Aveyron road trip —
5 days from Millau

The Aveyron is one of the last genuinely undiscovered corners of southern France. While most road trippers aim for Provence or the Dordogne, this département sits largely off the tourist radar — which is precisely what makes it rewarding. Five days from Millau is enough to cover the major highlights without rushing, returning to the same hotel base each evening. A car is essential; the distances are manageable and the driving is half the pleasure.

Here is a day-by-day plan we give our guests at Hôtel des Causses. It covers the Millau Viaduct, the Gorges du Tarn, Roquefort, the Larzac plateau and the Aubrac highlands — a complete picture of what makes this region worth the detour.

Day 1 — Arrival and Millau

Arrive by lunchtime if you can. The historic centre of Millau is worth a proper look — the arcaded Place du Maréchal Foch, the medieval belfry, the old streets running down to the Tarn. In the afternoon, drive to the Belvédère nord (15 minutes from the hotel) for your first view of the Viaduct from below. The scale of it against the valley is striking in a way that photographs do not fully convey. Back to Millau for dinner.

Day 2 — The Millau Viaduct and the Causse du Larzac

Drive the Viaduct from south to north on the A75 — the experience of crossing it at 270 metres above the valley floor is memorable, even for non-engineering types. Then head to La Couvertoirade, a perfectly preserved fortified village on the Larzac plateau, 35 km from Millau. The Templars built it in the 12th century; the ramparts are still intact. Allow two hours to walk the walls and explore the interior. Return via the open plateau for the scale of the landscape.

Day 3 — Gorges du Tarn

Dedicate a full day to the Tarn gorge — it deserves it. Leave early via the D907, one of the most beautiful roads in France. At La Malène, book a boat trip with the Bateliers des Gorges (reserve ahead in July and August): around 90 minutes gliding through the narrowest section of the canyon, which is too tight for road access. Lunch at La Malène or continue to Sainte-Énimie. Return in the afternoon along the clifftop road, stopping at the viewpoints over the gorge.

Day 4 — Roquefort and the Gorges de la Jonte

Morning: the village of Roquefort-sur-Soulzon is built above the cave system where the world's most famous blue cheese has been aged for centuries. Several cellars offer guided tours and tastings — Société Roquefort and Papillon are both good. Allow 90 minutes. Afternoon: return to Millau via the Gorges de la Jonte, less visited than the Tarn and arguably wilder. In summer, griffon vultures ride the thermals above the cliffs — bring binoculars if you have them.

Day 5 — Aubrac and Laguiole

Head north on the D809 toward L'Aubrac, a high volcanic plateau between 1,000 and 1,400 metres. This is a different France entirely — vast open pastures, granite villages, Aubrac cattle with their distinctive lyre-shaped horns. In spring and early summer the wildflower meadows are exceptional. Stop in Laguiole to visit one of the knife forges — the town has been making its famous folding knife for 200 years and the craft is still very much alive. Return to Millau in the late afternoon for a final dinner.