This itinerary follows the truly spectacular River Tarn as it winds back and forth along the Tarn Canyon or Gorges du Tarn. With each turn the drive becomes more beautiful, never monotonous. The road cuts through the canyon, hugging its walls, always in sight of the peaceful waters of the Tarn and its picturesque villages, clusters of warm stone buildings that nestle above its shore. Encased in deep limestone cliffs, the river canyon is at its most glorious in early autumn-a perfect time to visit. In the fall the traffic has subsided and nature's colors contrast beautifully with the canyon walls: grass carpets the mountains, making hillsides lush, all shades of green, and the trees blaze gold, red, and orange in the sunlight. But whatever time of year, the Gorges du Tarn is lovely.
Recommended Pacing: This itinerary covers approximately 220 kilometers and can be driven in about 4 hours. The stretch along the canyon from Florac to Millau, about 75 kilometers, is sometimes crowded, often narrows to two lanes, and there are no short cuts once you're following the river. If you plan to cover the distance in a day's journey, get an early start. We suggest that you overnight near the river and give yourself two full days to drive, walk, picnic, and even float your way through the Tarn Canyon.
With either Avignon or Nîmes on the western edge of Provence as a point of reference, travel northwest in the direction of Alès. Using a good map to plan the best route depending on your origin, travel southwest of Alès to the D907, going north in the direction of Saint Jean du Gard. Saint Jean du Gard is a very scenic village, located just before the Corniche des Cevennes. Just outside Saint Jean du Gard you are faced with the option of traveling the corniche along the canyon's south or north rim. This itinerary travels the D9, which follows the north rim and is the more scenic and better of the two roads. The drive is lovely, traveling through and above the forests of the region. At the northern tip of the corniche the road number changes from D9 to D983 and travels 6 kilometers to the junction of D907. Follow the D907 north just over 5 kilometers to Florac and then join the N106, continuing north in the direction of Mende, but at the tiny village of Biesset veer off and head west on the D907 bis. It is here that your true journey of the Tarn Canyon begins.
Karen Brown also offers suggestions for itineraries through Brittany, Normandy, Champagne and Alsace. Paris is a convenient starting point for any one, or all, of these adventures! For a detailed description of these suggested itineraries Auto Europe highly recommends Karen Brown's Guide to France, Charming Inns & Itineraries. To purchase your copy or for more information about Karen
