The 8 best outdoor activities to do in the Gorges du Tarn

They offer sumptuous escapades to nature lovers. Here are the 8 best outdoor activities to do in the Gorges du Tarn.

In the heart of Cevennes , the Gorges du Tarn are characterized by surprising geological formations, villages hung on cliffs and the flow of water deeply limpid. These gorges that snake between Aveyron and the Lozère dig indelible furrows in the memory of the festivities of beautiful landscapes and outdoor activities.

On the waters with extraordinary colors or suspended from the huge rocks, the possibilities are infinite. Discover the 8 best outdoor activities to do in the Gorges du Tarn.

1. Hiking

Walking has an advantage: you just need a pair of good shoes and your feet. The Gorges du Tarn, surrounded by Causses and the Cévennes invite a multitude of hikes. Here, all the routes compete with splendors and diversity.

Neophytes or aguerris will necessarily find their happiness among the wide range of paths. Valleys, forests, mountains, ruined rocks and steep cliffs. Rivers, high roads, passages in the troglodyte villages. What a fabulous playground!

Among the most beautiful trails, many start from Sainte-Énimie (scenic views of the gorges), from Rozier (between forests, villages and cliffs) or from Saint-Chély-du-Tarn (discovering monuments and castles). The most remarkable of the hikes extends over nearly two-cent-cinquante kilometers from the Tarn sources to the plains.

Among the outdoor activities to do in the Gorges du Tarn, why not a horse-riding or a donkey? An original way to immerse yourself in the heart of this region and its large spaces.

2. The canoë-kayak and rafting

Miles and kilometres of dazzling river dug the Gorges du Tarn. This impressive phenomenon delights canoe and kayak bites. Here, the descents can be quiet or intense, multiplying the passages in the blows and the rapids.

They can also follow the picturesque villages, the iconic houses and castles of this region suspended in time. For the most adventurous, why by a bivouac hike, on several days, along the banks of the Tarn?

The starting points and the size of the canoe-kayak courses are varied. Sainte-Enimie, Saint-Chély du Tarn, Le Château de la Caze, La Malène, Quézac, Le Rozier, Les Vignes, Pas de Soucy, Ispagnac, Prades: you have the embarrassment of choice!

If water levels are too important or you dream of very strong sensations in bright waters, opt for rafting. These walks offer a splendid setting and access to unusual places. For a maximum of emotions, rub yourself at the descent of the Lot in La Canourgue: sport and technique. In any case, to taste the best outdoor activities to do in the Gorges du Tarn, impossible to pass next to the river.

3. The Paddle

Want to explore Gorges du Tarn otherwise, smoothly and equilibrium? Go on a paddle expedition! This activity offers unpublished walks in the raw and preserved nature. The different faces of the gorges, fauna and flora are easily observed from your boats. The paddle invites you to enter the straits, spectacular canyons, enclaved beaches and subjugating circus.

4. The canyoning and Aquatic Hiking

Making canyoning in the Gorges du Tarn promises a playful and sporty immersion to the beauty of the site. Hold your breath, slide, jump, run, dip. However, all types of routes are possible in the Gorges du Tarn and the difficulties are variable. Be sure, all guarantee a bucolic frame, translucent waters, incredible granite slabs and grignoble blocks. A concentrate of adrenaline and wonders.

Among the iconic routes:

• The canyon in the heights of the Pont de Montvert. You evolve in the heart of the Cevennes, of its untouched nature and perfect for jumps, slides and slides.
• The natural vasques of the Tapoul canyon, a few encablures from the village of Les Rousses. Throughout the descent, all types of obstacles are present and the natural pools are breathtaking.
• Rieutord canyon. Its descent follows the river between slides, swims, marches and jumps of several meters.
• The descent of the Bramabiau canyon, for its part, takes place in the forest and the gorges covered.
• Along the gorges of the Channerac, the obstacles are linked and the void is sometimes felt. This route is known as one of the most beautiful in the region, the padded and sunny granite blocks are fabulous.
• The Gorges de la Haute-Dourbie offer a playful initiation. The slides, crystal clear vasques and jumps allow you to meet the unique geology of the Tarn, smoothly.

In short, which says outdoor activities to be done in the Gorges du Tarn, also says life-water sports!

5. The climb

A cyrielle of climbing spots punctuate the Gorges du Tarn. Here, circus attracts enthusiasts among the most seasoned. The long and steep tracks are in fact the majority. Nevertheless, the most beautiful cliffs of the Gorges du Tarn are quite accessible to beginners, guided by professional monitors.

The Roc Aiguille, Face aux Figues, the Fœtus, the Muse, are among the best paths of initiation to climbing. They are thought for beginners but quickly offer proximity with more engaged routes.

Touch the rocks with surprising colors. Evolve, eyes in the eyes, facing the millennium cliffs. Take a look, admire the river that winds down. Among the outdoor activities to be done in the Gorges du Tarn, climbing offers a feeling of freedom without the same.

6. The via-ferrata

Via-ferrata provides intense sensations. In the Gorges du Tarn, some are particularly aerial, others punctuated with bathing or very athletic breaks. These high-flight routes, hung in the middle of the wall and pierced by bars, extend to several exceptional sites.

Florac, Tapoul, La Canourgue and its atypical village, Liaucous and its entrance into the gorges: there is the embarrassment of choice! And believe us, all the ways are masterpieces of aesthetics.

Via-ferrata is an outdoor activity to be done in the Gorges du Tarn which is particularly accessible. A good point if the climbing seems to you too engaged hair.

7. Speleology

In the depths of the Gorges du Tarn, underground networks multiply. The caves are home to fabulous limestone sculptures and can be visited during non-standard expeditions. Speleology allows you to discover these abyssal cavities dug into the karstic massifs. Here, the waters have allowed the outbreak of countless jewels that seem straight out into the innards of the Earth. Helmet, lamp and baudriers, you're out!

Discover for example the cave of Castelbouc. A great classic that concentrates all the faces of speleology. It offers an easy progression and an ideal approach for beginners. There is also the cave of Clujade. One of the Gorges du Tarn. with few delicate passages, which gathers all the magical universes of speleology.

In addition, speleology is an outdoor activity to be done in the Gorges du Tarn that will delight those who need a little freshness.

8. ATV

The Gorges du Tarn invite you to incredible mountain bike routes. The trays open onto magical views and allow you to defuse breathtaking descents.

Aficionados of roads or roads, the region offers as many river rides as well as vertiginous slopes along the rivers Causses . Surprising surprises, discover for example the Causses, the Tarn and Jonte for several days. Otherwise, the Causses de Sauveterre from Sainte Enimie. Or even Méjean and the Gorges du Tarn in four days from Florac.

If your heart swings for this outdoor activity in the Gorges du Tarn, your itineraries can be as many as varied.