Geography

The town sits in the Tarn valley and is located at the confluence of the Tarn and Dourbie rivers.  It has been established that there has been a settlement in the area since 1AD at least.  In the Middle Ages it had one of the main bridges crossing the River Tarn and was a major trading route, but unfortunately the seventeen span bridge has not survived and only one span is left standing today.

Tourism

Since the building of the Millau viaduct, the town has become a more pleasant place to visit.  Have a look at our dedicate Millau Viaduct page.

The Millau museum contains an exhibition on glove making, which was the main driver of the town's economy for many centuries.  The museum also has a fine collection of pottery found in the area.  Located in Place Foch, the museum is open every day of the year except Sundays during the winter.

Within the town itself, there are a couple of laces to visit, such as the church Notre-Dame-de-l'Espinasse and the arcaded, 12^th century square of Place de Marechal Foch.  There is also the Belfry, which is all that remains of the original town hall.  The lower section the oldest and as you move upwards you eventually come to the octagonal tower which gives good views.

The town has a botanical garden, Jardin de botanique des Causses, located at 17 Avenue Charles de Gaulle which is open daily and free to enter. 

The towns location makes it an ideal base for exploring the Gorges du Tarn and the Grand Causses, with many sporting activities in the area.  The town acts as the centre for Parapente and handgliding in France.

Around twenty kilometres to the north west is Micropolis, a city of insects.  Have a look at our dedicated page for information.

Economy

The leather industry and glove making have been the mainstay of the towns economy for many centuries, but the town has now focussed more on the tanning and dying of leather.

With the construction of the viaduct and its subsequent tourist appeal, tourism now plays an ever increasing role during the summer months.

Transport

At one time the town was unavoidable as the A75 autoroute that now bypasses the town was waiting for the viaduct to be built.  Getting to the town could not be simpler by car as the A75 goes right past the town and with the bypass in place it is a much more pleasant place to visit.

Millau has its own train station, so arriving by train is also easy with a direct connection to Beziers.  From Toulouse and Montpellier there are regular busses connecting with the TGV stations there.

The local airport is Rodez, which offers flights to Stansted and Dublin with Ryanair.

Have a look at our travel information for more details.

Contact the tourist office for more information abut the town and area.

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