Les Gorges de la Dourbie
More discreet but just as surprising as its neighbours, the Gorges of the Tarn and the Jonte, the Dourbie Gorges are a little jewel to discover. Follow the Dourbie along the water, between perched villages and green cliffs.
What is the Gorges de la Dourbie and where is it?
The Dourbie river rises at an altitude of 1,300 metres on Mont Aigoual (Gard) and flows for 60 km before emptying into the Tarn at Millau (Aveyron). On the Cévennes side, the river cuts wild, vertiginous gorges through schist and granite. On the Aveyron side, the Dourbie widens and flows through lush green meadows. Towards Millau, the limestone gorges weave their way between the Causse Noir and Causse du Larzac, carving out a deep canyon in the heart of the Parc Naturel Régional des Grands Causses.
Between the Cévennes and the Causses, the Dourbie shapes the landscape.
Whether you're driving or hiking, don't hesitate to take in the view from the Sentinelle panorama or from La Roque-Ste-Marguerite, for a breathtaking view of these colorful gorges with their silvery, verdant hues.
Look up? and take in the magic of this landscape of rock sculpted by erosion. Here and there, little grey dolls carved into the cliffs watch over passing visitors, inviting them to daydream.
Numerous animal species (brown trout, beavers, otters, kingfishers, vultures, etc.) inhabit this Natura 2000 site.
Picturesque villages with character
All along the river's winding course, treasures to discover are gradually revealed. Discover the charming villages of Dourbies, classified as a village of character, St-Jean du Bruel and its narrow streets with names evocative of the trades of yesteryear, or Nant "Jardin de l'Aveyron", which hides small canals.
A word of advice? Keep your camera close at hand: between the perched hamlets of Cantobre and St-Véran on the cliffside, or the Moulin de Corps and its bridge over the Dourbie? There's plenty of opportunity to make superb vacation postcards!
