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Millau Viaduct

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Millau Viaduct (France)

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The Millau Viaduct is a cable-stayed bridge in southern France that spans the valley of the River Tarn, widely regarded as one of the most significant architectural achievements of the 21st century. With a maximum structural height of 343 meters, it is the tallest bridge in the world, even surpassing the height of the Eiffel Tower. Designed by structural engineer Michel Virlogeux and British architect Norman Foster, the viaduct was inaugurated in December 2004 following just three years of construction. The bridge is a vital component of the A75 motorway, significantly easing long-distance traffic between Paris and the Mediterranean coast. The structure consists of eight steel spans supported by seven pylons and reaches a total length of 2,460 meters. Its slender and elegant silhouette was designed to integrate harmoniously into the landscape of the Grands Causses Regional Natural Park despite its monumental scale. The construction employed innovative techniques, such as sliding the deck sections into place from both sides of the valley.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C236913182020161263
Rain mm6752607877503841611009368

📋 Practical info

📍
Address
Aire du Viaduc, 12100 Millau (A75)
🕒
Hours
Viewpoint 24/7; visitor center 09:00-19:00
💶
Entry
Viewpoint is free; toll for crossing (cars) approx. €10-€12.50
🌐
Website
leviaducdemillau.com
🚌
Transit
No direct public transport to the viewpoint; taxi required from Millau
🅿️
Parking
Free parking at the 'Aire du Viaduc' rest area
♿
Accessibility
Observation platform accessible via a steep but paved path
📷
Photos
Allowed; drones over the motorway strictly prohibited
⭐
Best time
Early autumn morning for the effect of the bridge above the fog
🎧
Audio guide
Guided tours possible on the 'Sentier des Explorateurs'

Geography

Coordinates
44.07720, 3.07660

Facts

  • The highest point of the structure reaches 343 meters.
  • The total length of the bridge is exactly 2,460 meters.
  • The viaduct was officially inaugurated on December 14, 2004.
  • The bridge is supported by a series of seven concrete pylons.
  • The roadway has a slight incline of 3% for drainage and visibility.
  • Approximately 36,000 tonnes of steel were used for the bridge deck.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

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LarzacLarzac20 km · SExplore →
📍Saint-Affrique20 km · SWExplore →
BurhakabaBurhakaba22 km · WExplore →
CaussesCausses31 km · NEExplore →
Mont AigoualMont Aigoual41 km · EExplore →
Cévennes National ParkCévennes National Park41 km · NEExplore →
📍Lodève43 km · SEExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Millau Viaduct (6)

Site archéologique de la Graufesenque🏺 historical

A major Gallo-Roman archaeological site famous for its pottery production.

🕒 We-Sa 10:00-12:30,14:00-18:00

Hôtel de Sambucy de Sorgues🏰 castle

An elegant 17th-century private mansion in Millau with a notable garden.

Musée de Millau et des Grands Causses🏛 museum

A museum dedicated to the archaeology and traditional glove-making industry of Millau.

🕒 Mo-Sa 10:00-12:00,14:00-18:00; Oct-Apr: Su off; Oct-Apr: PH ♿🆓

Château de Creissels🏰 castle

A historic castle overlooking the Tarn valley, now used as a hotel and restaurant.

♿

Dolmen de Combets (B)🏺 historical

A dolmen near the Millau Viaduct, a prehistoric megalithic structure.

Dolmen ruiné🏺 historical

The ruins of an ancient dolmen in the rural surroundings of Millau.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Can you walk across the viaduct?
No, it is a motorway bridge (A75) for vehicles only. Pedestrians are strictly prohibited.
Where is the best view for photos?
From the 'Aire du Viaduc' viewing point off the A75 or from surrounding villages like Peyre.
How high is the bridge?
The tallest pier reaches 343 meters, making it higher than the Eiffel Tower.
Do I have to pay a toll?
Yes, crossing the bridge requires a toll payment, which varies by season and vehicle type (approx. €10-13).
Who designed the viaduct?
It is a joint work of British architect Norman Foster and French engineer Michel Virlogeux.
Millau Viaduct: where is it located?
Millau Viaduct is located in Occitanie, France.
Millau Viaduct: what is there to see?
Highlights include Site archéologique de la Graufesenque, Hôtel de Sambucy de Sorgues, Musée de Millau et des Grands Causses.
Millau Viaduct: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Millau Viaduct: why is it worth visiting?
The Millau Viaduct is a cable-stayed bridge in southern France that spans the valley of the River Tarn, widely regarded as one of the most significant architectural achievements of the 21st century.
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History & landmarks

Carcassonne — Millau Viaduct (France)
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