Millau

Visit Millau, Midi-Pyrenees

Millau has always been on the tourist map, but with the construction and opening of the Millau Viaduct it has become a much more popular place to visit.

It is a pretty little town nestled down in a valley with steep cliffs and impressive rock outcrops surrounding it on all sides.  Now, of course, the spectacular bridge dominates many of the city views, imposing a somewhat surreal backdrop to Millau.

Explore Millau

It is impossible to visit Millau without including the Millau bridge in your itinerary, but having tackled the bridge it is well worth dropping into the town.  There are many good restaurants to choose from and plenty of cafes and bars if you just want light refreshment.  If you want a substantial meal I would strongly advise that you walk away from the central fountain and head for the backstreets where there are numerous little bistros tucked away. After lunch there are some good boutiques and specialist shops to visit.

If you are not so keen on shopping, or the children put up a fight, there are three really good options to complete your day.

Montpellier-le-Vieux is an amazing place to visit.  You take a narrow road up out of the town and crawl your way up through a series of hair bends. For the non-driver, if you can take your eyes away from the precipitous drops, you get some superb views of the Viaduct crossing the other side of the valley.  Right at the top you are directed into the park.  The park consists of a large section of Causse which has been eroded over the centuries to leave the most spectacular series of limestone outcrops.

There are 5 trails available for you to explore this fascinating place and they lead you between intricately carved, natural sculptures.  The trails are quite demanding and not suitable for people who have walking difficulties, or buggies, but if you can’t manage the walking bits there is a separate tourist train which will take you to the key outcrops and viewing points as well as giving you a little history on the park.

The Roquefort Caves. Roquefort is very close to Millau and there are a number of caves to choose from, with attached factories where you can find out the history of this famous cheese and get your chance to taste and buy.

Micropolis. This is a super place for children who love creepy crawlies! There are lots of exhibits, some preserved, some live and various ‘hands-on’ activities for children of all ages.  It also has a good restaurant attached, but you must pre-book a table as soon as you arrive to guarantee a table.

In all, Millau and the surrounding area have a lot to offer so make sure you have time to fit the key points in.

Tourist classifications for Millau: Village in bloom (ville fleurie) 3*;

Suggested places to visit near Millau, France

Distances shown are direct, driving distances will be greater.

More suggestions: La Couvertoirade 28km; Saint-Chely-du-Tarn 36km; Brousse-le-Chateau 38km; Sainte-Enimie 40km; Castelbouc 41km; Sainte-Eulalie-d'Olt 42km; Montbrun 43km; Le Vigan 44km; Lodeve 45km; Cevennes National Park 47km; Florac 49km; Rodez 49km; Saint-Come-d'Olt 51km; Espalion 53km; Marvejols 53km; Saint-Guilhem-le-Desert 55km;

See these places and more on a map at places near Millau

Millau tourism: sights and attractions nearby

Grands Causses - regional natural parc (11km) : Chaos de Montpellier-le-Vieux - site of natural beauty (12km) : Aven Armand (grotte) - site of natural beauty (26km) : Abbaye de Sylvanès (Sylvanes) - religious monument (31km) : Abîme de Bramabiau - site of natural beauty (32km) : Chaos de Nimes-le-Vieux - site of natural beauty (37km) : Eglise de Saint-Cirice (Brousse-le-Chateau) - religious monument (38km) : Cirque de Vissec - site of natural beauty (38km) :

French version: see Millau (Francais)