Choose another map, showing:

• France
• Spain & Portugal
• Europe (west)
• Mediterranean
• Europe
• Eurasia
• Transatlantic
• Eurasia, Africa & Pacific
• The World

Other entries in Millau

Millau, France (The viaduct)

The initial inspiration for this road trip was to see and drive across the famous, Norman Foster designed Viaduct, which spans the Millau Valley. By the time we'd been down the coast of France, through the Basque country / Rioja & Pyrenees - it was tempting just to head home on the quickest route as we were growing weary of life on the road - and we nearly did. That would have been a grave mistake, because not only is the Viaduct one of the most beautiful modern structures i've ever seen first hand - Millau is a groovy little town which has fantastic food and a hip & happening vibe (this is foie gras country, Roquefort is nearby, the fruit & veg on sale in the local greengrocer are full of flavour and colour)  Who knew??

We stayed at the chambre d'hote "Mueble en ballade" tel: 05 656 134 63. This chambre d'hote was located centrally in the old town - which has been pedestrianised. The chambre d'hote is a slim building with  3 floors - our floor had 2 double rooms and shared kitchen / bathroom / sitting room. Great if there are 2 couples travellling together. Spotlessly clean & a very friendly welcome from our hosts.

There is a parking lot not far away in the Place Emma Calve which wasn't expensive. On the recommendation of our hosts we dined at "Le Jeu de Paume" - a short walk through town (all of this is on the map below). The food was extra special - we had a cote de boeuf which was cooked on an open fireplace. Our waiter helpfully advised that we should order the beef 'medium' - as it would still arrive fairly rare. It did and was delicious. (I don't know what happens when you order a rare steak!) Keith had some wonderful foie gras (for the third night running - I think the geese are going to come back to haunt him one day) and I had a great roquefort salad.

On the drive from the Pyrenees to Millau - the most scenic routes were off the motorways; The Tarn valley is especially picturesque and somewhere we'd like to go back to one day.

Crossing the Viaduct costs 5 euros.

Add to del.icio.us Add to reddit

Photos / videos of "Millau, France (The viaduct)":