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MILLAU

Millau, a trip from the 1st to the 21st century

A Southern atmosphere reigns in Millau, Town of Art and History, with its wonderful combination of antiquity, medieval history and modern expertise. Millau, Capital of the leather glove and famous for its viaduct, is an absolute must: head for the south of the Aveyron and its great open spaces!

MILLAU - Aveyron (12)

Millau was born 200 years BC and is set at the gateway of the Gorges du Tarn where the Tarn and Dourbie Rivers meet. The historical part of Millau is ideally located between Auvergne and Languedoc and specialised in the large-scale production of red clay pottery ("Empress") exported to Pompeii, Greece and Germany. The town's unique history can be relived at the Archaeological Site of Graufesenque, 2km south of the town.

In the Middle Ages, Millau was the honourable seat of a viguerie - a mediaeval administrative court - and then became a county freely administered by its consuls. The leather industry and the Larzac sheep herds used for leather became part of local history from the twelfth century.
In 1560, the Reform met with positive response in Millau and, for over a century, the town was hard hit by battles between the Catholics and Protestants. In the 18th century, the quality of Millau gloves was renowned throughout Europe. The industry reached its peak in the 19th century and first half of the 20th century.
Millau is currently experiencing a real economic and tourism boom on account of its viaduct which spans the Tarn valley.

Start your visit of Millau at Place du Mandarous. This lively square features brasseries and cafe terraces. On both sides of the square, the boulevards follow the outline of the old fortifications. Sambucy castle (17th century) - on Boulevard de l'Ayrolle - is the most beautiful stately home in Millau. Next you will see the Ayrolle washhouse (1850), set in a great pavilion built of golden-coloured stone.

Rue Droite will take you into the Medieval district, through its maze of alleys and passageways with clustering tall, narrow houses. Note the carved stone portals, corbelled houses and Renaissance windows. The Belfry stands proudly on the Place des Consuls in the old town. This monument was used as a prison during the religious wars and now invites you to its terrace, 42m high, to enjoy an exceptional view of the town from the look-out post to the viaduct.

The elegant Baltard des Halles (1898) stands next to the Place des Consuls. You will then come to Place du Maréchal Foch, certainly the most beautiful square in Millau with its plane trees pruned into parasol form and its Empire style fountain.
Bordered with covered stone arcades, this was witness to numerous events throughout the history of Millau. This is where the City's Consuls took their oaths, where thieves were pilloried and where the Protestants burnt their objects of worship.

Hôtel de Pégayrolle overlooks this square and is home to the Museum of Millau which guards the memory of the town tracing right back to prehistory. The exhibition rooms devoted to glove making and tannery provided wonderful insight into an industry which is now positioned on the market of luxury goods.

Millau offers a number of itineraries that will take you round the Gorges de la Jonte, the Causse du Larzac and its Templar and Hospitaller Citadels, not forgetting the cellars of Roquefort of course...

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