What to see and do in the Gorges de la Dourbie?
Nestled in the heart of the Aveyron region, just outside Millau, the Gorges de la Dourbie offer a wild, unspoilt setting for escape and discovery. Here’s our advice on how to make your crossing a unique and unforgettable adventure. Follow our guide!
Points of interest in Gorges de la Dourbie
More secretive than its Tarn and Jonte neighbors , the Gorges de la Dourbie are full of fascinating places to explore. Located in the Parc Naturel Régional des Grands Causses, just a stone’s throw from Millau and its famous viaduct, the gorges wind through a landscape of high cliffs, offering visitors an immersive experience in the heart of the Causse Noir and Larzac landscapes. An 18-kilometre itinerary takes in villages and hamlets with character, built into the cliffs or perched on rocky promontories. Among them, the village of Nant – nicknamed the“Garden of the Aveyron” – is famous for its small canals, some of which run beneath the village and empty into the Dourbie.
Heading towards La Roque-Sainte-Marguerite, a short detour to the hamlets of Montméjean or Saint-Véran offers a unique view of the gorges. And don’t miss Saint-Jean-du-Bruel, with its narrow streets evocative of the trades of yesteryear. The Château d’Algues, a medieval fortress perched on its hilltop, offers a magnificent panorama of the Cévennes foothills. History buffs will also appreciate a visit to Cantobre, a medieval village built into the cliff by the Knights Templar in the 12th century, which became an eagle’s nest for brigands and counterfeiters in the 17th century.
What to do in the Gorges de la Dourbie?
Sporty friends and nature lovers, here’s a selection of the best things to do in the Gorges de la Dourbie.
Walking tour
Hikers will be delighted by the winding paths of the Gorges de la Dourbie. Several itineraries start in the gorges, such as from the village of La-Roque-Sainte-Marguerite, to reach the Causse Noir, the rocky chaos of Roquesaltes and the cornices of Rajol. An easy hike from Notre-Dame-de-la-Salvage ( Millau commune) offers spectacular views over the gorges. And for the more adventurous, the Roc Nantais loop offers a steeper, more rugged route around the Dourbie valley.
Swimming spots
The cool, crystal-clear waters of the Dourbie River invite you to take a dip in the water . The beaches under the Cantobre and La Roque-Ste-Marguerite bridges offer idyllic spots for relaxation and family bathing. Swimming is supervised during the summer season. With water temperatures of 16 degrees, it can take a while to get into the water if you’re a little chilly!
Trout fishing
Fishing enthusiasts will be delighted by the banks of the Dourbie river, renowned for its abundance of wild trout. The Nant and Saint-Jean-du-Bruel areas are particularly popular with anglers, offering ideal spots for fly fishing and light casting. The river rises at an altitude of 1,300 metres on Mont Aigoual in the Cévennes National Park, and flows for 60 km before emptying into the Tarn at Millau, after flowing through 10 communes.
Climbing routes
The vertiginous cliffs of the Gorges de la Dourbie attract climbing enthusiasts in search of thrills and spills. Between the Causse Noir and the Causse du Larzac, two major sites, Boffi and Cantobre, offer a variety of climbing routes, suitable for all levels, with exceptional panoramic views. A third site, Laumet, the latest addition to the Dourbie climbing scene , offers easier access.
Canoe trip
The white waters of the Dourbie are an ideal playground for canoeing and kayaking enthusiasts. A number of water sports centers offer canoe rentals for families and friends to enjoy a descent into the heart of the gorges. The route between Roque-Sainte-Marguerite and Millau (14 km) offers a picturesque descent, punctuated by rapids and grandiose landscapes to discover from the river.
Canyoning activity
The Tayrac canyon, near Le Vigan and Millau, is the ideal place for families to discover canyoning in the Gorges de la Dourbie. This sporty, fun course is suitable for all levels of experience, including children. Continue your canyoning discovery with the more challenging Haute Dourbie or Bramabiau courses.
PHOTO@Henk Monster, CC BY 3.0, commons.wikimedia.org