The Millau Viaduct - 7 points of view

Judith - Receptionnist

The Millau Viaduct is an unmissable sight when you visit Aveyron. I've been playing with the idea to do a circuit of the main viewpoints of the viaduct for some time. In June this year I finally went out there with a friend who was nice enough to take the photos. (thanks Maayke!) They didn't always come out well, (e.g. the Montjaux photo!) but that's partly the point - it's best to go and see it for yourself.

Below a map of the circuit starting from the campsite.

We first headed to Montjaux passing through the village of Salles-Curan first. Before arriving in the village of Montjaux, the "Aire de Montjaux" is on your left.

1. Aire de Montjaux

Maayke snapped a photo there and we quickly got back to the car. We wanted to see more and more important: see it better. We then followed the road to Compregnac and continued to our next viewpoint in "the most beautiful village in France" Peyre. Park your car on the car park on your right before arriving into the village. From here we followed a signed circuit taking us first to the shores of the Tarn and then up into the village to eventually get back to the car.

2. At the bottom of the village Peyre

2. At the top of the village Peyre

Our next stop is planned at the "Espace Info" (follow Millau) number 3 on the map. This info centre is built under the viaduct. It's not very big but the space is well used giving room to a small tourist information desk, a video area on the construction of the viaduct, a model viaduct, construction explanation on the wall and a shop. I like bringing people here: it's perfect. The entrance is free, information is of quality, it doesn't take too long and every time I go there I bring back photo postcards at a reasonable price of €1 each.

Outside again, we checked our circuit and decided to go to Millau first to have lunch. However, on our way over there we drove by Creissels and spotted another viewpoint which should be at Cap de Coste-Brunas according to our information. (number 5 on the map)

5. Cap de Coste-Brunas

Our backup information says it's a 5 km drive up a narrow road from here (photo above). We are starving and decide that the viewpoint on our right will do. (photo below)

5. Closeby Creissels

We drive back to the main road and end up in Millau center. After lunch, we continue our mission. There are still a few viewpoints left to see. Two of which are in Millau centre, where we can go to by foot. We find closed doors at the Beffroi (number 6 on the map). Turns out, it's not open on Thursdays during low season. But when we arrive on Pont Lerouge we soon forget our disappointment.

7. Pont Lerouge at Millau

Where's Luzençon's viewpoint, you might wonder? I didn't mention yet that it was very hot on the day of our Viaduct mission. Well this is how we discovered that Luzençon is on the way to Roquefort-sur-Soulzon where the Roquefort Caves are. Thanks to their constant temperature of 12 °C the caves are the perfect way to hide from the scorching sun and learn something at the same time. So that is how we ended up at Luzençon first.

4. Luzençon viewpoint

Now, take note. Luzençon is exclusively for the adventurers amongst you. We climbed for what seemed endless kilometers up a very narrow road (by car!!) to be rewarded by the view on the photo above.

After our visit to the Roquefort caves we went back to Millau for an evening meal. It was a busy day but we both liked it so much that we would do it again. I'm curious to know whether I tempted some of you to follow our footsteps? Obviously, you don't have to stop at all the viewpoints. As a matter of fact, we didn't saw at least two of them ourselves, which are:

L'aire du Viaduc Millau
From Millau, follow RD 911 in the direction of Rodez / Lacs du Lévézou. At the Berger's roundabout at 7 km north-west from Millau take the 4th exit in the direction of Soulobres / Aire du Viaduc, then follow the Boulevard du Viaduc, until you arrive at the car park. Also access through motorway A75.

Panoramic viewpoint
From motorway A75, exit 47 "La Cavalerie", in the direction of Millau follow RD 809 for 10 km. The viewpoint is on your right.

Have a nice view!