Millau is the sub-prefecture of the Department of Aveyron in the Midi-Pyrénées region, and has nearly 22,000 inhabitants. Known for the expansive limestone plateaus surrounding it, this land is an ideal place for walking and hiking among the Causses and gorges, boasting an outstanding rural heritage: wine caves ventilated by fleurines (natural chimneys formed in the cliffs), cave houses (including Peyre, which has earned the Plus Beaux Villages de France label awarded to the most scenic villages), lavognes (drinking ponds for livestock), Romanesque chapels, etc.

Millau is a town right at the heart of the Grands Causses Regional Natural Park, a stone’s throw from the Great Site of the Tarn Gorges, and an ideal place to enjoy outdoor such varied outdoor activities as paragliding, via ferrata, mountain biking, caving, canoe-kayak, rock climbing and aquatic hiking.

The construction of the famous Millau Viaduct, which broke records and earned heavy media coverage, has recast Millau in a more modern, international light, reinforced by the recognition of the viaduct as a Great Site of the Midi Pyrénées Region along with the Roquefort Caves, Sylvanès Abbey and the Larzac of the Knights Templar and Hospitaller.

Millau’s history has been intertwined with agropastoralism and sheep-farming (which led to the development of the Roquefort industry) ever since the Middle Ages. Millau is where the hides of many sheep and lambs from the Causses were processed and made into leather goods, earning the town the title of “World Hide and Glove Capital”.

Its glove-making expertise has not been lost as Millau gloves are still in demand in high fashion circles. This activity with high added value played a major role in the town earning the “Ville et Métiers d’Art” label awarded to leading craft towns. Today, many craftspeople offer studio tours and other activities for visitors.

To find out more : www.millau.fr