Aperitifs at the top of Millau's Belfry

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As daylight falls, the astonishing labyrinth of the Kings of Aragon Tower and the Belfry overlooking it give way to dreams and mysteries… the 210-step climb to the top is a real little adventure, but a 360-degree panorama of the town, viaduct and gorges accompanied by a cup and a 100% local aperitif, that’s earned, no?

We start with another climb!

It’s decided! Today, we’re going for a bit of height! Not really at ease with climbing, I’m tackling my first Via ferrata!

A few kilometers from Millau, there are several Via practice spots, I’m throwing my lot in with the Via Ferrata du Boffi which was recommended to me for its crazy views, that’s what we’re going to see! Let’s go! We meet up at Millau Plage… We meet our local guide, Wilfried. Once the team is complete, we head for the Causse Noir to reach the site!

A guide just for us!

As soon as you enter, you discover how narrow the first steps are!
First warning from our guide, “for the tall among you, watch your head…”
In fact, in addition to the narrowness of the passages, these ones aren’t very high!

As we made our way up, we thoroughly enjoyed Fabrice’s explanations, as he knows his subject very well and knows how to bring it up with plenty of humor so as not to bore us with a history lesson. Concise and precise, just the way we like it!

A quick reminder, the Tower is 42 metres tall, but those 210 steps are pretty steep!
The spiral staircase reminds us how difficult it must have been to take this kind of building by force of arms.

The art of the master glassmaker!

During our ascent, we were treated to a superb exhibition of stained glass windows.
Despite the Tower’s dark, austere appearance, it’s impressive to see the light burst forth from these stained glass windows.
A master glassworker based in Millau for over 40 years, Claude Baillon offers this astonishing tête à tête between contemporary stained glass and medieval architecture.

A real feast for the eyes!

Artist Claude Baillon has brought his vision to many buildings in France, including Lyon, Villers-Cotterêts, Mélan, la Couvertoirade and, of course, Millau.

"A 360° view of the city... a thing of beauty!"

“A 360° view of the city… a thing of beauty!”

Arrived at the top of the Belfry, here’s the highlight of the show!

A splendid panorama of the city of Millau. The impressive Viaduct is crowned with clouds… quite stormy, in fact!”
Fabrice takes the time to introduce us to this panorama, starting by pointing out the route taken earlier on our ascent of the Pouncho.

Then on to the broad Causse du Larzac, the Causse Noir and its Scots pine forests, and, to finish, the Causse de Sauveterre, its typical landscapes and traditional Caussenard habitats. These high limestone plateaus surround Millau, these same plateaus are intersected by deep gorges, the gorges du Tarn and the gorges de la Dourbie.

Despite the capricious weather, the veiled sky was full of charm… we even managed to catch a glimpse of a hang-glider landing on the plain of La Graufesenque.

As Fabrice says, “now it’s time for the aperitif”… and as promised, 2 bottles of champagne and a mouth-watering assortment of cheese! All with local flavors please! Except for the champagne, of course!

So we improvise ourselves a little table to set down our cheese platter. After the presentation of the surroundings, it’s the turn of the cheeses, and for the occasion, the ewe is in the spotlight. 3 different tommes de brebis, 3 pérails, a tomme de brebis à l’ail des ours and a little laguiole for a change. All accompanied by good Aveyron bread and a little gratte-cul jam. We’re spoiled and pleasantly surprised by the mix between the sparkling bubbles of champagne and the gustatory orgasm with the local cheese and jams during the aperitif. It’s really topissime!

An experience to be lived over and over again!

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