How to pleasantly survive the scorching heat? A few ideas for outings.
Until the end of the week, the thermometer should be at its maximum over the whole territory while half of the country is suffocating under the strong heat of recent days. From almost deserted streets to closed shutters, the region is full of addresses where you can find the fresh air as best you can, while avoiding sports.
The benefits of bathing
On the territory, the Tarn and Dourbie rivers offer small beaches where it is possible to stop for a popular dip in the water. Some of them are only accessible by the river, as when practicing a nautical activity for example, when other municipalities have provided public access to the river. This is for example the case of the nautical base of Saint-Rome-de-Tarn, on the Raspes side. In Millau, the outdoor pool of the aquatic center is also open all summer. In Saint-Affrique, the municipality made access to the swimming pool free during this episode.
Try the adventure of caving
Discover what is happening under the surface… The caving outings, supervised by professionals from the area, allow everyone to try their hand at the discipline. Contrary to popular belief, they are accessible to everyone from the age of 4. Discovery outings of about two hours allow you to learn when the more athletic will leave for half a day to discover the hidden face of the territory.
Discover the villages and the region in the evening
The summer season is conducive to events taking place in the late afternoon and early evening, once the mercury has gone down. Night market and local producers in Millau, Liaucous, Montredon or Potensac to name but a few, allow a gustatory and festive discovery of the territory. The traveling Festival Sites & Sons allows, with its evening concerts, to discover a group of artists in a local village each week.
Roquefort cellars
Grouped together in the village of Roquefort-sur-Soulzon, the ripening cellars of the king of cheeses have the advantage of benefiting from natural ventilation present all year round. The opportunity to combine the discovery of the production of AOP cheese and the milder temperatures than outside: the thermometer displays 12° all year round. The hygrometry is also important there, with a rate around 80%.
Activities along the water
Descent by canoe, tubbing or paddle have the advantage of being able to stop along the water to swim, while discovering the landscapes of the gorges. But it is also possible to do canyoning and aquatic hikes. Many service providers, spread over the territory, offer secure supervision of these activities. The rivers are a great playground where it is possible, depending on the weather and according to your affinities and experience, to discover many activities.
Caves and sinkholes
The caves and other underground cavities display a constant temperature of around 10°. A parallel world to discover and appreciate the millennial work of water. The Dargilan cave, nicknamed the Rose cave because of the concentration of iron oxide present in this part of the Causse Noir, is highlighted by dynamic lighting. On the Causse Méjean, the Aven Armand can be discovered after descending by funicular. Finally, the Bramabiau abyss, shaped by the Bonheur river, opens up to visitors after walking for a few minutes in the undergrowth. Three different and magical universes.
And to discover the summer activities and other ideas for visits to the area, the site of the Millau Grands Causses tourist office gathers information on millau-viaduc-tourisme.fr