RoadAtlas
The Cévennes — France — Scenic
Europe

The Cévennes

France

In short: The Cévennes is a 142 km scenic road trip in France, typically driven over 2–3 days, best in Spring / Fall. Highlights: St-Jean-du-Gard, Florac, Gorges du Tarn.

Distance
142 km
Duration
2–3 days
Best Season
Spring / Fall
NotableEasyScenicEV-friendly

In 1879, Robert Louis Stevenson documented an epic, hilarious, and occasionally arduous hike through the Cévennes with a recalcitrant donkey named Modestine. These days you can trace part of his route by car, from the forested hills of St-Jean-du-Gard through the wild causses plateaus, gorges of the Tarn and Jonte, and ending on the world's highest road bridge, the Viaduc du Millau.

Practical notes
Most of this route is paved and easy in any car, but the gorge sections are narrow, twisty, and slow, with occasional campervan pinch points and summer traffic. Expect fog or sudden rain on the causses in spring and fall, and watch for closures or convoy controls after rockfall or roadworks.
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Stops along the route

St-Jean-du-Gard — Departure — The Cévennes — France
Departure
St-Jean-du-Gard
Where Stevenson's donkey journey ended. A medieval bridge, Sunday chestnut and honey market, and the steam Train des Cévennes to Anduze.
Hotels
Florac — City — The Cévennes — France
City
Florac
Gateway to the Causses et Cévennes UNESCO site, a limestone town at the junction of the Tarn gorge and the Cévennes massif.
Hotels
Millau — City — The Cévennes — France
City
Millau
France's glovemaking capital in a Tarn valley, with a 12th-century belfry and the best viaduct viewpoint on Boulevard de l'Ayrolle at dusk.
Hotels

Things to Do

Gorges du Tarn — Nature — The Cévennes — France
Nature
Gorges du Tarn
A 50 km canyon cut 500 m through limestone causses, honey-coloured cliffs, medieval ledge villages, and France's finest canyon road.
Gorges de la Jonte — Nature — The Cévennes — France
Nature
Gorges de la Jonte
A wilder, emptier gorge where Europe's griffon vulture reintroduction has succeeded spectacularly. Dozens circle the cliff updrafts without binoculars needed.
Viaduc du Millau — Landmark — The Cévennes — France
Landmark
Viaduc du Millau
Norman Foster's 2004 cable-stayed bridge, world's tallest road bridge at 343 m, floats above morning cloud. The Larzac rest area has the best view.
Maison des Vautours — Museum — The Cévennes — France
Museum
Maison des Vautours
Educational center dedicated to the conservation of vultures, offering exhibits and observation points.
Point Sublime — Scenic Viewpoint — The Cévennes — France
Scenic Viewpoint
Point Sublime
Breathtaking viewpoint offering panoramic views over the Gorges du Tarn.
Aven Armand — Cave — The Cévennes — France
Cave
Aven Armand
Spectacular limestone cave featuring impressive stalactites and stalagmites formations.

Where to Eat

Auberge du Moulin — French — The Cévennes — France
French
Auberge du Moulin
Charming riverside restaurant offering traditional French cuisine with a focus on local ingredients.
Le Jardin des Glaces — Ice Cream — The Cévennes — France
Ice Cream
Le Jardin des Glaces
Delightful ice cream parlor known for its artisanal flavors and picturesque garden seating.
La Table de Jean — Gourmet — The Cévennes — France
Gourmet
La Table de Jean
Elegant dining experience featuring gourmet dishes crafted from seasonal produce.

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Frequently asked questions

How long is the The Cévennes drive?

The The Cévennes covers 142 km from start to finish.

How long does the The Cévennes take to drive?

Most travellers spend 2–3 days on the The Cévennes, depending on stops and pace.

When is the best time to drive the The Cévennes?

The recommended season for the The Cévennes is Spring / Fall.

Where does the The Cévennes start and end?

The The Cévennes runs from St-Jean-du-Gard to Viaduc du Millau.

What are the main stops on the The Cévennes?

The The Cévennes passes through St-Jean-du-Gard, Florac, Gorges du Tarn.

Can I drive the The Cévennes in a regular car?

Yes — the The Cévennes is paved end-to-end and a regular car is fine in normal conditions.

Is the The Cévennes EV friendly?

Yes — the The Cévennes has charger coverage along the route and works as an EV road trip.

Is the The Cévennes safe to drive?

Most of this route is paved and easy in any car, but the gorge sections are narrow, twisty, and slow, with occasional campervan pinch points and summer traffic. Expect fog or sudden rain on the causses in spring and fall, and watch for closures or convoy controls after rockfall or roadworks.

What scenic tier is the The Cévennes?

The The Cévennes is a notable drive — Notable scenic drives — strong character routes that locals know well and that reward travellers willing to step beyond the most-photographed roads.