Millau

Millau lies in southern Aveyron, at the confluence of the Tarn and Dourbie rivers, surrounded by limestone plateaux and gorges typical of the Grands Causses region. The town is best known for its viaduct, one of the highest road bridges in the world, designed by engineer Michel Virlogeux and architect Norman Foster, which spans the Tarn valley and can be admired from several vantage points nearby. Millau also has a long-standing tradition of glove-making, a craft heritage explored at the Millau and Grands Causses Museum. The surrounding area draws outdoor enthusiasts thanks to the Tarn and Dourbie gorges, ideal for hiking, canoeing and climbing, while the causses plateaux are a popular spot for paragliding. The climate is broadly Mediterranean, tempered by altitude, with hot, dry summers. The town itself retains a historic centre with shaded squares, covered market halls and narrow lanes reflecting its Occitan heritage, making it a convenient base for exploring the Grands Causses Regional Nature Park and the nearby Larzac plateau.