A place with open plains, deep gorges, beautiful valleys and dense jungles, Gorges du Tarn is an excellent platform for hiking. This area offers such a variety of hiking trails that every trekker, whether a beginner or an experienced one, will find the perfect route for himself. Every turn and every path here is full of new adventures and beautiful views, making it a dream destination for hikers.
I recommend some of the most beautiful and legendary hiking trails in the Gorges du Tarn, that offer a real taste of the natural beauty and adventure of this region:
1. Corniches du Méjean Hike
Between cliffs and vultures, this hike is one of the most impressive trails in the department!
The Corniches du Méjean hike is a classic trail that allows you to explore the beauty of the high cliffs of Tarn and Jonte. Sporty and relatively long, this hike puts you in front of grand landscapes that are literally breathtaking! You may also spot griffon vultures, which are found in the region.
How to start
The official starting point is from the town hall square in Le Rozier. But you can park near the Capluc rock, just above the concrete road. I would also recommend taking a short detour to the top of Capluc rock as the panoramic view of the whole valley from there will stun you.
The round trip to Capluc rock normally takes about 30 minutes. But those who suffer from vertigo should avoid this experience as one has to climb high iron ladders to reach the summit. But once you reach the top, the reward is worth it.
After returning from Capluc rock, the Corniches du Méjean hike starts. A wooded path takes you to the top of the Francbouteille pass. From here there are several viewpoints of the Gorges du Tarn, and the loop takes you up to Jonte Valley. This first part is relatively flat, as you are on top of the cliffs. Don’t forget to stop at the oil fountain along the way, perfect for a cool break (it’s accessible from a 5-minute detour).
The real show begins once you reach the side of Jonte Valley! The path runs along the cornice and passes through the Balcon du Vertige and the Pas du Loup. The views are absolutely incredible, and you can even see vultures flying above your head. Next we reach the Chalkaar Vase de Chine and Vase de Sèvres, which are two massive dolomitic rocks famous for their unique shape. Then the descent begins towards the Capluc rock.
Practical Details:
- Hike length: 12 kilometres
- Elevation gain: 990 metres
- Estimated time: 4h30 to 5h (depends on the detail of Capluc rock)
- Difficulty: Medium
- Visit the official page for map and detailed information.
2. Saint-Michel Hermitage Hike
This hike to the remains of an ancient hermitage is a unique experience in itself.
The Saint-Michel Hermitage hike not only takes you to the remains of this ancient hermitage, but also offers breathtaking panoramas of the confluence of the Tarn and Jonte rivers. This hike with varied stages is perfect for adventure seekers. You can also see griffon vultures and some uniquely shaped rocks.
Hike journey
The start is from the car park of the town hall in Peyreleau village. From here you have to do a slightly challenging climb of 30 minutes, but this is the most difficult part of the hike. Once you reach the top, the path becomes completely flat. The climb ends after passing through an abandoned caravan (which fans of the “Into The Wild” story will surely love), and then you reach the Prehistoric Mushroom Rock. This is a geological wonder that will impress you.
After the abandoned caravan and the prehistoric Mushroom rock, you walk along a ledge, from where you can see stunning panoramas. This is also the place where you can see vultures flying. Keep your eyes open in the sections with heavy vegetation, as there are wild orchids and beautiful green lizards.
Climbing a little further, you reach the famous Saint-Michel Hermitage. You first see it from a distance, and then start the ascent. It doesn’t take much time to reach the Hermitage, but you have to use some iron ladders. As soon as you reach the top, you get an incredible view!
After returning from the Hermitage, you descend through a path through the forest towards the valley. This takes you along the Jonte river to the Les Rouquets hamlet (there is also the option of swimming if you wish).
Practical Details:
- Hike length: 10 kilometres
- Elevation gain: 650 metres
- Estimated time: 3h30
- Difficulty: Medium
- Visit the official page for map and detailed information.
3. Roc des Hours Trail
This trail is a sporty and adventurous experience to reach Roc des Hours, one of the most beautiful panoramas of the Gorges du Tarn.
The Roc des Hours hike starts from La Malène and takes you to Roc des Hours, from where you can see the sublime views of the village and the gorges. But if you don’t want to hike, this panorama is also accessible by car.
Hike journey
The hike starts from the car park in La Malène. The first part is a 1h30 uphill climb, which is a little challenging but gives you views of the ruins of the Château du Planiol, the cornices of the Causse de Sauveterre and the village of La Malène.
You then head straight towards the “Panorama du Roc des Hourtous”, which is signposted along the way. Once here you will have an extraordinary view of the Tarn gorges and can watch vultures flying, which nest in the area. You then slowly descend towards the river, enjoying more stunning panoramas. The descent is steep and a bit difficult, and eventually you return to La Malène by a path following the Tarn river.
If you only want to see the panorama of Roc des Hours, you can reach the viewpoint by car. For this, park the car in the parking lot of the restaurant of the same name and walk a few minutes to the viewpoint.
Practical Details:
- Hike length: 10 kilometers
- Elevation gain: 594 meters
- Estimated time: 4 hours
- Difficulty: Difficult
- Visit the official page for map and detailed information.
4. Saint-Pierre Arches Trail
A magical forest walk that takes you beneath the Saint-Pierre Arches, as if stepping out of a fairy tale.
The Saint-Pierre Arches hike takes you through the gorges and also unique landscapes and geological curiosities. The forest is absolutely sublime, and the Arches are beautiful rock formations formed over time. There are also opportunities for picnics and great photos.
Hike journey
Generally starts from the car park at the crossroads of the Viale and Truel roads. From here you pass through a Scots pine forest and reach the Arc de Saint-Pierre. Erosion has created curious shapes in the rock, and created large arches. It’s worth stopping for a while to take photos and soak up the unique atmosphere of the place.
There are also rock shelters and a fairy chimney. After that you can head towards Baumelle Cave and Dead Man’s Cave. Dead Man’s Cave is a burial cave containing more than 50 skeletons, including trepanned skulls (this practice was carried out in 3,500 BC).
The trail then leads from the village of Saint-Pierre-des-Tripiers back to the hamlet of Le Truel and La Viale. I did not complete the entire trail myself, but rather parked directly near Les Arcs de Saint-Pierre and focused on this part.
Practical Details:
- Hike length: 5 kilometers
- Elevation gain: 164 meters
- Estimated time: 2h15
- Difficulty: Easy
- Visit the official page for map and detailed information.
5. Castelbouc Hamlet Trail
This trail is a unique experience to explore the Castelbouc hamlet during a stay in the Gorges du Tarn.
The Castelbouc hamlet hike gives you the opportunity to see the village from a different perspective. Often visitors are delighted to see the village from the viewpoint on the D907BIS road, but staying in the village and reaching the ruins of the old castle is a different pleasure.
Hike
The trail starts from the car park at the entrance of the hamlet (parking can be a bit difficult in mid-summer as spaces are limited). From here you cross the village to reach the bread oven. You then start the climb up to the ruins of Castelbouc castle. This is the most challenging part of the hike as the climb is steep, but reaching the platform gives you a beautiful panorama of the whole hamlet.
From behind Castelbouc you walk on an old forest path, which makes a loop and comes back to the other side of the hamlet. On the way back you can also see the province and its castle. Finally you cross a cute bridge and reach back to Castelbouc.
Practical Details:
- Hike length: 4 kilometers
- Elevation gain: 270 meters
- Estimated time: 4 hours
- Difficulty: Medium
- Visit the official page for maps and detailed information.
Final Note:
There are many other hikes in the Gorges du Tarn that can be explored. But I hope that through this list I have inspired you to explore this beautiful region by hiking. These trails allow you to fully experience the diversity of the landscapes. Happy hiking! 😊