The Gorges du Tarn: A Breathtaking Natural Setting!

In southern France, the Gorges du Tarn ranks among Europe’s most beautiful canyons. Carved by the river between the Causse Méjean and Causse de Sauveterre plateaus, these gorges stretch for 53 km of meanders through defiles, cirques, faults, and dolomitic arches. It’s a stunning natural setting with sheer cliffs reaching heights of up to six hundred meters in places!

Follow the river along hiking trails or take to the water by canoe. Whatever you choose, keep your eyes wide open to discover all the hidden natural treasures of the Gorges: waterfalls, resurgent springs, caves, and even underground lakes. If you opt to descend the river by canoe-kayak or paddleboard, you might be lucky enough to spot beavers busy along the banks and hear the distinctive calls of dippers, which are abundant in the region.

A Reserve for Stars

Since 2018, the Cévennes National Park has been designated as an International Dark Sky Reserve by the International Dark Sky Association. This rare and little-known classification helps preserve some of our planet’s purest skies. In the Gorges du Tarn, you can observe the Milky Way with the naked eye. It’s a simple pleasure that should normally be accessible to everyone but has unfortunately become impossible for two-thirds of Europeans due to light pollution in urbanized areas.

Breathtaking Hikes

The Gorges du Tarn offers spectacular landscapes with breathtaking views and exceptional hiking trails. The limestone cliffs, rivers, hills, and forests provide paths that are both beautiful and challenging. Hiking routes in the Gorges du Tarn are varied and offer challenges for hikers of all levels. Whether you’re looking for easy or difficult trails, here are the most beautiful hikes in the Gorges du Tarn.

One of the most beautiful hiking trails in the Gorges du Tarn is the Sentier des Douaniers (Customs Officers’ Path), which extends for 4 kilometers along the Tarn River. It offers magnificent views of the limestone cliffs and wooded valleys that border the river. The route begins with a short climb, but it’s relatively easy and accessible to all. Once at the top, hikers will have a panoramic view of the surrounding cliffs and wooded slopes. After the descent, they can enjoy sunbathing and sandy beaches along the Tarn.

The Cascades Trail crosses the Tarn River. It’s known for its spectacular waterfalls cascading down the cliffs and its stunning views of oak forests. The route begins with a steep climb to the top of the cliff, where hikers can admire the impressive waterfalls and wild landscapes. The hike ends with a descent through wooded valleys and deep gorges bordered by the Tarn.

The Bories Trail also offers hikers a surprising panorama of nature: steep cliffs, endless forests, wild rivers… This trail is relatively easy to walk and begins with a short climb leading to a large cliff. From there, hikers can admire the landscapes and the bories, dry stone houses built by shepherds several centuries ago.

The Gorges Trail is accessible to all levels. Once at the summit, you can enjoy panoramic views of the gorges and surrounding valleys. During the descent back to the Tarn, discover splendid landscapes along the water.

Huttopia Gorges du Tarn

In the heart of the Gorges, along the riverside, Huttopia Gorges du Tarn campsite is the ideal starting point for discovering all the region’s wonders. Enjoy sublime views of the canyon and river from your pitch or accommodation and treat yourself to a relaxing break by the pool after an adventure-filled day.

Huttopia Gorges du Tarn Campsite***, Lieu dit le Beldoire, 48210 Massegros Causses Gorges

A Table with a View

Head to Lozère and more specifically the road to La Malène to reach the most beautiful viewpoint over the Gorges: the Roc des Hourtous. This belvedere overlooks the cliffs from a height of 500m and dominates the Tarn straits, the narrowest part of the Gorges.

Restaurant le Panorama du Roc des Hourtous, Rieisse 48210 La Malene panoramadesgorgesdutarn.fr