

Enter a world of breathtaking scenery composed of clear rushing water, sheer cliffs and lush vegetation. Definitely something to remember !

The Gorges du Tarn is the jewel of south Aveyron, situated on the edge of the Parc Naturel Régional des Grands Causses, at the heart of the Causses and Cévennes UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its little sisters, the narrower Gorges de la Jonte and Gorges de la Dourbie, named after tributaries of the Tarn, are no less spectacular with their magnificent, unspoilt, wooded scenery.

The three gorges are surrounded by exceptional sites like Causse Noir and Causse Méjean which are home to wonderful wildlife including vultures. The gorges are marked by majestic rock formations like the famous blockfield of Montpellier-le-Vieux, the Vase de Chine and the Vase de Sèvre. Trogolodyte villages and hilltop villages (‘perché) punctuate the magnificent landscape : Château de Peyrelade, Mostuéjouls, Saint Marcellin, Cantobre, Saint-Véran, Montméjean. Outdoor activities have pride of place on and in the water, on and under the ground and even in the air : there is something to suit everyone ! Gourmet visits are essential to discover local speciality foods and meet farmers and producers. And thanks to its exceptional situation, the Gorges du Tarn is just one big orchard of cherries, apples, plums and grapes. A delicious destination !

Soak up the atmosphere of the Gorges du Tarn by strolling along paths and around villages or by doing outdoor activities. Canoe along the water, climb the mythical cliffs and walk along footpaths to discover views which will take your breath away. Natural rocky structures defy gravity and point heavenwards : the spectacular Rocher de Roquesaltes, a remote site which resembles ruins in the middle of the steppe-like vegetation of Causse Noir, has magnificent views, and the Chaos de Montpellier-le-Vieux has a leisure park with a difference : walks, Via-Ferrata, accro-roc, little train… Just for info, one of the most well-known scenes of the film ‘La Grande Vadrouille’ was shot there.

The Gorges du Tarn – an adventure playground for sporting enthusiasts !

The Gorges du Tarn, Gorges de la Jonte and Gorges de la Dourbie have a remarkable collection of historic buildings, often located on sunny hillsides or along winding roads : castles (Peyrelade), villages perched on the side of a cliff (Saint Véran, Montméjean) or built on rocky promontories (old Gallic look-out post at Cantobre), troglodyte sites (St Marcelin), picturesque buildings (Moulin de Corp)... Absolute gems and a delight to look at !

Don’t forget the more spread out villages like Nant and St Jean du Bruel which have pretty little medieval squares, or the lauze-roofed farms on the Causse, typical of the area and its mixed farming method known as ‘agropastoralisme’ which is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage.

The gorges are ideal for white-water sports like aqua trekking, canyoning and rafting and their rocky cliffs are a favourite haunt of rock-climbers. Fishermen are not forgotten as the River Dourbie is a major spot for wild brown trout. Trail-running, walking and Enduro mountain biking enthusiasts are well catered for too. There are lots of cycle trails along roads at the heart of the gorges like the Circuit de la Dourbie and the Circuit du Larzac. It is not by chance that major sporting events like the Course des Templiers and Natural Games are held on the outskirts of the gorges.

The area is rich in family attractions like Noria, the Maison de l’Eau at St Jean-du-Bruel, farm visits, easy walks and little beaches, just right for swimming. Remember to look up to watch vultures performing their aerial ballet above you. Griffon vultures and monk vultures were reintroduced into the gorges during the 1980s with the help of the Parc National des Cévennes and the Ligue pour la Protection des Oiseaux (League for the Protection of Birds). Today, two other species of birds of prey, the Egyptian vulture and the bearded vulture, have taken up residence too.

You simply can’t come to Aveyron without visiting food speciality producers ! Discover the skills and expertise of saffron-growers, beekeepers, farmers, fish farmers and charcutiers who play an essential part in local gastronomy. Stroll around local markets and visit local producers to taste local speciality dishes like flaune, melsat, bleu des causses cheese, Côte de Millau wine and lots more.

What to do in the Gorges du Tarn, Gorges de la Jonte and Gorges de la Dourbie

Walking, horse riding, walking with donkeys, fishing, canoëing, kayaking, paddleboarding, canyoning, aqua trekking, etc.

Festival des Templiers (Trail-running); Natural Games: extreme sports including canoeing, rock-climbing, paragliding, slacklining, Enduro mountain biking.

Via Ferrata, rock-climbing, Accroparc treetop adventure, caving, 4x4 offroad trails....

Visit : Hilltop villages (‘perché’), churches, castle, Lacaune sheep farm, Roquefort cheese caves, vineyards and wine cellars, art and craft workshops

Visit Producers : saffron grower, honey farm, fish farm

Noria, (an exhibition about water) at St Jean du Bruel

ON FOOT : The Gorges can be reached via the GR36 and 62b hiking paths

BY ROAD :

Autoroute A20 northbound, exit 59 (Caussade and Saint Antonin Noble Val)

Autoroute A20 southbound, exit 58 (Cahors-sud /Villefranche de Rouergue) exit 54 (Gouffre de Padirac, Gramat and Rocamadour) then follow Figeac - Rodez - Millau

Autoroute A75 southbound, exit 42 (Séverac le Château)

Autoroute A75 northbound, exit 45 ( Millau, Saint-Beauzély, Castelnau-Pégayrol)

BY BUS : Bus station at Millau

BY RAIL : to Millau