Self-guided · Lozère, France
Sky-high cornices
and deep limestone canyons
in the heart of the Causses.
A week-long loop through the spectacular Tarn and Jonte Gorges — a landscape of towering cliffs, turquoise waters, and the vast, wild plateaus of the Grands Causses.
- Days
- 7
- Distance
- 108 km
- Ascent
- 3,290 m
- Grade
- Moderate
“An amazing and very memorable experience”Bhagyashree & Akhil · Tour du Mont Blanc
Read the reviewsTrip Essentials
The walk
Immensity between
sky and cliffs.
The Tarn and Jonte Gorges are among the most spectacular natural landscapes in southern France. Over millions of years, the rivers have carved deep canyons through the limestone plateaus of the Grands Causses, creating a dramatic world of vertical cliffs, natural arches, and hidden troglodyte villages.
This seven-day circuit starts and ends in the village of Le Rozier, at the confluence of the two rivers. You'll walk along the sun-drenched cornices of the Causse de Sauveterre and the Causse Méjean, dropping down into the gorges to visit ancient villages like La Malène and Saint-Chély-du-Tarn. The route offers a constant contrast between the intimate world of the riverside and the vast, lunar-like silence of the high plateaus.
The region is a haven for wildlife, especially the griffon vultures that soar on the thermals above the cliffs. Every evening, you'll stay in hand-picked comfort accommodation — small hotels and guest houses where local hospitality and Occitan flavours are always on the menu.
The route, day by day.
A fixed self-guided package: every stage, every night's accommodation and every luggage transfer is arranged before you set off.
- 01
Arrival in Le Rozier / Peyreleau
Dinner includedArrival and check-in at your accommodation in the twin villages of Le Rozier and Peyreleau, perfectly situated at the junction of the Tarn and Jonte rivers. Take time to explore the narrow streets of Peyreleau before your first dinner.
- 02
Le Rozier → Les Vignes
5.5 h · +680 m / −625 m · 19 kmStart your walk on the sunny side of the Tarn valley. Discover the Saint-Marcellin cirque and the extraordinary troglodyte ruins of Eglazines, where houses are built directly into the cliffs. Look out for mouflon and vultures before a descent to the riverside village of Les Vignes.
- 03
Les Vignes → La Malène
4.5 h · +650 m / −690 m · 21 kmClimb onto the Causse de Sauveterre to reach the Point Sublime for one of the most famous views in France. The trail then follows the high ridges before dropping via the Sentier de la Farine into the historic village of La Malène. Night in a hotel.
- 04
La Malène → Caussignac
4.5 h · +690 m / −295 m · 15 kmFollow the Tarn upstream towards the beautiful village of Saint-Chély-du-Tarn, with its waterfalls and turquoise pools. The path climbs and falls along the left bank, passing the isolated hamlet of Hauterives, accessible only by foot or boat, before ascending to the Causse Méjean at Caussignac.
- 05
Caussignac → Meyrueis
5.5 h · +345 m / −600 m · 18 kmA short transfer takes you to the heart of the 'magical' Causse Méjean. Walk across vast, steppe-like landscapes dotted with megaliths and traditional stone hamlets. Pass near the ruiniform rock city of Nîmes-le-Vieux before descending into the Jonte valley to the town of Meyrueis.
- 06
Meyrueis → La Viale
5.5 h · +665 m / −425 m · 20.5 kmReturn to the silence of the high plateaus. You have the option to visit the Aven Armand, a spectacular underground cave, and the Hyelzas eco-museum. The trail then leads through pine groves and oak forests to the small hamlet of La Viale.
- 07
La Viale → Le Rozier
5.5 h · +260 m / −790 m · 15 kmA grand finale on the Corniches de la Jonte. Explore the natural arches of the Arcs de Saint-Pierre and a Gallo-Roman site before walking the edge of the cliffs. Marvel at the 'Vase de Sèvres' and 'Vase de Chine' rock formations before the final descent to Le Rozier.
Where you'll stay
A good bed at the end of every day.
Comfort accommodation throughout — a mix of hand-picked 2-star and 3-star hotels and high-quality guest houses. Most rooms are for two or three people with en-suite bathrooms. In the traditional villages of the Causses, you'll experience authentic local hospitality and regional cuisine.
Getting there
The nearest major train station is Millau, with regular bus connections to Le Rozier (20 minutes). If arriving by car, there are free, unsupervised car parks in Le Rozier for the duration of your trip.
What's included?
A fixed self-guided package — accommodation, luggage transfer and route notes all taken care of before you arrive.
Six nights half-board in comfort hotels and guest houses (except one dinner in La Malène)
Detailed road-book with route notes and IGN maps (one per group)
Luggage transfer between accommodations (if booked with transfer option)
Short taxi transfer on day 5
Comprehensive planning and support from Big Trail Adventures
Not included
- Tourist taxes, which some accommodation may ask you to pay locally
- Picnic lunches (can be ordered at each stop)
- One dinner in La Malène (plenty of local options available)
- Entrance fees for sites like Aven Armand or Hyelzas museum
- Personal expenses, drinks, and insurance
- Travel to and from the start point in Le Rozier
Reviews from walkers
What it's like to travel with us.
Every review here comes from someone who actually travelled with us — we only ask once the trip's over, and we don't edit what they say.
From walkers on our other trails.
Different routes, same team doing the planning, the bookings and the hand-holding — so these say a lot about what to expect here too.
“An amazing and very memorable experience”
We had a really wonderful experience and are very happy that we went ahead with the trek. It was challenging at times, but overall it was an amazing and very memorable experience. The scenery, the trails and the whole journey were absolutely beautiful. Bhagyashree did have some issues with her knee during the trek, which made a few sections difficult. We didn't let that stop us — we completed most of the trek and, wherever necessary, adapted our plans and took a bus or train for certain stretches rather than putting too much strain on her knee. Managing the trek despite the knee issue made the achievement feel even more special.
Thank you once again for all your help and guidance in planning the trek. Will definitely recommend Big Trail Adventures to all.
“Solo or in a group, I would do this again tomorrow!”
One of the best experiences I have had. I did this solo and felt supported all the way with the BigTrailAdventures team, especially in inclement weather. The vistas were incredible and overnight accommodation was faultlessly organised. Pushing myself during the day ( I ran rather than walked the trail), and then being fed and watered in a hotel in the evening was a treat.
The planning was exceptional and all details were covered.
There is a special time every day when you are overcome with the beauty of the nature that you are seeing, the sweeping vistas and the gratitude for being able to experience this. It rejuvenates your soul.
“Awesome support from start to finish”
The hike, which challenged me in different ways each day, was great. There was so much to see in every direction. The Highlands are simply stunning, clouds and all. The stays were good for the most part, some better than others (one night my room was above the kitchen so it was quite noisy until late into the night and the haunted Inn was a bit much for me :)). The Rowardennan Hotel and Craig Nevis guesthouse were my favorites. All of them offered great breakfasts and most had dinner options with good selections as well.
The planning was amazing. No glitches, except for one minor one at the start where the luggage van changed their drop off location without my knowledge. Thankfully Craig was there in the morning and quickly figured out where they were and even dropped off my luggage for me. Everything else was planned and executed perfectly; my itinerary for each day included great detail of what to expect. The app was awesome and my friends and family loved tracking me every day with the GPS. I had read that the West Highland Way is very popular in spring (when I initially had planned to go) and late summer. It took a lot of back and forth communication about potential dates but Craig very patiently worked it all out. All communication was prompt and thorough. I very much appreciate all the support I received prior and during my adventure!! Thank you Craig!
There are so many moments I will carry with me for a long time, like my first glimpse of the Highlands, all the water everywhere, the coos, day 2 along Loch Lomond when I wished I was a mountain goat and was grateful that it did not rain, arriving at Kingshouse after 19 miles, midges (haha), and so much more.
This route. These nights.
One clear price.
You are booking the itinerary above: your walking days, your overnight stays and the support that carries you between them.
Organising this trail for friends? Build a group trip with individual payments
- Free cancellation to 60 days
- Confirmation within 24 hrs
- ABTOT financially protected
We'll start planning your trip right away. Not happy with anything? We'll adjust it or refund you — no questions asked.
The Association of Bonded Travel Organisers Trust Limited (ABTOT) provides financial protection under The Package Travel and Linked Travel Arrangements Regulations 2018 for Big Trail Adventures (member 5690). Protection is provided for non-flight packages. Full details in our booking conditions.
Things walkers ask us.
How difficult is the walking?
This is a Level 2/4 trip. Most days involve 4 to 6 hours of walking with moderate ascents (400-700m). The paths are generally good, though there are some rocky sections on the cliff edges. It's suitable for anyone with a reasonable level of fitness who walks regularly.
Can I swim in the Tarn?
Yes! On days 2, 3 and 4, the trail stays close to the river or drops down to it, with several spots perfect for a cooling dip in the turquoise water.
What is the best time to go?
The season runs from mid-April to mid-October. May and June are beautiful for wildflowers, while September offers stable weather and quieter trails. July and August can be hot, but the river provides a great way to cool off.
Is luggage transfer included?
We offer two versions of this trip: one where you carry your own gear and one with luggage transfer. The price quoted here is typically for the luggage transfer option; let us know if you prefer to go lightweight.
Is the The Tarn and Jonte Gorges tour self-guided?
Yes. This is a self-guided trip: you walk the 108 km route independently, with no guide and no group. Accommodation for all 6 nights is booked for you, route notes and maps are provided, and there is local support in the region if anything goes wrong.
Do I need a guide or can I walk it alone?
No guide is needed. The route is walked on marked paths with the notes and mapping supplied in your pack. You choose your own start date within the season (April to October) and walk each day at your own pace.
Who arranges the accommodation?
We do. Comfort accommodation throughout — a mix of hand-picked 2-star and 3-star hotels and high-quality guest houses. Most rooms are for two or three people with en-suite bathrooms. In the traditional villages of the Causses, you'll experience authentic local hospitality and regional cuisine.