This amazing feat of structural engineering
spans the Tarn valley west of the town of Millau and totally dominates its
surroundings. Designed by French bridge engineer Michel Virlogeux and
architects Foster and Partners and opened in December 2004 it has
seven elegant pillars and is 2460 metres long, the longest span being
342 metres.
We didn't actually drive over the viaduct which is part of the A75
autoroute (toll) but approached it from the southwest stopping at a
layby on the D992 for photos then calling in to the information centre
underneath the span which opens at 10am and is free. One of the best views
(seen in photo above) is
from the large layby on the northern side of the N9 a few miles to the southeast of
Millau, which involves a long climb and is still used by plenty of
lorries. Double back after
a few miles to reach the layby rather than cutting across the traffic. There is another excellent viewpoint from Brunas but the
minor roads have weight restrictions so are unsuitable for motorhomes
although there may be alternative routes.
View from D992 layby
View from visitor centre
closeup views
closeup views
After the photo-stop on a gloriously sunny day we drove
back to Millau and took a turn left just after crossing the river on the
minor D41 road to Peyre, a delightful "Plus Beaux Village" set
against the cliffs. Making a very sharp right turn after driving through
the village we climbed up a steep road to a large level carpark (overnight
parking is allowed and there is a water tap but no waste services). From
there a waymarked walk leads down to the village centre with good views of
the viaduct and the River Tarn
View from Peyre village near carpark
Peyre - one of the Plus Beaux villages of France
flowerpot models at Peyre
Peyre back lane
interesting parking place in a cave
The village has many narrow pedestrianised
lanes with interesting and amusing sights such as miniature stone houses
and flowerpot model people among the colourful flowers. There was an
interesting restored church with a shady parking place beneath it!
stone model
buildings at Peyre
Last view of the viaduct from Peyre
With a last view of the viaduct we
drove alongside the Tarn then headed north west through more wooded hills to
the Lac de Paraloup and the Aveyron region