Hello everyone: <BR>We are putting finishing touches on our trip to France in July. We have decided on a day trip through the Tarn Gorges. Has anyone done this drive? How was the drive? Anything you can suggest as to stops for lunch, villages to see, especially visually exciting parts of the drive etc.? <BR>We are probably not into water sports but welcome all suggestions. <BR>Regards and thanks in advance, <BR>Lynn

I drove through the Gorges du Tarn 10 days ago with PBProvence. First, let me warn you NOT to consider approaching it from the tiny road that leads straight over the causses from Florac (you wouldn't be likely to do this in any event, but just in case it crossed your mind). It's marked on the Michelin map as a "parcours difficile ou dangereux," and those Michelin people are right on target. I thought I was going to lose breakfast after the second switchback. <BR>But back to the matter at hand. The Gorges du Tarnes is spectacular. The road is excellent, if narrow (don't get me started on how we met a convoi exceptionel on the way up - I thought I was going to end up in the driver's lap). If you are afraid of heights or apprehensive about driving on extremely high, narrow, winding roads, this is not the drive for you. <BR>You don't really have a choice of villages to see - there's only one road and the (few) villages are right on it. St-Enimie is a gorgeous place to stop for lunch and to meander the medieval alleyways. As one writer mentioned of it, it will never be spoiled because there's nowhere else to build. If you go there, walk to the bridge, and with your back facing the bridge, look up high to the left, amid the cliffs. Someone built a chapel in the rock up there - but how? It's not on the road along the gorges, but Florac is the "capital" town of the Cévennes and is probably worth a stop (especially if they've finished building the roundabout at the entrance to town). The headquarters of the Parc National des Cévennes is there and well worth a visit to learn about some of the wonderful protected lands that lie within it. <BR>If you want more information about the region, let me know. We spent three glorious days driving all over the Cévennes. The scenery is unparalleled, and ever-changing. The waterfalls are incredible. Bring lots of film.

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My vote would be for Ste.Enimie to stop, it is a wonderful place, quiet and surrounded by superb nature. Gorges du Tarn are entirely worthwile and you will not regret to go there. PS: I remember lots of kayaks in some parts of the river course

StCirq covered our drive along the Gorges fairly well (LOL)... as a side trip I can also recommend drive to Pont-de-Montvert which has a charming humpbacked bridge, surmounted by a toll tower, over the Tarn. From there head to the Cascade des Runes (on the road to Florac from Montvert). The waterfall is impressive and is a great spot for a picnic lunch. <BR> <BR>PB

I forgot to add that there is a great B&B nearby if you choose to spend the night in the area. A restored 17thC home... GREAT dinners. <BR> La Baume, in St Privat de Vallongue off the main road from Florac in the direction of Ales. <BR> <BR>PB

Thanks so much St Cirq and PB, I appreciate your time in answering my query. We are looking forward to our day out in the Tarn Gorges armed with your information. <BR> <BR>Again many thanks, <BR>Lynn <BR>