Page 223 - (DK Eyewitness) Back Roads Travel Guide - France

DRIVE 20: Two Thousand Years of Bridges 221

Above left Stunning Viaduc de Millau
the magnificent bridge, which has pillars over a distance of 2.5 km (1.5 Above right Twelfth-century walls of a
reduced the cross ing to a matter of miles), a work of art of astonishing château restaurant in Millau
minutes, and completes the direct beauty. Designed by British architect
A75 motorway link between Paris and Lord Norman Foster and structural
the Mediterranean. engineer Michel Virlogeux, and built
ª Drive north of Millau on the D911, by a French engineering company,
following signs to Cahors and the A75. Eiffage, it can be admired from below,
Then follow signs to Montpellier or from several viewing points
EAT AND DRINK
(junction 45) on the A75. Go through around Millau. Foster described the
the péage (toll) and take the exit to ultimate experience of crosssing
MILLAU
Aire de Viaduc, where there is ample the viaduct as “flying by car”.
Château de Creissels
parking and a short walk up to a ª After crossing the Viaduc de Millau moderate–expensive
viewpoint of the bridge. stay on the A75, and head for La Located in a 12th-century château
Couvertoirade. Take exit 48, follow the with lovely gardens and a view of the
e Viaduc de Millau D7 east and turn right onto the D55. viaduct, this gourmet eatery creates
Aveyron, Midi-Pyrénées; 12700 imaginative dishes from local produce.
Route de Saint-Affrique,Creissels,
The Viaduc de Millau was a tourist r La Couvertoirade 12100; 05 65 60 16 59; www.chateau-
attraction even before it was finished Aveyron, Midi-Pyrénées; 12230 de-creissels.com ; closed Sun lunch,
in 2004, as people came to marvel at Built as a retreat by the Knights Mon dinner (low season), Nov–Mar
the inspired engineering that has Templar during the 15th century, La La Mangeoire moderate–expensive
created one of the world’s highest Couvertoirade is a superbly preserved A favourite with locals, this cosy
bridges – the tallest pier is 340 m and renovated walled town with tur- restaurant has an open grill for hearty
(1,115 ft), higher than the Eiffel Tower. reted towers, ramparts, a church and steaks and sausages, to savour with
aligot, the Aveyron speciality of
This suspension bridge spans the stone houses. It was built around a
mashed potato and cheese.
gorge created by the Tarn river on a 13th-century château. Many of the 8 boulevard de la Capelle 12100;
series of delicately soaring concrete streets are still unpaved. 05 65 60 13 16; closed Mon, Jan
DAYTRIP OPTIONS the bridge itself to see the view of signs to St-Jean-du-Gard. From here
This route can be easily broken the river and even take a dip from take the D907 and then the D260 to
down into separate parts, to suit the little beach below. Corniche des Cévennes. Continue on
those who have less time to spare From Nîmes take the D6086 to the the D9 to Col du Rey. Then take the
or with particular interests. The Pont du Gard. D983 and the D907 to reach Florac.
bases can be Nîmes, St-Jean-du-
Cévennes history Natural wonders and châteaux
Gard and Florac. The Gorges du Tarn 9, starting from
The Corniche des Cévennes 7 and
Legacies of the Roman Empire then Florac 8 can be enjoyed in a Florac 8 and ending at Peyreleau,
For any visitor interested in history, day’s drive, starting with the gardens offers a wealth of experiences, from
a day trip to Nîmes 2 and the Pont of La Bambouseraie de Prafrance 4, the stunning natural wonders of the
du Gard 1 provides the perfect the Protestant museum – Musée du river, waterfalls and rock formations
opportunity to explore the rich Désert – in Mas Soubeyran 5, and to medieval villages and romantic
Roman legacy of the region. Spend a the museum of Cévennes life in châteaux. Visitors can hike or hire
morning strolling round the fine old St-Jean-du-Gard 6. canoes to fully appreciate the
beautiful landscape.
city of Nîmes and then visit the Pont From La Bambouseraie take the D129
du Gard in the afternoon. Admire the and turn left on the D50 for Mas From Florac take the N106, then the
astonishing monument, walk across Soubeyran. Then turn left and follow D31and drive along the D907B.
Eat and Drink: inexpensive, under €20; moderate, €20–€40; expensive, over €40