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
Trip 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
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
- Full refund if unhappy with any changes
- Confirmation within a few days
- 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.
