Canoeing and kayaking in the Tarn Gorges
From Castelbouc to Sainte-Enimie
This trip offers a chance to explore the rock formations and waterways along the banks of the Gorges du Tarn. Ideal for those taking their first strokes with a paddle, beginners and younger participants are welcome. During the 9km descent, you can even glance over your shoulder to see the village of Castelbouc and its ghostly-looking castle receding into the distance. A few ripples further on, you’ll catch sight of Prades Castle – but do make sure you hold on tight to your paddle on this stretch, which alternates between calm sections and rapids for a bit of a thrill.
From Sainte-Enimie to Saint-Chély-du-Tarn
Spend the night in Sainte-Enimie, the jewel of the Gorges du Tarn. You’ll be woken by birdsong and the first rays of the sun. Quite a change from the shrill sound of an alarm clock! Full of renewed energy, you climb back into your canoes for a 5km paddle. A waterfall reminiscent of a tropical paradise soon comes into view. It’s the perfect opportunity for a bit of friendly competition. Who’s going to take a dip under the waterfall? With the Saint-Chély-du-Tarn suspension bridge as a backdrop, one thing’s for sure: the photo is going to be a hit on Instagram.
From Saint-Chély-du-Tarn to La Malène
We continue our 8km canoe journey towards the village of La Malène. Along the way, keep your eyes peeled for the scenery around you and take the time to admire the remarkable cave dwellings at Pougnadoires and the imposing Château de La Caze. A little tip: stop for a picnic opposite the hamlet of Hauterives, which is only accessible by canoe… That’s right, four hamlets in the Gorges du Tarn can only be reached by boat or on foot! When the Gorges du Tarn road was built in 1905, these hamlets on the opposite bank – being too small – were not connected by a bridge. The result: more than 100 years later, they’ve retained all their old-world charm and that ‘end-of-the-world’ feel.
From La Malène to the Cirque des Baumes
Accompanied by the boatmen of the Gorges du Tarn – the true masters of these waters – you’ll venture into the narrowest part of the Gorges du Tarn: the Détroits. For 6km, you’ll be treated to a feast for the eyes: vultures soaring over the gorges, turquoise water, tranquillity, natural waterfalls… Above all, stop and enjoy the beach all to yourself. Here, we stop, we swim, we jump, we laugh. We make these moments of happiness last as long as possible. And already, we find ourselves dreaming of ‘next time’.
What is there to do in the Gorges du Tarn in Lozère?
The boatmen, guardians of the gorges
The Gorges du Tarn are steep, deep and rugged. That is why the locals chose to travel by boat – and have done so since the 14th century. Can’t quite remember those distant times? Neither do we. But the good news is that the tradition of river transport has survived to this day. Yet it could just as easily have disappeared. In 1905, to be precise, when the Tarn Gorges road opened. But that was without taking into account the love the boatmen had for their trade.
A visit to the village of Sainte-Enimie
Nestled on the slopes of a canyon carved out by the Gorges du Tarn, Sainte-Enimie offers a fascinating visit, with its historic monuments, narrow streets, limestone houses and legends. Here, people still speak of a miraculous spring… Whether you’re a walker, a history buff or simply a curious visitor passing through, you should know that Sainte-Enimie is listed among the “most beautiful villages in France”. So, don’t miss a visit to the chapel, tucked away in the Grotte de l’Ermitage, and be sure to explore the remains of the fortified monastery: all that remains of this abbey today are three rooms, the crypt and the chapter house. A visit to the areaaround Prades Castle will delight fans of medieval architecture, whilst archaeology enthusiasts should head to the Aire des Trois-Seigneurs, a megalithic site situated between Laval-du-Tarn and Sainte-Enimie. Not to be missed: in July and August, the Sainte-Enimie night market takes place every Thursday evening on the village’s main street, from 7 pm to 11 pm.
The Princess and the Devil
There are many tales surrounding the beautiful Princess Enimie, which resonate throughout French history. Among them are her famous miraculous cure from leprosy and her battle with the devil himself. With the help of Saint Ilère, the Bishop, she pursued him to the famous viewpoint at Pas-de-Soucy, where he was crushed beneath enormous boulders.
Hiking and walking
An unusual experience: night-time stand-up paddleboarding
Paddler? That verb doesn’t exist, so we had to make it up. An original word, just like the experience we’ve just had. Paddleboarding, yes, but at night! By moonlight, and with paddles unlike any others, the Gorges du Tarn reveal themselves from a whole new angle. Silent. Well, almost, as the animals are having a field day. Look, there’s a trout. And that strange sound coming from the bank – could it be the croaking of a toad? Whilst pointing out a funny mushroom-shaped rock, our guide warns us: there’s a rapid coming up, so we’ll need to concentrate! Clutching our paddles, we hold our breath and… we make it through. As a reward, the Gorges du Tarn grow even narrower. A veritable guard of honour, just for us.
The rock faces surrounding us are impressive. We look up at the sky – it’s breathtaking! Majestic vultures circle above our heads, along with black kites and herons. The ballet can begin – it’s incredible. The azure-coloured water sparkles all along the route. We’re in paradise.”
107 metres high – give bungee jumping a go
What if we told you that your friends walked into your home without knocking? And that they whisked you off ‘somewhere’. Suddenly, the car brakes. The blind is removed. The sun dazzles you, then, at last, you can see. Nothing. Well, actually: the void. You recognise the place. The Gorges du Tarn. It seems you’re here to jump. Into the void. Without even having had time to prepare yourself mentally? With 107 metres separating you from the Tarn? Come on! Yet you have no choice. You’re now strapped in all over. Carefully, you step out onto the platform. It’s so deep! Your adrenaline surges. Then, at last, the jump. The sensation of flying. An extraordinary and unforgettable experience.
Raise a glass with our local drinks
How about a quick drink on the banks of the Tarn? Craft beers, wine from the Gorges du Tarn or porcini mushroom liqueur – Lozère has more than one trick up its sleeve! Also worth discovering are sun-kissed fruit juices, water ‘called Quézac’, not to mention a whole host of syrups and lemonades.
*Alcohol abuse is harmful to your health. Please drink in moderation.
Must-see photo spots
PANORAMA FROM THE SUBLIME POINT
Panoramas
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Unique experiences
Make the most of a holiday in the Gorges du Tarn to set off on new adventures. Whether it’s a family trip, exploring the area or taking part in sporting activities, whatever the season, plan your holiday by booking some unique experiences.
Stay in the Gorges du Tarn
Accommodation
Fancy a change of scenery in accommodation set in the heart of the countryside or in a village with undeniable charm? Give it a go and book your bed and breakfast, holiday cottage, self-catering accommodation, hotel room, stopover accommodation, camping pitch or room in a holiday village.
LA CACHETTE – ROULOTTE AU TEMPS DES CERISES
Bed and breakfasts
LA CACHETTE – CABANES PERCHEES
Bed and breakfasts
3 keys Bed and breakfasts
Bed and breakfasts
Bed and breakfasts
Bed and breakfasts
BLAJOUX HOLIDAY VILLAGE – 4-PERSON COTTAGE
3 stars Rental in village
Rental in village
Rental in village
BLAJOUX HOLIDAY VILLAGE – 2-PERSON COTTAGE
Rental in village
Rental in village
Rental in village
Holiday village
Holiday village
BLAJOUX HOLIDAY VILLAGE – 6-PERSON COTTAGE
3 stars Rental in village
Rental in village
Hotels – restaurant
2 stars Hotels
How do I get there?
- By car from Mende, Florac, La Canourgue, Villefort, Langogne, Aumont-Aubrac and Saint-Chély-d’Apcher
- By car from Paris, Bordeaux, Toulouse, Montpellier, Lyon, Marseille and Nîmes
- By train, on the Train de l’Aubrac line or the Cévenol line
- By bus with liO
- By tourist shuttle: minibuses that criss-cross Lozère in every direction during July and August
- By plane, via the nearest airports: Rodez, Clermont-Ferrand, Nîmes, Montpellier, Marseille, Lyon, Toulouse
Frequently Asked Questions
What is there to do and see in Lozère around the Gorges du Tarn?
Not far from the Gorges du Tarn, visit the Grands Causses and the Gorges de la Jonte.
When is the best time to visit the Gorges du Tarn, and why?
Spring and autumn are ideal times to enjoy all that the Gorges du Tarn has to offer in peace and quiet.
