The best cycling routes around Paulhe

In the heart of Creissels, the Pesquié basin forms a surprisingly vast body of water (1,000 m²) compared to the modest stream that feeds it. Its name, which comes from Occitan and means "fish pond", recalls the ancient purpose of the place, linked to fish farming. The town hall now occupies the premises of a former fish farm. The basin is fed by the Creissels waterfall, a typical resurgence of the karst functioning of the Larzac: the water infiltrated into the limestones of the plateau reappears after an underground journey. In September 2023, the municipality dredged the basin and created a spawning ground for brown trout (Salmo trutta). The restoration has borne fruit, as trout have since recolonized the body of water, alongside amphibians and other aquatic organisms that find refuge in the surrounding wetland.

Built between 1818 and 1821, the Lerouge bridge became one of the main structures for crossing the Tarn in Millau. It replaced the Pont Vieux, several arches of which had been destroyed by a flood in 1758, leaving the town without a permanent bridge for over sixty years. During this long period, crossing the Tarn was mainly done by ferry. The project was launched on the initiative of the prefect of Aveyron, d’Estourmel. The plans were drawn up by Pierre-Jacques Le Rouge, an engineer for the district. The first stone was laid on June 20, 1818, and the bridge was opened to traffic in January 1821. Its name therefore comes from its designer, not from the color of its stones. A curious detail: its construction was largely financed by private individuals, and a toll was collected until 1875. This tax even caused tensions with the inhabitants of Creissels, some of whom continued to cross the Tarn on foot or by boat to avoid paying it.

From this point at the foot of the structure, the regular succession of piers and guyed pylons can be particularly well distinguished. The deck, 2,460 m long, crosses the valley at a height of approximately 270 m above the Tarn. Pier P2, the tallest, culminates at 245 m, while the assembly formed by the pier and its pylon reaches 343 m: a height greater than that of the Eiffel Tower. This perspective also recalls the technical feat that the construction of the viaduct represented. The metal deck was assembled in sections from either side of the valley, then progressively launched across the void. The joining of the two parts was carried out on May 28, 2004, 268 m above the Tarn, before the official inauguration a few months later. An interesting detail can be discerned here: despite its exceptional dimensions, the structure appears remarkably light. This impression is not accidental. The viaduct was specifically designed to blend into the valley by limiting the visual impact of its structure, with a very slender deck and piers that branch out in a "Y" shape.

Absolutely worth seeing - view it from below and definitely join the architecture tour.

iconic stunts in an improbable setting

As a local and a cyclist, I can confirm that the scenery is magnificent and the small roads are ideal for cycling, provided you avoid the peak period from July 15th to August 15th. However, I regret that you only mention the village of Le Rozier in the route descriptions, while the photos are mostly of Peyreleau, a superb, unspoiled village, away from the traffic of the gorges, which it faces on the other side of the Jonte River! Note: Le Rozier is in Lozère, while Peyreleau is in Aveyron.

This pontoon bridge is only open from spring to fall. It is removed in winter and rebuilt when the water level is low.

After-work beer after a nice hike 🍻🍺