Gorges du Tarn (via Millau – day trip from northeast NA)

The Gorges du Tarn form one of the most spectacular canyon landscapes in southwest France, carved by the Tarn river descending from the Massif Central through the Causse Méjean and Causse de Sauveterre limestone plateaux. While the gorge lies administratively across the border in Aveyron and Lozère, it is readily accessible as a day excursion from the Corrèze and northern Lot areas of Nouvelle-Aquitaine, with the city of Millau serving as the primary gateway. A representative 12-kilometre section begins at the village of Le Rozier, at the confluence of the Tarn and Jonte rivers at the southern entrance to the gorge, and follows the GR62 waymarked path upstream along the true left bank. Le Rozier is reached from Millau (20 km south) via the N9 and D907 river road; parking is available in the village. The route gains approximately 400 metres of elevation as it alternates between riverside path and the lower causse cliffs, passing the medieval hamlets of Les Vignes and Saint-Chély-du-Tarn. The terrain combines good quality riverside path with rocky cliff-base sections where the trail narrows to single file. Limestone walls rise 400 to 600 metres above the river on both sides, supporting large colonies of griffon vultures that nest on the cliff faces and are routinely visible circling on thermal updrafts above the gorge. The river offers natural swimming spots at several points, particularly near Les Vignes and downstream of Saint-Chély. The medieval village of Sainte-Énimie, approximately 20 kilometres upstream, is a popular endpoint for longer sections and contains troglodyte remains and a Romanesque abbey. Return to Le Rozier can be made by retracing the riverside path or arranging transport from a downstream village.