Camping near the Gorges du Tarn

The Gorges du Tarn — a unique landscape in Europe

The Gorges du Tarn stretch for 53 kilometres between limestone cliffs reaching 500 metres high. Listed as a Grand Site de France and Natura 2000 site, they rank among the most spectacular natural landscapes in Europe. The Tarn flows between vertiginous cliff faces, medieval villages clinging to the rock and turquoise natural pools perfect for summer swimming.

From Camping Saint Lambert in Millau, the Gorges du Tarn are reachable in 24 minutes by car — making it the ideal base for a day trip without hours of driving.

Canoeing or kayaking on the Tarn

The flagship activity of the Gorges du Tarn is the canoe or kayak descent. The classic route links La Malène to Les Vignes over 9 kilometres (around 3 hours). For a more ambitious day, the Sainte-Énimie – Les Vignes route covers 25 kilometres.

Several canoe and kayak operators are based directly on site, notably at Sainte-Énimie and La Malène. They offer equipment rental and a return shuttle. All equipment is provided; no prior experience is needed for family routes.

• La Malène – Les Vignes route: 9 km, approx. 3h
• Sainte-Énimie – Les Vignes route: 25 km, full day
• Equipment rental and return shuttle included with on-site operators
• Suitable from age 6 for calm routes

Villages of the Gorges du Tarn to visit

The Gorges du Tarn are home to villages listed among France's most beautiful:

• Sainte-Énimie — listed medieval village, starting point for canoe descents. Cobbled lanes, 12th-century abbey, craft market in summer.
• La Malène — village at the heart of the gorges, accessible only via the corniche road or the Tarn. Departure point for boatmen heading into the narrow gorge known as "Les Détroits".
• Castelbouc — spectacular cave village clinging to the cliff above the Tarn. Best seen from a canoe or the roadside.
• Les Vignes — classic finishing point for canoe trips, with views of the Point Sublime belvedere.

Hiking in the Gorges du Tarn

The Gorges du Tarn offer hikes for all levels. The Causse Méjean corniche trail offers sweeping views down into the gorges from above. The GR 43 winds through villages and follows the Tarn along the gorge floor. For families, short loops from Sainte-Énimie or Les Vignes offer easy scenic walking.

• Causse Méjean corniche trail — panoramic views
• GR 43 along the gorge floor — swimming possible en route
• Family loops from Sainte-Énimie (2–3h)
• Via ferrata at Saint-Rome-de-Tarn (30 min)

Swimming in natural pools

All along the route, the Tarn offers natural pools of turquoise water, ideal for swimming. Some are accessible from the road, others only by canoe or on foot. The Tarn is warmer than the Dourbie — expect 20 to 24°C in mid-summer. The campsite also offers swimming on site, in the Dourbie and the heated pool, for days when you stay close to home.

Frequently asked questions