A spectacular drive north from Montpellier on the toll-free A75 via the Lodève valley and Larzac plateau delivers you first to the Millau Viaduct Belvédère viewpoint (world's tallest vehicular bridge), then to the village of Roquefort-sur-Soulzon for guided cave tours and cheese tastings at the Société and Papillon producer cellars. Return via the Gorges de la Dourbie for a scenic alternative route.
The Millau Viaduct and Roquefort-sur-Soulzon combination from Montpellier is one of the most satisfying engineering-and-gastronomy day trips in France. The A75 motorway north from Montpellier is completely toll-free — an exceptional feature for a French autoroute — and the drive across the Larzac plateau, one of the vast limestone causses of the Massif Central, is scenic in its own right before the first view of the Millau Viaduct. The Viaduc de Millau, completed in 2004 to a design by Norman Foster and Michel Virlogeux, carries the A75 motorway over the Tarn valley at a deck height of 270 metres; the tallest pylon reaches 343 metres — higher than the Eiffel Tower — making it the world's tallest vehicular bridge. The Belvédère du Viaduc de Millau on the north bank of the valley (exit A75 at Millau-nord, then the D992) provides the definitive ground-level view of all seven pylons and the cable-stay geometry; a small visitor centre with architectural models and a café is on site. Allow 45–60 minutes. Millau's pleasant old town, 5 km from the belvédère, offers good lunch options at €15–22. Roquefort-sur-Soulzon, 20 km southwest of Millau on the D999, has produced Roquefort cheese in the natural limestone caves of the Combalou rock formation since at least the 11th century and received one of France's first AOC (Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée) designations in 1925. The caves maintain a constant temperature of 8–12°C year-round and unique air circulation through natural fissures (fleurines) — the precise conditions essential for Penicillium roqueforti mould growth. The Société Roquefort producer runs daily public cave tours (approximately €7 adults), the most accessible introduction to the production process. The Fromageries Papillon (approximately €5) is a smaller artisan alternative with a more personal presentation. Both tours include tastings and exit through well-stocked cheese shops, where prices are typically 20–30% lower than Paris cheese shops or international markets.
Highlights
- Millau Viaduct Belvédère viewpoint
- Roquefort cheese cave tours (Société, Papillon)
- Larzac plateau plateau landscape
- Gorges de la Dourbie return route
Tips for visiting
- The Belvédère du Viaduc de Millau has free parking and is clearly signposted from the A75 Millau-nord exit — do not confuse it with the tolled viaduct crossing itself.
- Pre-book Roquefort cave tours online in July–August when group time slots fill quickly; outside peak season, walk-in visits are generally available.
- The A75 is entirely toll-free from Clermont-Ferrand to Montpellier — an unusual and welcome feature for a major French motorway.
- Buy Roquefort in vacuum-sealed packages from the cave shops for easy transport; the cheese requires refrigeration within 24 hours of opening.
- The Gorges de la Dourbie (D991 from Millau via Nant) makes an excellent 30-minute scenic addition on the return journey south.
When to visit
The Roquefort cave tours run year-round and are not seasonal. Autumn (September–November) is particularly atmospheric for the viaduct when morning mist in the Tarn valley can make the pylons appear to emerge from cloud. Avoid late July and August when Millau accommodates substantially higher tourist numbers.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to book Roquefort cave tours in advance?
Booking in advance is recommended from mid-June through August when peak-season tour groups fill allocated time slots. Both Société and Papillon run multiple tours daily; outside peak season, walk-in visits are generally available without prior reservation.
How tall is the Millau Viaduct?
The tallest pylon rises 343 metres from the valley floor, making it taller than the Eiffel Tower. The road deck sits at approximately 270 metres at its highest point above the Tarn valley. The bridge is 2.46 km long in total.
Is Roquefort cheese cheaper to buy at the source?
Yes — cave-shop prices are typically 20–30% lower than Paris cheese shops or international supermarkets. Both the Société and Papillon shops stock the full affinage range, including longer-aged wheels rarely available outside the region.
What is the best viewpoint for the Millau Viaduct?
The Belvédère du Viaduc de Millau (free parking, 15-minute walk to the viewpoint) provides the definitive view of all seven pylons from ground level. The belvédère on the opposite (south) side of the valley offers an alternative angle but is less accessible.