Causse Noir walks

Perhaps the most beautiful walk along the Causse Méjean, which traditionally starts out from Le Rozier. Here, by starting on the cliff top, there is less vertical drop, as you stay between 870 and 720m the whole way. As well as breath-taking scenery, you can see vultures circling above you and even below you on the cliffs!

A very beautiful hike along the Jonte Gorges on the ledges of the Causse Noir. Remains of the Saint-Michel hermitage. Close to vultures.

A very pretty loop that allows you to discover the Gorges du Tarn and then the Gorges de la Jonte. After the climb to Rocher de Capluc, the arrival at the viewpoint offers a magnificent view of the Tarn Gorges and Le Rozier. The route is a bit challenging but the views are sublime. The elevation gain is actually 650 m and the distance is 12 km.

A beautiful, challenging circular hike with breathtaking views. The view from the Cinglegros rock is fantastic, but access is reserved for those who do not suffer from vertigo.

This sublime spot we recommend is located on the Causse Noir.First, take a look at the bucolic priory of Saint-Jean des-Balmes.Next, the Bartasserie will reveal the charm of the Causse buildings.Finally, the cliffs that line the tip of Causse Méjean, the legendary vases of Sèvre and China, the Francbouteille rock and Capluc.In short, a breathtaking panorama with a reasonable elevation gain and distance. A family outing.

With all due respect to its illustrious neighbour (the Montpellier-le-Vieux site), the Caoussou chaos is a ruiniform formation rich in concretions, certainly more modest but just as interesting to discover. A family walk with a gradient suitable for both young and old.

A beautiful hike above Peyreleau with many points of interest: views of the Tarn valley and the Jonte gorges, vultures and eagles in flight, the ruins of the Hermitage of Saint-Michel and swimming in the Jonte on the way back. The most strenuous part is the first section to reach the viewpoint.

You will discover this dolomitic ruin hidden in the pine woods, but it is at the edge of the cliffs overlooking the Dourbie that the cornices of the Rajol will reveal their majesty.What can be said about the Dantesque beauty of the stone giants of Roques Altès? Appreciate the voluptuous curves of the roofs of the eponymous farm.A family walk that oscillates between enchantment and dreamlike fantasy.

This trail was created by the Cévennes Gorges du Tarn Causses Tourist Office and is traditionally started from the Dargilan cave car park, through the forest leading to Sérigas and back via the D47C road. This is a variation that takes theGR® 62A westwards from the D47C before the hamlet of Luc and returns to the Croix des 3 évêques crossroads. This adds a 2km circular to the original route and avoids walking on the tarmac of the D47C.

This is the stage with the most elevation gain, but it is superb! The passage along the ledge above the Gorges de la Jonte offers magnificent aerial views. It is also a great place to watch vultures in flight.

An easy hike on the south-eastern edge of the Causse Noir. Villages and Causse landscapes await you and, with a bit of luck, a few bison! The signposting is very reliable.

This hike offers some of the finest panoramic views from the ridges on both banks of the Jonte, taking you through the heart of the Causse Méjean and the Arcs de Saint-Pierre. It’s an alternative to the signposted routes, which each stay on a single bank, all in a circular route that can be completed in a long day!

You will need two vehicles for this journey from La Bouteille to Saint-André-de-Vézines.

A climb up the Causse Noir via the Ravin du Cambon, passing by the Caylus viewpoint, a short break to rest on the wide paths of the causse, then a long descent via the Ravin de Font Auzal.

Starting from Les Douzes, a lovely (and short) hike through the “ravines” of Pellalergues on the way out, and La Castèle on the way back. Best undertaken in dry weather (slippery ground, especially on the descent)

A beautiful climb up the Causse Noir starting from Pauhle, a pretty village where you must visit the Maison de la Cerise. A second short circular loop, if you have time, allows you to visit the lower parts of the commune but does not provide access to the Tarn, which is a shame.

Thisthird stage of the Tour du Causse Méjean takes place entirely within the Gorges du Tarn. Following wide tracks or good footpaths, sometimes beneath overhanging rock formations, sometimes along the banks of the Tarn, this easy, shaded stage offers a very pleasant way to explore this part of the gorges.

Starting from the charming village of La Roque-Sainte-Marguerite, this hike first leads to the remarkable Roquesaltes rock formations, highlighted by a discovery trail dotted with informative and fun signs suitable even for the youngest hikers. After exploring the magnificent Causse farm of the same name, the circuit continues on the Causse Noir and leads to the site of Montméjean, dominated by the ruins of its castle. A beautiful trail leads back to the village, where you can stop to discover the 12th-century Sainte-Marguerite d'Antobe Church before descending via a beautiful paved slanting street to the banks of the Dourbie, where a swim in the summer months is a refreshing and pleasant way to end the circuit.

The Corniche du Causse Noir and the climb to the Saint-Michel Hermitage are a ‘classic’ route starting from Le Rozier. The path leading there offers magnificent views throughout of the entrance to the Gorges de la Jonte and the cliffs of the Corniche du Causse Méjean on the opposite bank. As for the climb to the hermitage, it has a touch of playful adventure about it. To spice up the usual route, we’ve opted to take a ‘forgotten’ path on the way back to reach Le Truel, thus completing a full loop along the Jonte. You’ll need stamina for the climb, a bit of skill to reach the hermitage and a good sense of direction for the second part, but this walk is well worth all the effort it requires. 

A walk with therapeutic benefits. More seriously, a very straightforward walk with no particular difficulties. The walk follows paths that wind through Scots pine forests and then along wide, easy-to-walk forest tracks. Very little elevation gain; suitable for young children and people with reduced mobility.

From the Dourbie Valley, the path climbs gently towards the Corniche de Rjaol, where there is a magnificent view of the Dourbie and the Larzac, and to the south, the Millau Viaduct. A very scenic walk best done in spring.

A hike on the outskirts of Millau, comprising two distinct sections, both in terms of the natural environment and the level of difficulty. The first section takes you through the Causse Noir National Forest. The descent through the Ravin du Monna then leads to the cliff-top path, which allows you to walk along the cliffs of the Dourbie valley for a long stretch, downstream from the gorges. The views are beautiful, but the path requires great caution throughout. The end of the route allows you to make a leisurely return to the Puncho d’Agast viewpoint, from where the world-renowned engineering masterpiece that is the Millau motorway viaduct is revealed, with its remarkable elegance and lightness. A fine conclusion to the route.(!) Please take full note of the advice given in the section: Practical Information.

For this seventh stage, walk along less frequented paths on the right bank of the Tarn with several pretty villages to discover. From La Calquière-Mostuéjouls to the imposing Château de Peyrelevade and then Compeyre, we cross the Tarn at Paulhe and follow its left bank to Millau.