La Bergerie du Mas Delon +33 6 81 56 48 59
70 km from the gîtes · Engineering marvel · Aveyron

The Millau Viaduct, the world's tallest bridge an hour from the Salagou

Opened in 2004, the Millau Viaduct is the tallest bridge in the world, its pylons rising to 343 metres. An engineering masterpiece by Norman Foster and Michel Virlogeux, it spans the Tarn gorges an hour from La Bergerie du Mas Delon — an unforgettable day trip from the Salagou.

Book a gîte Discover the viaduct Navacelles
70 km from the gîtes 343 m tall World's tallest bridge Tarn gorges
70 kmfrom La Bergerie du Mas Delon
343 mmaximum height of the pylons
2004opened by Jacques Chirac
2,460 mtotal length of the deck

The Millau Viaduct, a day out like no other

Designed by architect Norman Foster and engineer Michel Virlogeux, the Millau Viaduct is one of the most impressive feats of civil engineering in the world. Its seven pylons rise through the clouds above the Tarn gorges, letting the A75 link Paris to Barcelona without dropping into the valley.

Driving across it is a unique experience: from the deck, 270 metres up, the view over the gorges and the causse is dizzying. Down below, from the visitor centre, the structure is even more impressive for its lightness and monumental proportions.

Drive across a unique experience, toll on the A75
Visitor centre ground-level views, exhibition on the construction
Tarn gorges Le Rozier, Peyreleau, breathtaking landscapes
Old town of Millau glove-making town, markets and good food
The Millau Viaduct spanning the Tarn gorges, seen from Embarry

📷 Henk Monster — CC BY 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons

A day between the Salagou and Millau

In an hour's drive, the scenery shifts from the red lake of the Salagou to the vertiginous causses of the Aveyron.

Driving across the viaduct

The A75 crosses the Millau Viaduct (toll roughly €10-20 depending on the season) — the only toll on the entire Clermont-Ferrand — Béziers stretch. From the deck, the view plunges 270 metres down into the Tarn gorges. An experience you remember for life, even if you are used to great roads.

Its tallest pylon is higher than the Eiffel Tower. Construction began in late 2001 and took just over three years — the bridge opened up the Massif Central by removing the endless traffic jams that used to build up through Millau.

The viaduct visitor centre

On the Millau side, the visitor centre lets you admire the structure from the ground and explore an exhibition on its design and construction. Free entry, parking, gift shop and a viewpoint overlooking the pylons.

The Tarn gorges

Heading up from Millau towards Le Rozier, the Tarn gorges offer breathtaking landscapes: limestone cliffs, villages clinging to the rock and a turquoise river. Swimming, canoeing and hiking are all possible in season.

Millau, glove-making town

The town of Millau is famous for its leather glove-making, the legacy of a centuries-old tradition. The old town, with its Place Emma-Calvé, covered market and restaurants, is a pleasant spot for lunch before or after visiting the viaduct.

The Larzac plateau

On the road between the Salagou and Millau, the Larzac plateau stretches for dozens of kilometres. La Couvertoirade (a Templar village, 35 km from the gîtes) and Roquefort-sur-Soulzon (cheese cellars) are stops well worth adding to the itinerary.

Roquefort-sur-Soulzon

30 km north of Millau, Roquefort-sur-Soulzon lets you visit the natural caves where Roquefort cheese is matured. A fascinating guided tour through the fleurines (natural faults) of the Combalou, easy to combine with a Millau day trip.

Frequently asked questions about the Millau Viaduct

How far is the Millau Viaduct from the gîtes?

The Millau Viaduct is about 70 km from La Bergerie du Mas Delon, around 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes by car via the RN9 towards Millau. The route crosses the Larzac plateau and is a scenic drive in its own right.

Can you drive across the viaduct?

Yes, the viaduct is part of the A75 (a toll motorway). Crossing it costs roughly €10 to €20 depending on the season and type of vehicle. There is also a free viewpoint where you can watch and photograph the bridge from the heights of the causse.

What can you do in Millau on a day trip from the Salagou?

A typical day: leave the gîtes at 9am, arrive in Millau by 10.15am. Visit the visitor centre, drive across the viaduct, have lunch in town. In the afternoon: the Tarn gorges (Le Rozier) or Roquefort-sur-Soulzon. Back at the gîte around 6pm.

From the red lake to the world's tallest bridge

La Bergerie du Mas Delon, at the crossroads of the Salagou and the Larzac: the Millau Viaduct, the Tarn gorges and La Couvertoirade all within a day trip.

Call +33 6 81 56 48 59 Book now