To keep these bike-tours as a light version you'll be cycling down in
the canyons and the valleys. When cycling up the plateau an Moderate or
even Challenging tour can be made with daily distances from 60 to 90 kms
and with 1 to 4 climbs of 400 m per day (rise increase of 7-9 degree, 400m.
altitude difference, climbs of 4 - 7 kms long).
East of Millau the Tarn river and its tributaries carved out 4 canyon
like Gorges: Gorges de la Dourbie, Gorges de la Jonte, Gorges du Trèvezel
and the most famous of all the Gorges du Tarn. These Gorges are at the heart
of the most spectacular walking area of the Grands Causses Natural Parc.
Steep crags of 400m and the typical scenery of limestone plateaux dissected
by rivers. You'll see the Grotte Rose of Dargilan, the unusual scenery of
the Causses (Le Chaos de Montpellier le Vieux and Roques Altes).
Here le "Midi" (South of France) begins: A nice climate, : mountains, limestone plateaus (Causses), lush
green valleys, roaring rivers (Tarn, Jonte, Dourbie, Lot, Aveyron, Dourdou).
No fast food here, but the French cuisine, honest food
in small family-run hotels where you will get a warm welcome.
Between Albi and Millau the course of the Tarn-river is
called the "Gorges des Raspes du Tarn". You'll find here quiet, simplicity
and unspoiled nature and hills up to 700m.
The Grand Causses are a Regional Nature Parc in South of
Aveyron. Aveyron is also a rich source of (ancient) culture: the district
of Templars, medieval cloisters and places of pilgrimage.
Summary of cycling tours of La Ligne Verte in the Gorges du Tarn
