Top 10 things to do in Millau

Millau is a beautiful town, nestled between the Causse Rouge and the Causse du Larzac, Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This territory of limestone plateaus, beaten by the winds and dug by the rivers, is a playground very popular with sports enthusiasts. Hiking, cycling, caving, climbing and via ferrata… await you there. Lovers of old stones will not be left out, as the region has a rich past. You will be able to raise a part of the history of France, in these magnificent Templar commanderies, vestiges of the hours of glory of these institutions of the Middle Ages. And for those who want to admire a modern work of art and an engineering challenge, the Millau Viaduct is sure to impress them! To make the most of your stay in the Tarn Aveyron, we have concocted a Top 10 activities to do absolutely in Millau.

Opening photo: © AltitudeDrone / AdobeStock

1) Take a guided or self-guided city tour

To get to know the city better, we advise you to start with a guided tour. The Millau Grands Causses tourist office organizes them on different themes: The essentials of the city, history of glove-making, view of the city from the Belfry, “rando aligot”… There is something to satisfy all your desires!

2) Go back in time to the Gallo-Roman origins of Millau

Millau enjoys a strategic position between the Causses and on the banks of the Tarn. It has always been coveted and not only militarily. Thus sigillated pottery was a first-rate industry for Gaul. Pieces from the archaeological site of La Graufesenque, in Millau, were exported to all Roman lands.

3) Learn more about the Templars at La Couvertoirade

Even today, the secrets and the funeral destiny of the Templars is still fascinating. It is an immersion in the middle of medieval times, which is offered to you at La Couvertoirade. It shows you the importance of fortifications in the midst of the Hundred Years War, tells you about the mission of the Hospitallers and the Templars, but also the life of the inhabitants of Larzac in the Middle Ages.

4) Unraveling the mysteries of a technological challenge: the Millau Viaduct

The Millau Viaduct is a cable-stayed bridge, perched 270 meters high and 2460 meters long. Its construction was a real technical challenge. It is the A75 motorway that allows motorists to take it to avoid the city center and save precious time. To take the measure, we advise you to go to the village of Peyre. And to better understand it, an exhibition is at your disposal on the motorway rest area.

5) Take a roadtrip of Aveyron cheeses

Bleu des Causses, Tommes de brebis and Roquefort, Millau is fortunate to be at the heart of an exceptional cheese region. You don't have to go far to have fun. A small loop between Rivière-sur-Tarn, Roquefort-sur-Soulzon and Cavalerie allows you to taste these cheeses, by car and why not by bike!

6) Learn about oenology in the vineyards of Aveyron

If the wines of Aveyron are astonishing, with mineral notes and fruity flavors, bursting with sunshine, the “Côte de Millau” appellation has a very unusual particularity… The wines are aged in troglodyte cellars! The winegrowers of the cooperative will be able to tell you all the benefits of the cellars on their wines and make you appreciate their original perfume.

7) Admire Millau from the sky

Climbing the Viaduct inspired you dreams of grandeur? We always take you higher, thanks to a paragliding flight. You will be full of thrills. You will appreciate the breathtaking landscapes on the causses and the gorges. You will have fun in the sky...

8) Test canyoning in the Gorges du Tarn

Do you want to discover the wild beauty of the Gorges du Tarn, while living an exotic adventure? We have the ideal formula: Canyoning! It's a very complete activity, which encompasses different sports: climbing, aquatic hiking, jumping... And if you're ready to go further, you can even add a bit of caving or via ferrata...

9) Hike in the Grands Causses Regional Natural Park

Millau is one of the gateways to the Grands Causses Regional Natural Park. It is a magnificent natural site, ideal for nature outings and hiking. Just outside the town, not far from the Millau Viaduct, a hiking trail gives you access to the Cascades de Creissels. It is a rejuvenating and peaceful place, in the heart of a nature reserve.

10) Pedaling on the Larzac Plateau

Millau is the starting point of the GTMC, heading towards the Mediterranean. But don't worry, the first stage will only take you to La Couvertoirade! Attention, it is not because we speak to you about plateau, that it is not sporty. The ascent with a view of the Millau Viaduct will not spare your legs.

We hope that this top 10 has made you want to visit Millau and stay in the Tarn Aveyon.

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