Visit Millau on foot or by bike

Millau is best known for its Viaduct, but its medieval historic center is definitely worth a visit. It's dotted with little natural bubbles, perfect for relaxing and walking. It stretches along the banks of the Tarn, and a greenway runs along the other bank, making it easy to reach by bike. Water sports and water recreation centers allow you to fully enjoy the pleasures of the river. Let's go for a visit to Millau on foot or by bike.

Photos of the article: Tarn Aveyron Guide (unless otherwise stated under the photo)

Strolling through the historic center of Millau

Millau is classified as a " Town of Art and History". It has successfully preserved historical sites dating back to prehistoric times. The must-see monuments in Millau to see during your stroll are:

• Medieval houses, particularly on Rue de la Capelle.
• The Belfry, near the Tourist Office.
• The church of Notre-Dame de l’Espinasse and its monumental fresco.
• The Old Bridge and its old mill.
• Outside the historic center, the Tower of the Palace of the Kings of Aragon or the ruins of the Dungeon of Pépissou.

Photo © photoprofi30 | Adobe Stock

Visit the museums of Millau

Millau's museums retrace this rich history, which begins in prehistoric times in the Causses. Chronologically, we recommend the following sites:

• The archaeological site of La Graufesenque ;
• The Millau and Grands Causses Museum on local history, in the former Pégayrolles mansion ;
• The exhibition on the construction of this unusual bridge, on the Millau Viaduct area.

Go on a shopping spree

Millau is a dynamic and forward-looking city, while remaining rooted in its artisanal tradition . Here you will find workshops and factories, art and designer boutiques, and all kinds of shops. Here are our favorite places:

• The Arts and Crafts Space and its traditional artisans;
• The shopping galleries of Place de la Capelle for “Made in Millau” souvenirs;
• The leather glove factories which revive the medieval tradition of the city of Millau.

Stroll through Millau’s parks and gardens

After a good walk through the city, the parks and gardens of Millau offer you a well-deserved rest:

• The Garden of the Hôtel de Sambucy and its 17th century mansion;
• The Town Hall Garden is a family place, thanks to its wooden playground and its duck pond;
• Victory Park is a very lively place, where many events take place.

Cycling on cycle paths and tracks

The city of Millau is implementing initiatives to facilitate soft mobility, particularly through the pedestrianization of the city center during the summer. Cycle routes have been developed to reach the city center along the banks of the Tarn:

• The Promenade des Berges du Tarn is a 4 km greenway, shaded and very pleasant;
• The Green Viaduct Trail is a 16 km route, starting from Millau;

• The Grande Traversée du Massif Central (GTMC) is a long mountain bike trail that starts in Millau and takes you from Larzac to the Mediterranean. In the Tarn region, you can take it from Millau to La Couvertoirade.

Photo © Uwalthie Pic Project | Adobe Stock

Hiking in the natural spaces around Millau

Millau is located in the heart of the Causses, on the edge of the Lévézou Plateau and crossed by the Tarn River. It is an exceptional natural environment and a favorite spot for hikers. All these natural spaces are located south of Millau and the Tarn:

• The Creissels Waterfalls are located on the southern outskirts of Millau;
• The Grands Causses Regional Natural Park ;
• The Tarn Valley and its Raspes, carved into the Lévézou Plateau.

Family fun by the river

The right bank of the Tarn, near Millau, has been equipped with leisure and sports centers, allowing you to enjoy the pleasures of water, close to the town center:

• The Maladrerie leisure park and its Aqua Vagues park, for white water sports;
• Lou Pitchou land on Maladrerie Island, a space dedicated to young people;
• Gourd de Bade Beach is a small beach in a green setting;
• The Roc et Canyon sports and leisure center, near the Cureplat Bridge, offers all kinds of outdoor sports, such as canoeing, canyoning, via ferrata, bungee jumping, and more.

Photo © The Roc et Canyon Sports Leisure Center

We hope we have given you some good ideas to fully enjoy your walking stay in Millau and we wish you pleasant visits and walks.

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