Millau Viaduct

I am often asked about the best way to see the Viaduct de Millau (pronounced "Mee-ow") on the A75 autroute  between Clermont-Ferrand and  Montpelier.

Due to the wind shields at either side, you do not get much of a view when crossing the viaduct, and can only see the top half of the towers, so the sense of its true height is lost.

Likewise, from the visitor centre below the bridge the view is quite good (unless it is cloudy, when you are lucky to see the roadway!) but your eyes are drawn to the roadway, which is only half way up the towers, 

Viaduct de Millau seen on a clear day from the Visitor Centre.

This is why the only really good view is from the service area on the N side of the viaduct.  The viaduct cannot be seen from the service area, but a well-trodden path will lead you around a hill to the edge of the Tarn valley, and the only really good view of the viaduct.

If, however, you wish to reach the Visitors Centre, take the following route:

1.     Join A75

2.     Exit to Millau and follow Autres Directions signs to the south of Millau

3.     Follow signs for D992  to St. Affrique  - this will pass along the S bank of the River Tarn through Creissels

4.     After Creissels, look for the group of steel figures (denoting people who havebeen killed!) on the side of road, and after about 100 metres on the R  is the entry to the Viaduct de Millau viewing area and Visitor Centre, immediately below the viaduct.

5.     For lunch, return to Creissels, parking in the car park on the RH side of the road.  Cross the road, and walk behind the buildings, downhill towards a small fountain, opposite which is a good restaurant.  The Plat du Jour is about 12 Euro and very good.

6.     To view the viaduct, return to Millau, following the signs to the south for A75  Join the A75 at Sortie 47 heading towards Clermont-Ferrand, and cross the viaduct, exiting to the Service Area on the N side - the 'Aire du Viaduct de Millau').