The 14 things to do in Millau

Visit Millau: what does the beautiful Aveyronnaise valley reserve? Discover our selection of incontours to do and see during your stay.

Millau is a city located in Aveyron, Occitania. It is about 120 kilometers from Montpellier and 70 kilometers from Rodez. Born more than 3000 years ago, the city, formerly known as Condatomagus, was renowned for its manufacture of luxury ceramics. They were exported throughout the Roman Empire. Surrounded by the Tarn, the city of Millau enjoys the very mild climate of the South of France. It is now very famous for its viaduct, which is visited every year by many tourists. But if you come to visit Millau, it is not the only thing to see, the small town is full of cultural and heritage uncontournable, just as it is known to be a fief of outdoor sports. A true bowl of fresh air that attracts nature lovers.

So what do Millau do? This is an article that recounts 14 things not to be missed!

1. La Couvertoirade

A real medieval village, La Couvertoirade is an area out of time. A fortified village, the Couvertoirade contains many treasures. Dive into the medieval era by strolling into its alleys lined with typical houses and special hotels. Visit monuments such as the Hospitaller Church, the Templar Castle dating from the twelfth century or its mill. You will fall under the charm of this atmosphere, but also of the architecture of this place!

2. The Millau Viaduct

The incontournable to see when you come to visit Millau! Immense bridge, commissioned in 2004, this viaduct connects the red causse and the Larzac causse by crossing a huge breach measuring 2,460 metres in length and 343 metres in depth at its highest point.

So much to tell you that it is very impressive! It is part of the A 75 motorway that crosses the Tarn area. Its modern and very clean architecture makes it very airy.

3. Sainte-Eulalie-de-Cernon

Village in the commune of Millau, Sainte-Eulalie-de-Cernon has a lot to offer. Visit the Commandery, the Templars and Hospitallers. This place is the witness of more than 600 years of history and the presence of military and religious orders. Also discover how these soldier monks lived by visiting the Romanesque church as well as dormitories and other living rooms.

The village also offers other activities such as hiking, mountain biking or guided tours. A great place to see if you don't know what to do in Millau.

4. Puncho d’Agast

The Puncho d’Agast is the top of a vintage mountain called the Black Causse. Puncho d’Agast, translated by “the point of the maple”, measures 841 meters and dominates the city of Millau. There were many stories about him, such as the presence of former Celtic druids of the time.

Today, it is still a high place of hiking and many activities like mountain biking, or paragliding.

5. La Cité de Pierres in Montpellier-le-Vieux

If you don't know what to do in Millau, here's a must to visit. Cité de Pierres in Montpellier-Le-Vieux has the title of the largest rocky labyrinth in Europe.

Come and stroll through these unusual rocks, created and carved by wind and water. Offer a guided tour on the small green train. Perfect for people with reduced mobility, families or those who prefer to visit without effort! Walk through protected and marked trails. Five different walks will be offered.

6. The Millau Museum

Passionate about history and archaeology? Then why not visit this museum if you don't know what to do to Millau! The Millau Museum and the Grand Causses contain jewels of prehistory. Fossiles, sculptures and pottery are exposed for your greatest pleasure.

Retracate the history of the city of Millau through these collections of an immense cultural wealth. All year round there are temporary exhibitions, as well as concerts, conferences and other events.

7. The Millau Viaduct Area

If you come to visit Millau and its viaduct, then we advise you to go through this Furnished area in an old farmhouse, typical of the region. You will find a gourmet area where you will have the opportunity to taste specialities of the region, a discovery area of the Aveyron with an information point, an exhibition on the viaduct and a guided tour of the site.

8. The Beffroi de Millau

Monument located in the heart of the city of Millau, the Beffroi is a tower originally part of a palace built in 1172. During the revolutionary period, this tower served as a prison in the city. Today you have the opportunity to visit it by accessing the high platform, 42 meters high, offering you a breathtaking view of the city. A must-see monument not to be missed!

9. The beach of Millau

You don't know what to do in Millau and you want sun bath and bath? Destination the beach of Millau! The municipal beach of Gourg de bade is a beach located in the center of the city. It is designed and monitored. A pleasant place to refresh and spend a summer day in relaxation.

10. The Graufesenque

Graufesenque is a Gallo-Roman archaeological site. A must-see place of craftsmanship of pottery and ceramics from the first to the second century after J-C inspired by Italian art. It is just two kilometers from the city of Millau and is easily accessible. Come and visit beautiful ruins as well as collections of art from the time. You'll jump in time!

11. A quad session

This is a nice activity to do in Millau and its surroundings. The region is a huge playground for all lovers! This is why many companies are set up and offer you to hike in quad. Explore the region, discover areas you could never have seen by car. Whether you're young or younger, everyone can get to the handlebars! You just need to own your A or B license and have at least 18 years. You feel it!

12. A boat trip

Several boat trips are available. However, the most famous remains that of Viaduct workshops . A great way to visit Millau by the water. Discover the Tarn valley as you have never seen before. Enjoy a peaceful walk on calm waters and enrich yourself with the history of the country, its fauna and flora The departure of the boat is Cresseils, a charming little medieval village very pleasant to visit.

13. The historic centre

Millau’s historic centre has more than two thousand years of history. Walk in the pretty streets, visit the church Our Lady of Lespinasse . You can also discover Millavois Castle, a large hotel, and then admire the old mill and the Old Bridge.

14. Outdoor activities

Apart from the quad and the boat ride, other activities can be done if you visit Millau! Here are some:

• The jump to the elastic : jump from a height of 50 meters from the viaduct of Sainte Eulalie!
• The canyoning : leaps, reminders and natural tobbogans await the most courageous of you in the surrounding rivers.
• Paragliding, deltaplane or helicopter tower : fly away in the air and discover the region view of the sky.
• The kayak : another way to visit Millau by the waters!
• Hiking : very busy activity, many hiking routes will be offered.
• Walk along the Tarn : the banks of the Tarn have recently been designed, for the greatest pleasure of the walkers.

How to get to Millau?

You have several means of transport to visit Millau.

• By car : three possibilities are available to you to reach Millau : you can take the motorway A68, the national N88 or the departmental D911.
• By train : Millau is a very well-served city with a train station. It is therefore easy to book your train ticket no matter where you are.
• By plane : Millau has only an aerodrome (booked to private planes) located on the Larzac, you will have to choose Rodez as a destination if you fly. Once in Rodez, the easiest is from rent a car directly to the airport to make the most of your stay in the Aveyron, and thus to plan a small getaway to Millau (account for an hour drive). To gauge the companies that serve this airport and compare prices, go to a standard flight comparison Ulysses. As far as the fares are concerned, even if Rodez is a “small” destination, the ticket price can sometimes be abrupt!
• By bus : today, many companies offer rides by bus defying any competition from several cities in France!

Where to stay in Millau?

Depending on your budget, there are several types of accommodation in Millau. You therefore have the possibility to opt for a house rental, for many families, or for an apartment. The option Airbnb is also very practical. Millau being a city rich in history and surrounded by typical villages, you also have the choice to stay a little outside the city, on the heights. A nice and disappointing atmosphere.

The campsites on the banks of the Tarn also have the coast, like cottages and guest houses that make the happiness of holidaymakers. Of course, Millau also has a lot of hotels ranging from the small town hotel to the big estate in the middle of nature like the Domaine de Saint Estève . To get an overview of the accommodation offer according to your criteria, take a look at a Compare hotels : you will thus have an overview of the best prices practiced according to your dates of stay.