Do you want to visit Gorges du Tarn and want to find the finest travel guide? You’ve come to the right place! The Gorges du Tarn, located in the heart of southern France, is a spectacular natural marvel that entices visitors with its rugged beauty and calm charm.
This spectacular limestone canyon, sculpted over millions of years by the trickling Tarn River, offers the ideal combination of outdoor experiences, cultural richness, and tranquillity.
In this travel guide, we’ll take you on a tour through the Gorges du Tarn, exposing hidden jewels and offering recommendations for an amazing vacation.
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Gorges Du Tarn Travel Guide
8 Things To Do in Gorges du Tarn
This stunning place, carved over millennia by the Tarn River, offers a broad range of outdoor activities as well as cultural experiences, which makes it an absolute must-see for nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts. The following are some of the most intriguing Gorges du Tarn activities.
1. Canoeing
There are business entities that provide canoeing in the center of the Tarn Gorges, as well as others that specialize in renting canoes and kayaks for Tarn Gorge descents.
They welcome you to explore and learn canoeing and kayaking in a Unesco World Heritage Site. The Tarn Gorges provide a great setting for canoe raids.
The courses are designed for various skill levels and lengths and are excellent for exploring the sport of canoeing alone, with acquaintances, or with family, in the spectacular setting of the Gorges du Tarn.
2. Kayaking
For individuals who want to explore Tarn Gorges on their own, a 6-kilometer exploration trail is available. This adventure is appropriate for novice kayakers as well as families who wish to proceed at their own pace and enjoy bathing places. Throughout the summer, this section of the Gorges happens to be quietest as well as least visited.
For the physically fit, a 23-kilometer course is available. The journey concludes with the most spectacular section of the Tarn Gorges, where the canyon narrows and you follow the fantastic cliffs in a beautiful sight.
3. Canyoning
A canyoning vacation is the way to go if you enjoy getting wet but want to increase the ante on the thrills. You’re in for a wet and furious trip with jumps, slides, and whitewater swimming.
The water is obvious, and you’ll descend over massive granite slabs with water cascading over smooth stones. You’ll leap, swim, and slide your way down the gorge while wearing a bulky wetsuit, buoyancy aid, and helmet. Big grins are sure.
4. Rock Climbing
The times of year between September to May continue to be the ideal times for climbing. The towering cliffs of stone dolomites, lined with cracks of all forms and sizes, will make climbers dream and will entice new climbers.
The Tarn Gorge, which serves as a playground for Cirque des Baumes, attracts an increasing number of tourists each year.
The scenery is breathtaking, the rock is stunning, and the climbing is excellent. Though the Gorges du Tarn are famous for their extremely difficult big-wall routes, there is climbing for everyone, from tiny toddlers to utter beginners to seasoned experts.
There are around 700 courses and all of the climbing areas in the vicinity are worthwhile, but the Cirque des Baumes, Tennessee, and Oasif have something especially unique to offer.
5. Paragliding
Paragliding makes this ambition attainable, easy, and risk-free. Now that you’re comfortable, all you have to do is gaze out the window at the beautiful landscapes that pass beneath your feet.
This activity is simple; you only need to be able to take a few steps up the hill for take-off; the pilot does the rest.
The famous Millau location is Pouncho d’Agast. It’s a Millau landmark, a meringue-shaped ridge topped alongside a radio mast and dotted with bright-colored canopies.
You may fly here in both southerly and northerly winds. Millau Plage, beside Campeole, Le Golf, and La Graufesenque, the largest landing place, are the three take-off and landing locations. A shuttle bus conducts uplifts six times per day throughout the summer.
6. Hiking
The Gorges du Tarn is an excellent walking area. Although it is mountainous, it is not as hilly as the Alps or the Pyrenees, and you can cover a lot of distance in a day.
During the hot summer months, you can always fit in a cool swim. All you need is a good pair of walking shoes to embark on an exciting trip!
The terrain is crisscrossed with waymarked walking routes that take you from the river’s banks through woodlands and high onto steep escarpments. There are simple 2 to 5-hour walks as well as multi-day GR itineraries.
7. Via Ferrata
The route ferrata is an Italian term that means “railway.” This is a sporting route that evolves on rock walls outfitted with metal parts to aid in the progression of via Ferrata. The paths are various, with suspension bridges, ladders, and zip lines.
The back seasons of spring and summer are perfect for Ferrata treks. You feel more at ease when the light no longer shines directly on the granite walls.
The harder path should not be taken carelessly. There are a few spots where you must reach for the grips. Having said that, you may always choose the easy route before the most challenging areas.
8. Mountain Biking
By road bike, explore the mountain bike lanes and trails, as well as the large and minor highways. You may view sublime landscapes, rich wildlife, and complete tranquillity. Electric mountain bikes can be rented by individuals who are put off by the effort.
Although it is advertised as a walking route, bikes are permitted, and the riding is excellent and diverse. There are a lot of walkers in the summer, so you should slow down.
How to Get There
Both Ispagnac and Sainte-Enimie are excellent starting points for exploring the Gorges. Millau, which is larger and less appealing, is known as the outdoor sports center of south-west France.
The Gorges du Tarn are around a 3-hour drive coming from Marseille, 2.7 hours off Montpellier, and 3.6 hours from Lyon, based on where you stay. A train runs from Paris Gare d’Austerlitz to Millau, with a stop at Rodez. Montpellier, Toulouse, and Marseille are the closest airports.
Millau is located on the A71-A75 highway in southern France, near Clermont Ferrand along with the Mediterranean coast.
To go to the deepest portion of the canyon, exit the A75 at exit 38, take the N88 east toward Mende, then head south at Chanac, reading signs for the Gorges du Tarn & Sainte Enimie.
Alternatively, exit the highway at Severac le Chateau; the Severac exit is 1 km down the N88 dual-carriageway toward Rodez. After viewing the historic château in Severac, take indications of the Gorges du Tarn and Saint Rome du Dolan.
Where to Stay Near Gorges du Tarn
If you’re considering a trip to this breathtaking location, you’ll want to know where to stay so that you can fully immerse yourself in its beauty and tranquillity. Sainte-Enimie and Millau are all conveniently positioned near the river and gorge.
Here are some of the greatest places to stay near Gorges du Tarn to make your vacation as unforgettable as nature itself.
Logement Sainte-Enimie
Location: Rue du Serre, 48210 Sainte-Énimie, France
Logement Sainte-Enimie has a balcony and is located in Sainte-Enimie, Languedoc-Roussillon. Aigoual Mount is 30 kilometers away from this holiday house.
The holiday house has two bedrooms, a living area, a well-equipped kitchen including an oven as well as a microwave, and one bathroom. A flat-screen television is offered.
Hotel la Capelle Millau
Location: 7, Place De La Capelle, 12100 Millau, France
The Hotel la Capelle Millau is only a 32-minute drive from Gorger du Tarn. This hotel, which was renovated in 2019, is located in the heart of Millau and offers guest rooms with complimentary WiFi.
Views of the Causse Noire and Causse du Larzac Mountains may be had from the terrace. A 10-minute walk takes you to Millau Train Station. Each guest room has a television. Showers are provided in the private bathrooms.
Where to Eat in Gorges du Tarn
Aside from its magnificent views, this region also provides a wonderful gastronomic trip that is sure to please any foodie. Here are the greatest restaurants near Gorges du Tarn where you may sample classic and trendy French cuisine.
If you want simple and classic handmade family food that you can relish in an excellent setting, Auberge La Cascade is the place to go. It’s located in the heart of the Gorges du Tarn, just a few minutes from Sainte-Enimie.
Sitting in its gorgeous, cozy dining room featuring exposed stone walls, you will savor gorgeous dishes that are as excellent as they are generous in its ventilated veranda or on the shaded patio with a view.
L’Eden is the greatest place to go for pizza and steak. You may also enjoy its one-hectare grassy picnic area, which is surrounded by one of the most stunning beaches in the Tarn gorges.
Its daily menu includes classic recipes, pizzas, salads, and a la carte dishes, as well as ice cream and cold drinks. They also hold concerts, and all of the dates are posted on their website.
Tips When Visiting Gorges du Tarn
If you’re thinking about visiting the Gorges du Tarn, here are some suggestions to make your vacation unique.
Look Out for Birds
While driving or trekking through the gorge, keep an eye out for the area’s amazing avian life, which includes France’s biggest griffon vulture population as well as numerous other birds of prey.
Metropolitan France is projected to have 460 bird species, which is less than the UK; nevertheless, in terms of the total number of birds, France is unquestionably well ahead of the UK.
Pack Smartly
Make sure you pack adequately before leaving on your adventure. Strong hiking boots, weather-appropriate gear, and a strong sunscreen are all required.
If you intend to spend time on the water, bring a waterproof bag to keep your stuff safe. It’s also a good idea to bring a refillable water bottle and trail food, as there may not be many convenience stores in the bush.
Respect Nature
The Gorges du Tarn is a magnificent natural environment that must be treated with the utmost care. By properly disposing of waste and following park restrictions, you may leave no sign of your stay.
Keep in mind local customs and traditions, and greet friendly inhabitants with a warm “Bonjour” or “Bonsoir” when traveling through villages. Respect for the environment and the local culture will ensure a pleasant and peaceful encounter.
Hi, I’m Christine – a full-time traveler and career woman. Although I’m from the Philippines, my location independent career took me to over 40 countries and lived in 4 continents in the last 10 years, including France. A self-proclaimed Francophile, I love everything France.