Gorges du Tarn — Sentier des Grèves

The Sentier des Grèves is a riverside path through the most dramatic section of the Gorges du Tarn in Lozère, Occitanie — one of the great canyon landscapes of southern France. The walk runs 12 kilometres one way between the cliff-village of La Malène and the village of Les Vignes, following the Tarn River through the famous Détroits narrows and the natural amphitheatre of the Cirque des Baumes. The trailhead at La Malène is reached by car via the D907b from Florac (22 km) or Millau (30 km); parking is available in the village along the main road (free) and at a small paying area at river level. The trail begins at river level and remains close to the water throughout, crossing sequences of riverside gravel banks — grèves in French, which gives the path its name — with dramatic limestone cliffs soaring up to 500 metres on both sides. The surface is predominantly compacted earth and gravel with rocky sections; total elevation change is only 200 metres, making this one of the more accessible gorge walks in the region. The Détroits section, approximately halfway along the route, represents the narrowest and most theatrical passage of the gorge, where the canyon walls press close enough to shadow the river in mid-summer and the Tarn accelerates between tall limestone buttresses. Beyond the Détroits, the Cirque des Baumes opens dramatically — a vast natural amphitheatre providing the finest panoramic view of the entire canyon. The village of Les Vignes at the route's end has a small café and road access for pre-arranged vehicle shuttles. A popular and historic return option is by traditional flat-bottomed barque: the Bateliers des Gorges du Tarn operate guided boat trips from La Malène through the Détroits narrows, departing daily from late April to late October. Swimming in the emerald Tarn pools is a highlight from July onwards, though river current strength should be assessed after heavy rainfall before entering the water.