Carcassonne and the Millau
The world’s tallest bridge passes overhead early, then a staircase built directly into a cliff face reaches a village of chapels above a canyon – nine nights through some of France’s most complete medieval architecture.
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Carcassonne and the Millau
Tell us your trip details and we'll put together a complimentary Stradora Expedition Pack for the journey.
9 nights through France
Nine nights through southwest France, built around two UNESCO towns and the Gorges du Tarn, with two-night stays at each of the set pieces. Own bike through the tunnel or a hired BMW.
A medieval fortress in the Ardennes opens it, then Bourges with its half-timbered houses and UNESCO listed cathedral, and Mende through the Livradois Forez national park on technical elevated roads among forests and lakes.
The Gorges du Tarn follow, which is the riding highlight: a limestone canyon with sheer walls, tunnels and overhangs where the road is cut into the rock above the river. The Millau Viaduct comes at the end of it, the tallest bridge in the world, carrying the motorway high above the valley floor on a mast taller than the Eiffel Tower.
Carcassonne gets two nights, one of the most complete medieval walled cities in Europe with three kilometres of ramparts and more than fifty towers, heavily restored in the nineteenth century and none the worse for it. Rocamadour follows for two more, a village built in stages up a cliff above the Alzou canyon, with the Grand Escalier climbing to the chapels at the top. The route then runs north through Poitiers into the Loire to Saumur, and finishes at Dinan with the farewell dinner before the ferry. Hotels, breakfasts, three dinners, the crossing and the return ferry, maps and GPS routes are included, with fuel and other meals separate. The price is quoted per person. Southwest France is quieter than the Alps and rideable for far more of the year, which makes this a sensible choice for the shoulder seasons.
Carcassonne and the Millau (2 of 3)
Carcassonne and the Millau (3 of 3)
Images selected by Stradora to represent the journey.
What's included
- Pre-tour pack (tour information
- Michelin maps
- route notes
- GPS routes in Garmin/BMW format)
- electronic copy of the World of BMW Touring Essentials Book
- commemorative polo shirt
- 8 nights' accommodation in 3-4 star hotels
- all breakfasts
- welcome and farewell dinners plus dinner on the second night in Rocamadour and Carcassonne (excluding beverages)
- tour leader throughout
- overnight ferry France-UK
- LeShuttle UK-France
- expert advice and support
- fully bonded tour operator protection.
Not included
- Fuel
- lunches
- dinners other than those listed
- travel insurance
- anything not listed as included.
Ready to drive it?
9 days, from £2,195pp