Hi all,
During my trip to France in March, my fiance and I will be spending a night near Millau and driving to Carcassonne the next day. Is there a particularly scenic route to drive between Millau and Carcassonne (through the Haut Languedoc Park)? Otherwise, if we end up just driving A75 to A61, are there any towns/sites you recommend visiting along the way?
Thanks!
Posted by
Brisbane, Australia
126 posts
Hello Riverain,
As you say, you could just get on the toll way and be in Carcassone in a couple of hours but you would miss out on so much.
When leaving Millau head west on the D41 on the north side of the Tarn River and travel under the viaduct to the town of La Terrasse de Peyre it’s only a couple of Kms past the bridge. There is parking just thru the village, and you walk back .There are some great photo opportunities from here back towards the bridge plus the town itself is worth walking thru – most of the houses are carved into the hillside also a small church.
Head back towards the viaduct on the D41, go under it and then cross the Tarn on the D41A and go back under the viaduct again to the visitors centre.
Leave the visitors centre and take the D992 west towards Saint Rome de Cernon, you will start to head south, in Saint Rome de Cernon take the D999 east towards La Cavalrie, after about 5kms you will see signs for the A75. Take the A75 north and just after you have crossed the viaduct take the exit for the visitors centre for a view back towards the bridge.
Then head north on the A75 and take the next exit (45) to join the D911 heading north. The route numbering will change but follow the road to the town of Albi famous for its cathedral and also the Toulouse Lautrec museum – that are situated opposite each other. Both are worth the trip.
After Albi head south towards Castres and Mazamet both nice little towns to stop in.
About 5 Kms south of Mazamet head for the hilltop village of Hautpoul – it’s up high and views are magnificent, it’s the remains of a Cathar castle, and medieval village, Well worth stopping for.
Leave Hautpoul and head for Carcassone about 45 minutes away.
Posted by
Seattle, WA, USA
784 posts
If you are near Millau, I hope you are planning to go to the Gorge du Tarn. More scenery than you can take in. You will be traveling through my favorite area of France with lots of scenery. Once you have gone under and over the Millau Viaduct, get on a D or N route. These are slower routes, well maintained, and will go through lots of villages and small towns. Be sure to pick up regional maps.
Posted by
OP
Maryland, USA
141 posts
Carolyn - yes, we are definitely planning to visit Gorge du Tarn while there! There is nothing we love more than rocks and rivers. :) It may still be too chilly at the end of March to get on the river, but it will be good to walk around and enjoy the views. Are there any hotels you would recommend in the area?
Baz - thank you so much for the detailed description of what sounds like the perfect scenic detour! I added that route and the stops to our itinerary. I would not have found these stops in the guides I have and would have driven by without knowing what I was missing!