La Malène walks

This beautiful and varied hike combines a walk along the banks of the Gorges du Tarn with the discovery of magnificent hamlets and villages in the Causse region, followed by a return trip across the Causse Méjean plateau in a remarkable wooded environment. The absolute calm of the causse contrasts with the hustle and bustle of La Malène and the constant stream of canoes descending the gorges. But the prospect of a welcome swim in the summer months will quickly help you forget this inconvenience. The harmonious blend of majestic landscapes and picturesque, well-preserved traditional buildings makes this circuit particularly appealing.

Set off to discover a rural world where tradition meets modernity, where old buildings stand alongside modern structures. A journey from the past to the present along this trail, which runs entirely across the plateau.

This hike offers a partial exploration of the lower reaches of the Gorges du Tarn through three of its iconic sites: the Roc des Hourtous, the Détroits and the Pas de Soucy, which marks the end of the section accessible by canoe when coming from La Malène. The route, which runs mostly through a beautiful pine forest, nevertheless offers impressive views towards the end along the Tarn, before climbing back up onto the Causse via a very strenuous ascent for which you’ll need to save your energy. The final stretch, which is more relaxing, takes you through the meadows and sparser pine woods of the Causse Méjean, ending at the Roc des Hourtous with its exceptional panoramic views, perhaps including a stop at the local restaurant, which is open in spring and summer.

This5th stage of the Tour du Causse Méjean crosses the southern half of the Causse du Nord. From the path, you can take in the desert-like expanses of this part of the Causse. Short and easy, this stage can be completed in the same day as the6th stage from Drigas to Meyrueis for walkers wishing to complete the Tour in a circular fashion.

A long stage, culminating in the panoramic view of the Gorges du Tarn.

In the heart of the Tarn Gorges, Saint-Chély du Tarn is a little gem nestled in the cirque of the same name. Its wealth comes from the limestone plateau above and the bridge that crosses the river. What a contrast between the cool, green gorge and the arid plateau! But these are two sides of the same interactive landscape. It's up to you to discover them.

Thisfourth stage of the Tour du Causse Méjean leaves the Gorges du Tarn to climb back up onto the Causse Méjean and cover nearly half of its northern section. After a steep climb to the hamlet of La Caxe, the walker first passes through wooded areas and fields before reaching more open terrain beyond Montignac. A detour via the Roc des Hourtous, with its breathtaking views of the Gorges du Tarn and the vultures, is one of the highlights of the stage.

The final stage of this walk, and undoubtedly the easiest. The path follows the course of the Tarn and offers beautiful views of the river at various points.

Starting from the charming hamlet of Drigas, this short hike offers a condensed version of the Causse Méjean with the discovery of a dolmen, a lavogne, a karstic cave, a beautiful stone cross and two typical hamlets with remarkable architecture. All this in an open landscape, with wide open spaces interspersed with wooded areas where pine trees reign supreme. An ideal half-day break to recharge your batteries in the great silence of the causse.

An easy hike on the Causse Méjean, passing through three hamlets. You can visit a protohistoric enclosure at the highest point of the hike and see the karstic cave near the hamlet of Hure.

This6th and final stage of the Tour du Causse Méjean crosses the desert-like expanses of the Causse before descending into the Gorges de la Jonte to Meyrueis. This short, easy stage can be combined with the5th stage from Mas-Saint-Chely to Drigas for those wishing to shorten the Tour to five days.

This walk takes you on a journey through the Causse de Sauveterre, the Causse de Séverac, the Causse Méjean, the Aubrac mountains and all the way to the Aigoual. A small car park is available in the centre of the village of Soulages.

Hike on the Corniches du Causse Méjean above the Gorges du Tarn.

Thissecond stage of the Tour du Causse Méjean crosses the lush south-western part of the Causse before descending to Le Rozier, at the confluence of the Tarn and the Jonte. Along the way, the beautiful church of Saint-Pierre-des-Tripiers, the Gallo-Roman village of Les Résiniers, and the Rocher de Capluc. The route described does not pass through the famous Vases de Chine and Sèvres above the Gorges de la Jonte; this more technical and better-known section can easily be found on other Visorando guides for those who are keen to see them.

A lovely, easy circular walk in the north of the Causse Mejean with little elevation gain and stunning panoramic views.

A walk to discover this pretty little medieval town in the Gorges du Tarn, one of the "Most Beautiful Villages in France".

Hike on the Causse Méjean, in an environment that was inhabited thousands of years ago...

This descent between the two beautiful villages of the Gorges du Tarn is ideal for those who want to explore the gorges at a leisurely pace, with an easy route and plenty to see.

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 trail linking Caussenard heritage, an old drovers' road and breathtaking views: from the heights of the Causses foothills, you can see the Lot Valley stretching into the distance, as well as the Aubrac plateau.