Visit Millau: what’s in store for the superb Aveyron valley? Discover our selection of things to do and see during your stay.
Millau is a town in the Aveyron region of France’s Occitanie region. It is about 120 kilometers from Montpellier and 70 kilometers from Rodez. Founded more than 3,000 years ago, the town, formerly known as Condatomagus, was renowned for its production of luxury ceramics. These were exported throughout the Roman Empire. Bordered by the river Tarn, Millau benefits from the mild climate of southern France. Today, it is famous for its viaduct, which is visited by many tourists every year. But if you come to visit Millau, it’s not the only thing to see: the little town is packed with cultural and heritage highlights, as well as being a stronghold for outdoor sports. A breath of fresh air for nature lovers.
So, what’s there to do in Millau? Here’s an article on 14 things not to miss!
1. La Couvertoirade
Photo credit: Shutterstock / PhiloPhotos
A true medieval village, La Couvertoirade is a timeless place. A listed fortified village, La Couvertoirade contains many treasures. Immerse yourself in medieval times as you stroll through the narrow streets lined with typical houses and mansions. Visit monuments such as the Hospitaller church, the 12th-century Templar castle and the mill. You’re sure to fall under the spell not only of the atmosphere, but also of the architecture!
2. Millau Viaduct
Photo credit: Shutterstock / FraVal Imaging
A must-see when you visit Millau! This huge bridge, opened in 2004, links the causse rouge and the causse du Larzac, spanning an immense gap 2,460 meters long and 343 meters deep at its highest point.
Suffice to say, it’s very impressive! It’s part of the A75 freeway that crosses the Tarn region. Its modern, uncluttered architecture makes it very airy.
3. Sainte-Eulalie-de-Cernon
Photo credit: Shutterstock / RYSAN
Part of the Millau commune, Sainte-Eulalie-de-Cernon has much to offer. Visit the Commanderie, headquarters of the Knights Templar and the Hospitallers. This site bears witness to over 600 years of history and the presence of military and religious orders. Discover how these soldier-monks lived by visiting the Romanesque church, dormitories and other living quarters.
The village also offers other activities such as hiking, mountain biking and guided tours. A great place to see if you don’t know what to do in Millau.
4. Puncho d’Agast
Photo Credit: Instagram – mariedln_
Puncho d’Agast is the summit of a mountain in Millau called the Causse Noir. Puncho d’Agast, translated as « the point of the maple tree », measures is 841 metres high and overlooks the town of Millau. Many stories have been told about it, including the presence of ancient Celtic druids.
Today, it’s still a mecca for hikers, mountain bikers and paragliders.
5. La Cité de Pierres in Montpellier-le-Vieux
Photo Credit: Instagram – pro_late
If you don’t know what to do in Millau, here’s a must-see. The Cité de Pierres in Montpellier-Le-Vieux has the title of Europe’s largest rock labyrinth.
Take a stroll through the unusual rock shapes, created and sculpted by wind and water. Treat yourself to a guided tour aboard the little green train. Perfect for people with reduced mobility, families or those who prefer to visit effortlessly! Stroll along the protected, signposted paths. There are five different routes to choose from.
6. Millau Museum
Photo credit: Facebook – Services Culturels de la Ville de Millau
Passionate about history and archaeology? Then why not visit this museum if you don’t know what to do in Millau! The Musée de Millau et des Grands Causses houses jewels from prehistoric times. Fossils, sculptures and pottery are on display for your enjoyment.
Trace the history of Millau through these culturally rich collections. Temporary exhibitions, concerts, conferences and other events are organized throughout the year.
7. Millau Viaduct area
Photo Credit: Instagram – j.rdn
If you’re coming to visit Millau and its viaduct, we recommend this area, set in an old farmhouse typical of the region. You’ll find a gourmet area where you can sample local specialities, an Aveyron discovery area with an information point, an exhibition on the viaduct and a guided tour of the site.
8. Millau Belfry
Photo Credit: Flickr – Gilbert Sopakuwa
Located in the heart of Millau, the Belfry is a tower originally part of a palace built in 1172. During the French Revolution, the tower served as the town’s prison. Today, you can visit it from the 42-metre-high upper platform, offering a breathtaking panoramic view of the city. A monument not to be missed!
9 Millau beach
Photo Credit: Facebook – Ville de Millau
Don’t know what to do in Millau and fancy a spot of sunbathing and swimming? Destination Millau beach! The Gourg de bade municipal beach is located in the center of town. It is equipped and supervised. A pleasant place to cool off and spend a relaxing summer day.
10. La Graufesenque
Photo Credit: Flickr – Claude Valette
La Graufesenque is a Gallo-Roman archaeological site. It was a major centre for the production of pottery and ceramics from the first to second centuries AD, inspired by Italian art. It’s just two kilometers from the town of Millau and easily accessible. Come and visit the superb ruins and art collections of the period. You’ll take a leap back in time!
11. A quad bike session
Photo Credit: Instagram – naturaquad
Here’s a fun activity to do in and around Millau. The region is a huge playground for all enthusiasts! That’s why so many companies have set up shop here, offering quad bike tours. Explore the region, discovering areas you’d never be able to see by car. Whether you’re young or old, anyone can get behind the handlebars! All you need is your A or B license and to be at least 18 years old. The thrills are yours!
12. A boat trip
Photo Credit: Instagram – philclemphotography
Several boat excursions are available. However, the most famous is that of Les Bateliers du Viaduc. A superb way to visit Millau, by water. Discover the Tarn valley as you’ve never seen it before. Enjoy a peaceful ride on the calm waters and learn about the history of the area, its flora and fauna. The boat departs from Cresseils, a charming medieval village that’s great fun to visit.
13. The historic center
Photo Credit: Flickr – thierry llansades
Millau’s historic center boasts over two thousand years of history. Take a stroll through the narrow streets and visit the church of Notre Dame de Lespinasse. You can also discover the Château Millavois, a large town house, and admire the old mill and Pont Vieux.
14. Outdoor activities
Photo Credit: Flickr – Mat Distef
Apart from quad biking and boat trips, there are plenty of other activities you can enjoy if you come to visit Millau! Here are just a few of them:
- Bungee jumping: jump from a height of 50 metres from the Sainte Eulalie viaduct!
- Canyoning: jumps, abseils and natural slides await the bravest among you in the surrounding rivers.
- Paragliding, hang-gliding or a helicopter tour: take to the skies and discover the region from the air.
- Kayaking: another way to visit Millau by water!
- Hiking: a popular activity, there are many hiking trails to choose from.
- Walk along the Tarn: the banks of the Tarn have recently been landscaped, to the delight of walkers.
How to get to Millau
There are several ways to get to Millau.
- By car: there are three ways to get to Millau: you can take the A68 freeway, the N88 main road or the D911 secondary road.
- By train: Millau is well served by a train station. So it’s easy to book your train ticket wherever you are.
- By plane: since Millau has only one airfield (reserved for private planes) located on the Larzac, you’ll need to choose Rodez as your destination if you’re flying. Once in Rodez, the easiest way to make the most of your stay in Aveyron is to rent a car directly from the airport, and plan a short jaunt to Millau (allow an hour’s drive). To find out which airlines serve this airport and compare prices, use a flight comparator such as Ulysse. When it comes to fares, be warned: even if Rodez is a « small » destination, ticket prices can sometimes soar!
- By bus: many bus companies now offer unbeatable bus journeys from several French cities!
Where to stay in Millau
Depending on your budget, there are several types of accommodation in Millau. You can choose to rent a house, for large families, or an apartment. The Airbnb option is also very practical. As Millau is a town rich in history and surrounded by typical villages, you also have the choice of staying a little outside the town, in the hills. It’s a nice change of scenery.
Campsites on the banks of the Tarn are also very popular, as are chalets and guest houses. Of course, Millau also has its share of hotels, ranging from small town hotels to large country estates such as Domaine de Saint Estève. To get an idea of the accommodation on offer according to your criteria, take a look at a hotel comparator: this will give you an overview of the best prices available according to your dates of stay.
Map of hotels and accommodation – Millau