Things To Do
in Millau
Millau is a small historic town in southern France’s Aveyron department, perched above the Tarn valley and dominated by the monumental Millau Viaduct. Its compact medieval center, riverside quays and lively markets give a charming counterpoint to dramatic natural landscapes nearby: deep gorges, limestone plateaux (causses) and winding rivers. Millau is a hub for outdoor sports — climbing, kayaking, paragliding and cycling — and a gateway to regional specialties like aligot and Roquefort cheese.
The town mixes relaxed provincial French life with strong Occitan cultural roots and easy access to scenic drives and hiking trails.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your adventure with a visit to the Millau Viaduct, the tallest bridge in the world. Marvel at the breathtaking views from the observation point and take plenty of photos to capture the moment. Afterward, stroll through the quaint streets of Millau, immersing yourself in the town's rich history and charm.
Indulge in a leisurely lunch at a local bistro where you can savor traditional Occitan dishes. Post-lunch, visit the Millau Museum to learn about the region's unique history, including its renowned leather industry. Enjoy a leisurely walk along the banks of the Tarn River, surrounded by scenic landscapes.
As the sun sets, dine at a riverside restaurant, sampling local wines and cheeses. Embrace the lively atmosphere of Millau's town square, where you can enjoy street performances and local music. Conclude your evening with a stroll through illuminated streets, soaking in the vibrant nightlife.
Embark on a guided hike through the spectacular landscapes of the Grands Causses Regional Natural Park. Along your path, observe the diverse flora and fauna that thrive in this pristine environment. Take time to appreciate the panoramic views from the various lookout points.
After your hike, relax with a packed picnic in one of the scenic spots within the park. In the afternoon, visit the nearby town of Roquefort and tour the famous cheese caves, where you can learn about the intricate cheese-making process. Sample several varieties of Roquefort cheese, a true delicacy of the region.
Return to Millau for a relaxing dinner in a cozy restaurant featuring traditional French cuisine. Unwind with a glass of local wine while reflecting on the day's adventures amidst beautiful surroundings. End the night with a peaceful evening walk back to your accommodations, enjoying the quiet ambiance.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍽️Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $12-18 |
| ☕Coffee | $2.50-4 |
| 🍺Domestic beer (0.5L) | $4-7 |
| 🚗Car rental (day, economy) | $40-80 |
| 🛏️Mid-range hotel (double, per night) | $70-130 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Spectacular natural landscapes (gorges, plateaux) and outdoor activities
- Compact historic town with authentic regional culture and cuisine
- Close proximity to the iconic Millau Viaduct for dramatic views and photography
- Accessible markets and local food specialities like aligot and Roquefort
- Limited nightlife and fewer big-city amenities
- Public transport can be sparse for accessing rural sites—car recommended
- Busy in peak summer weekends, requiring advance booking for activities and accommodation
- Some rural businesses close in low season or mid-afternoon (siesta hours)
- "Bonjour" - Hello / Good morning
- "Bonsoir" - Good evening
- "Merci beaucoup" - Thank you very much
- "S'il vous plaît" - Please
- "Où est la gare ?" - Where is the train station?
- "Je voudrais une table pour deux, s'il vous plaît" - I would like a table for two, please
- "Parlez-vous anglais ?" - Do you speak English?
Places to Visit in Millau
Visit one of these nice places.
Panoramic viewpoint offering dramatic wide-angle views of the viaduct spanning the Tarn valley; ideal at sunrise or sunset for golden light and low-contrast skies.
Cobblestone lanes, historic doorways and stone facades of Millau’s medieval quarter provide intimate architectural and street-scene photos.
Riverside reflections, small boats and bridge views—great for moody water shots and late-afternoon light.
Clifftop vistas and river meanders deliver dramatic landscape compositions, especially from hiking trail viewpoints.
Atmospheric interior shots of aging caves and artisan cheesemaking scenes—book a tour for access and permission.
Food in Millau
Millau Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A silky, cheesy mashed potato dish (made with Tomme or Cantal and lots of garlic) originating from Aubrac; commonly served with sausages or roast meats and found in traditional restaurants and taverns.
Must-Try!
A pungent blue sheep’s milk cheese aged in caves at Roquefort-sur-Soulzon, often available at markets and tasting stalls near Millau.
Local savory fritters made with wild herbs, chard and sometimes minced meat—served as snacks or starters at markets and small eateries.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Regular morning markets (busy days are typically Wednesday and Saturday) in the town center selling produce, charcuterie, cheeses and ready-to-eat specialties—perfect for sampling local fare and picnic supplies.
Seasonal stalls and food stands pop up near the quays selling crepes, grilled items and regional snacks ideal for a casual lunch while exploring.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Begin interactions with 'Bonjour' (morning/afternoon) or 'Bonsoir' (evening) and use polite forms like 'Monsieur/Madame.' A brief handshake or two light cheek kisses ('la bise') among friends and acquaintances is common.
Use 'vous' for formal or first-time interactions; wait for the host or shopkeeper to invite a more familiar 'tu.' Saying 's’il vous plaît' and 'merci' is expected.
Keep hands visible on the table and avoid loud phone use during meals. It’s customary to wait until everyone is served before starting to eat.
Be mindful of private property, livestock and agricultural activities; stick to marked trails and keep noise low in small villages.
Safety
Tipping in Millau
Ensure a smooth experience
In France, service is usually included ('service compris') on restaurant bills; small additional tips (rounding up, leaving a few euros or 5–10% for excellent service) are appreciated but not required. For taxis, rounding up the fare is common; give small tips to guides, drivers or hotel porters for good service.
Credit and debit cards are widely accepted, especially Visa and Mastercard; smaller shops, market stalls and rural eateries may prefer cash. Contactless payments and mobile wallets are increasingly supported. Always carry some euros for remote areas.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Mild temperatures, blooming wildflowers on the causses and fewer tourists—good for hiking and photography; some higher-elevation trails may still be muddy.
Warm to hot weather with busy tourist season, ideal for water sports in the Tarn and canyon activities; book accommodations and activities in advance and expect crowded lookouts on weekends.
Cooling temperatures and vivid foliage on the river valleys make it a scenic season for drives and hikes; many seasonal menus feature harvest produce and game.
Chilly, sometimes frosty conditions; lower tourist numbers mean quieter towns but some rural attractions and small businesses may have reduced hours—nearby higher elevations can see snow.
Millau at Night
Hiking in Millau
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Routes along the edge of the gorges offering spectacular views of cliffs, river bends and villages; options for short walks or day-long hikes.
Wide, open limestone plateaux with marked trails, sheep pastures and dramatic horizon views—excellent for solitude and sunrise/sunset photography.
A dramatic natural amphitheater with trails that descend to viewpoints; a rewarding day trip with geological interest and scenic overlooks.
Higher-elevation hikes with varied landscapes, forested sections and panoramic views—can be cooler and windier than the valley.
Airports
How to reach Millau by plane.
Closest regional airport (about 1–1.5 hours by car) with connections to Paris and seasonal flights; car rental and shuttle/taxi options available to reach Millau.
Major airport about 1.5–2 hours by car depending on route; good option for international flights and rental cars, with train/bus connections to the region.
Larger international airport roughly 2 hours by car; offers the most flight options and rail connections—useful for combining Millau with broader SW France travel.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Long-standing families engaged in agriculture, crafts, local services and small business—often bilingual French/Occitan heritage in older generations.
A noticeable portion of the population are retirees attracted to the quieter rural lifestyle; some European second-home owners increase numbers seasonally.
Seasonal influx of domestic and international tourists, especially in summer, drawn by outdoor sports, scenic drives and regional gastronomy.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Rugby union is popular across southwestern France with local clubs and a passionate supporter culture.
Road and mountain cycling are widely practiced, with challenging routes over the causses and scenic valley rides.
The limestone gorges attract climbers and canyoners year-round; the area is famous for technical routes and multi-pitch climbs.
The Tarn river is a hub for canoeing, kayaking and swimming in summer months.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Millau.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are available but more limited than in larger cities; markets, cheese shops and vegetable-heavy starters help, and many restaurants can adapt mains (pasta, omelettes, salads). Mention preferences and ask for 'sans viande' when ordering.
Vegan choices are modest in traditional places—better options at cafés and newer bistros or by buying market produce to assemble meals. Carry snacks if you rely on plant-based options.
Gluten-free accommodations are increasingly common; ask staff for 'sans gluten' and watch for breads, sauces and batters. Markets and cheese/charcuterie plates are usually safe.