GORGES DU TARN
Departments: Lozère and Aveyron

The Gorges du Tarn is a magnificent canyon formed by the Tarn river between the Causse Méjean and the Causse de Sauveterre, in southern France.

The canyon, between 400m to 600m deep, links the Lozère département, and Aveyron, and is about 53km (33 miles) long, extending from the village of Quézac to Le Rozier.

The gorges cut through the limestone plateaux (causses) to the south of the Massif Central, and are truly one of France's most spectacular landscapes.

The river Tarn itself (381km/237 miles long) rises 1,575m (5,167ft) in the granitic uplands of Lozère, bullying a way down the slopes of the Cévennes to enter the most amazing stretch of its journey at Florac.

The region is justly popular with those who enjoy walking, canoeing, climbing, horse riding, bird watching, canyoning, paragliding, entomology, mountain biking, caving, fishing. And although you can admire the scenery from a canoe or a boat, going with the flow, you can also follow the river on foot, or by car, on the right-bank, weaving through many kilometres of meanders that reveal a succession of rocky cirques and mountain landscapes. Swimming, walking, water activities, fishing and many others are among the numerous possibilities provided by the site.

The Gorges du Tarn are an attractive transition between Lozère in Languedoc-Roussillon and Aveyron in Midi-Pyrenees.

TOP TIP
The road along the gorges is narrow and often congested. So, allow extra time for the trip.

EXCURSIONS
Chaos de Montpellier-le-Vieux (18km/11 miles NE) – a 'ruined city', but actually comprised entirely of natural rock formations.
Caves de Roquefort (25km/15½ miles SW) – a must for lovers of this delicious blue-veined cheese).
Take a trip to see the Millau viaduct.