Tarn Gorges, 53 kilometres of cliffs.

The Tarn rises on Mont Lozère, at 1,575 metres of altitude, and runs west to the Atlantic crossing the Cévennes. Between Le Rozier and Sainte-Énimie, over 53 kilometres, it has carved through millions of years a deep-cut valley 400 to 600 metres deep into the Jurassic limestone of the Grands Causses. The result: spectacular cliffs, an emerald river, perched villages.

This is where I take my rope teams on multi-pitch climbs. The gorges hold over 2,000 bolted routes, from grade 3c to 8b, on cliffs from 100 to 300 metres high. A few names that make climbers dream: the Cinglegros, the Vase de Chine, the Cathédrale, the Pradinas, the Truel. It is also a place for canyoning (Saint-Marcellin, which drops into the Tarn), river trekking and caving.

Wildlife and flora of the gorges

• Griffon vultures, reintroduced in 1981, colony of over 400 pairs.
• Golden eagles, peregrine falcons, ravens, crag martins.
• European beaver along the river, mostly at dawn and dusk.
• Brown trout and bullhead in the cool waters.
• Lady's slipper orchids, wild orchids in May, Montpellier maples.
• Box trees, holm oaks, downy oaks on the limestone ledges.

The villages of the gorges

From upstream to downstream: Sainte-Énimie (one of the most beautiful villages in France), Saint-Chély-du-Tarn, La Malène (starting point for the traditional boats), Les Vignes, Le Rozier (at the confluence with the Jonte). All are worth a stroll, some are worth a meal on the terrace by the water.

The villages of the causses

On the plateaus: Veyreau, Saint-André-de-Vézines, Sauveterre, Drigas. Architecture in lauze (flat stone roofs), Lacaune sheep flocks, wild garlic, legends of the Beast of Gévaudan. It is a different world, just above the river.

How to discover the gorges

By the D907bis road that follows the Tarn on its right bank, a scenic and sometimes narrow route, magnificent throughout. By the river in traditional boats (leaving from La Malène). On foot along the trails (GR 6, GR 736). By climbing, canyoning, paragliding. And of course from the sky: the view from the Millau Viaduct or from a paraglider is unforgettable.