Découvrez le Viaduc de Millau, un chef-d'œuvre de l’ingénierie moderne et un symbole emblématique du département de l'Aveyron. Avec ses 343 mètres de hauteur, c’est le plus haut pont du monde, reliant les vallées du Tarn et du Salagou tout en survolant les paysages spectaculaires de la région.
Ce viaduc majestueux, conçu par l'architecte Norman Foster, s’impose par son architecture élégante et sa silhouette qui se fond harmonieusement dans le paysage. Offrez-vous un moment de contemplation en vous arrêtant sur l'un des points de vue aménagés pour admirer ce monument impressionnant. Le Viaduc de Millau n’est pas seulement une prouesse technique, mais aussi une porte d’entrée vers la découverte des paysages grandioses de l’Aveyron. Un lieu incontournable pour les passionnés d'architecture, de nature et de sensations fortes.
Viaduc de Millau
An Engineering Masterpiece in the Heart of the Causses
The Millau Viaduct, one of the world's most remarkable architectural feats, is much more than just a concrete and steel structure. Perched majestically above the Tarn Gorges, this iconic symbol of modern engineering connects the Midi-Pyrénées and Languedoc-Roussillon regions, providing a spectacular road link between the Massif Central and the Pyrenees.
It embodies the perfect union between art and science, nature and technology. Beyond its practical function, it symbolizes human ingenuity and the ability to overcome obstacles by pushing the limits of imagination and creativity. Whether for its architectural beauty, economic impact, or historical significance, the Millau Viaduct remains a must-see destination for travelers seeking wonder and inspiration.
Learn more about the Millau Viaduct
Visiting the Millau Viaduct
Visitors can start with a tour of the bridge itself. There are viewing points along the A75 highway where you can stop to admire and photograph the viaduct from different angles.
Information and exhibition center
At either end of the bridge, there are information and exhibition centers that tell the story of the viaduct's construction and explain the technical challenges faced by the engineers. These centers also offer interactive exhibitions for a more immersive experience.
Hiking
The area around the Millau Viaduct offers beautiful natural landscapes, perfect for hiking. Several marked trails allow visitors to explore the Tarn Gorges and the surrounding limestone plateaus.
Outdoor activities
Outdoor activities such as paragliding, hang gliding, and rock climbing are popular in the area. The cliffs of the Tarn Gorges offer unique opportunities for adventure seekers.
Visiting picturesque villages
The area around the Millau Viaduct is full of charming medieval villages to explore, such as Peyre, Compeyre, and Castelnau-Pégayrols. These villages offer an authentic experience of rural French life and are perfect for a leisurely stroll.
Tasting local products
Visitors can take advantage of their stay to discover the local cuisine by sampling regional specialties such as Roquefort cheese, sheep's cheese, Aveyron wines, and other local products.
Technical Specifications
The Millau Viaduct is an engineering masterpiece, remarkable both for its size and its technical design. With a total length of 2,460 meters and a maximum height of 343 meters above the Tarn River, it holds the record for the world's tallest bridge, surpassing even the Eiffel Tower in height. This imposing structure rests on seven concrete piers and is topped by a series of cable stays that support the road deck.
The deck, 32 meters wide, has six lanes of traffic (three in each direction) and provides a smooth and safe crossing. The materials used in its construction, mainly concrete and steel, were chosen for their durability and ability to withstand extreme weather conditions, ensuring the structure's exceptional longevity.
The design of the viaduct also took into account its visual impact on the surrounding landscape. The elegant lines of the piers and the slenderness of the stay cables give the structure an aesthetic lightness that blends harmoniously with the natural setting of the Tarn valley. Its innovative construction approach and thoughtful design make it an iconic example of modern civil engineering.
Recognition
The Millau Viaduct has been met with admiration and praise from both professionals and the general public since its inauguration. Its bold design and respectful integration into the landscape have been widely acclaimed. The structure quickly gained status as an iconic monument of modern architecture and civil engineering, attracting visitors from all over the world who want to admire this technical and aesthetic feat.
The viaduct has also received several prestigious awards, highlighting its excellence in engineering, design, and sustainability. Among these awards, it won the IABSE Outstanding Structure Award in 2006, an international recognition of its innovation and significant contribution to the art of construction.
This global recognition reflects not only the importance of the Millau Viaduct in the field of engineering, but also its cultural and symbolic impact, embodying a vision of the future where technology and aesthetics come together harmoniously.
