Why choose this France tour ?
The best excursion to discover the Gorges du Tarn in complete tranquility, leaving the driving and logistics to your driver-guide. Commented discovery day (8 a.m.-6:30 p.m., English/French) of this territory listed as a UNESCO world heritage site. This day includes 5 essential visits. Take advantage of a guided tour of Aven Armand to see this geological treasure. Go back in time at the Ferme Caussenarde d’Autreviens, and free time in the village of Hyelzas (local products for purchase: cheese, cold meats, artisanal ice cream) for lunch (not included). From La Malène, go down the river in a boat helmed by a skipper with the Bateliers des Gorges. Your driver-guide will be waiting for you at the arrival of the descent to head directly towards the Point Sublime from where the view of the Cirque des Baumes is absolutely beautiful. Finally, discovery of Sainte-Enimie, classified among the most beautiful villages in France, before returning to Mende around 6:30 p.m.
Make the most of your France adventure
What makes Commented day trip to the Causses and Gorges du Tarn a unique experience ?
We will leave Mende, from the Place du Forail. Mende, the smallest prefecture town in France, but certainly very dynamic, and with a preserved historic heart, is worth the detour. Then, we will pass through the Causses de Sauveterre and Méjean to reach the place of our first visit. superb panoramas await us throughout this hour’s drive.
It will take us approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour to reach the Aven Armand cave via the Causse de Sauveterre. We will be there for the first funicular descent. You will descend to a depth of 110m for a one-hour guided and commented underground journey into a forest of stalagmites. Guiding is carried out by experienced guides from Aven Armand. Once in the Aven, the route is decorated with sounds and lights highlighting the numerous stalagmites. The path includes some steps up and down.
We will take the time to go see the natural well which allowed the discoverer of the cave to descend below. What courage all the same!
This self-paced tour allows you to step into the past, to a time when time and seasons had their full meaning. You will have access to the farmhouse and the exhibition space (old machines, old photographs, etc.).
In the village of Hyelzas where the Ferme Caussenarde d’Autreviens is located, you can buy lunch from local producers. At the Fédou cheese dairy, you will have the opportunity to buy a picnic. But you will also find cold cuts and artisanal ice creams.
We will stay there for two hours and will have time to visit the Ferme Caussenarde d’Autreviens at your own pace, and to have lunch.
From Hyelzas, we will pass a magnificent narrow road with hairpins. You’ll be glad you’re not driving your own car. The view there is magnificent.
In the village of La Malène, we will meet the boatmen who have been bringing the Tarn down for 150 years. You will leave for a one-hour descent of the Tarn gorges in a boat, with a boatman, a true connoisseur of his region. At the end of the descent, your driver-guide will be waiting for you to go directly to the next stage, so that you will not have to return to La Malène.
The Point Sublime allows you to have a unique and striking view of the Cirque des Baumes. It’s a perfect place for a nice souvenir photo. From the bottom of the gorge, we will reach the small village of Les Vignes, then a small mountain road will take us to Point Sublime. We will then follow the edge of the causse to reach Sainte Enimie.
Sainte-Enimie is a medieval village classified among the most beautiful villages in France. Strolling through its narrow streets, there is no mistake. The discovery of Sainte-Enimie takes on its full meaning with a visit to the Burle source, whose miraculous water is at the origin of the village. You will have free time to stroll through the narrow streets of the village or to enjoy one of the many terraces. Then we will return to Mende via the Causse de Sauveterre, in 30 to 40 minutes.
Return to Mende from Sainte-Enimie with around 30 minutes of driving via the Causse de Sauvetterre, passing the fortified farm of Choizal, and going back down to the Lot valley where Mende and its cathedral are nestled.
Tour Description & Additional Info:
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
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Special Instructions:
- This Tour is Provided by Lotix.
- Tour Timezone & Starts at Europe/Paris.
- Mobile or paper ticket accepted.
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- This Tour is Rated 5 Stars based on 1 valid reviews on TRIPADVISOR.
- Minimum 1 Travelers is required to book.
- Maximum 7 Travelers is accepted for booking.
