The Parc naturel régional des Grands Causses is a vast, protected natural area in Southern France. It is one of the largest regional nature parks in France. The Parc offers breathtaking scenery that captivates visitors at every turn. With its spectacular limestone rock formations and the stunning backdrop of the Tarn River, this natural park is a photographer's paradise. The picturesque valley, often compared to a French Petite Canyon, provides numerous opportunities for capturing unforgettable moments in nature. Shaded pitches beneath majestic trees enhance the aesthetic charm of the area, while panoramic views from various lookout points reveal the beauty of the surrounding landscape. Visitors can enjoy incredible drives along scenic routes that showcase historical towns and remarkable engineering feats such as the Viaduct Millau, resembling sails gracefully navigating through the gorge. Whether it’s exploring off-road paths or taking leisurely walks around fortified towns like La Couvertoirade, each experience promises striking visuals that reflect outstanding natural beauty and rich wildlife. This magnificent region is a must-see destination where every snapshot tells a story of adventure and wonder.

• Diverse Landscapes: The park encompasses a mosaic of six distinct landscape entities, ranging from immense limestone plateaus (the Causses) dissected by deep river gorges, to colorful hills (the Rougiers de Camarès), forested mountains, and open valleys.

• Unique Geology: The causses, formed from marine sediments deposited millions of years ago, constitute one of Western Europe's largest karst ensembles. Water infiltrates the limestone subsoil, creating a complex network of caves, sinkholes (avens), and underground rivers.

• Size: It covers over 327,000 hectares (approximately 808,000 acres), making up nearly 20% of the Aveyron department's total area.

• UNESCO World Heritage Site: A significant portion of the park is classified as a UNESCO World Heritage site under the title of "Causses and Cévennes, Mediterranean agro-pastoral cultural landscape." This highlights the millennial interaction between humans and nature, primarily shaped by sheep farming. 

• Iconic Wildlife: The park is famous for the successful reintroduction of Griffon, Black, and Egyptian vultures, which can often be seen soaring above the gorges. Golden eagles, deer, roe deer, and mouflon can also be found here.

• Agro-Pastoralism: Sheep farming is central to the park's identity, especially for the production of the famous Roquefort cheese. This pastoral activity maintains the unique biodiversity of the steppe-like caussenard landscapes.

• Villages and Historic Sites: The area features Templar and Hospitaller cities, such as La Couvertoirade, medieval castles (Brousse-le-Château, Peyrelade), and charming villages clinging to the slopes of the gorges.

This is a 4* hotel based holiday, where we will be staying mainly in Chateau's. Prices are based on sharing in twin/double rooms.
Single Supplement for this tour is £500. If opting to share, this must be with a friend or partner. If no one else is prepared to share with someone wanting a twin room, then the single supplement is payable. Ideally you should sign up with a friend to enable you to share a twin room.

Flying into and out of Montpellier, we will be cycling north into this area, up to the amazing River Tarn Gorge. Perhaps ventureing into the neighbouring Parc National des Chevennes and Parc Naturel regional du Haut-Languedoc. Its a spectacular area, with receptionally quiet roads and beautiful scenery

• DISTANCE – Approximately 350 miles (approximately 30,000 ft of climbing)
• BIKES – Ride your own bike ! Collection and delivery can be arranged, door to door, and back, for an extra £65 each way
• FULLY SUPPORTED TOUR, with 6 days cycling, averaging approximately 60 - 70 miles a day. 7 nights accommodation. Cycling leader plus support vehicle carrying luggage.
• ACTIVITY LEVEL – 7/10 – challenging.
• FLIGHTS – Fly into Montpellier, Saturday 11th September(or earlier). Fly out of Montpellier, Saturday 18th September(or later). 

We believe your tour experience will be enhanced if you are able to ride a bike you are comfortable on, and familiar with. So, with that in mind, we will transport your bike to and from the start/finish of a tour.

Our support vehicles are adapted to carry bikes in a safe and secure manner which gives you the peace of mind that you will be ready to get cycling on day one without any major rebuilding of bikes required. Just the front wheel will need to be put back on.

Your bike can be collected and delivered back to your door for £65 each way.

If you would prefer, we can arrange bike hire. This cost covers transport and customs documentation

 DOCUMENTS
You will require a passport to visit France

You are also required to have travel insurance for the duration of the holiday.

WEATHER
The weather in France should be warm and sunny in September
PAYMENT

Click on ‘Book Now’, and go through the site to pay the deposit. Balance invoiced out 10 weeks before the tour