Do you prefer the comfort of a solid table to the crinkled tablecloth on the fresh grass, stormed by a column of ants on a “provisioning” mission? This little inventory is made for you: all the good spots to share together and comfortably seated, convivial and gourmet moments.
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Picnic areas
in the Pays des Grands Causses26 Picnic areas and plenty to choose from
Picnicking in Millau
Take a break from the daily grind, enjoy a sunny lunch just a stone’s throw from the town center. Several tables just a few minutes’ walk from the old town center await you for a break that feels like a “vacation”!
Special mention to the Gourg de Bade picnic area, which is easily accessible on foot or by car (free parking at La Grave, rue Cantarane is 200m away) and has many assets:
- riverfront with supervised swimming on summer afternoons
- children’s games (slide, merry-go-rounds, etc…)
- a terrace restaurant in fine weather
- nearby amenities and sports facilities (Parc Aquavagues, La Maladrerie stadium, …)
Bref, everything you need for a quick weekday snack with colleagues or a family afternoon.
Picnic in the villages of the valley or the causses
Every village, or almost every village, goes out of its way to welcome you and provides a few tables for your gourmet stops during your tourist stay.
L’aire de pique-nique du Verger Conservatoire:
In spring, the cherry trees are in bloom and the valley is adorned in its beautiful white dress before wearing the red color of the fruit.The Verger Conservatoire picnic area in the commune of Paulhe not only offers a majestic viewpoint, but also good produce to sample, as you’ll find everything you need to fill your bundle at La Maison de la Cerise in the heart of the village: pâté, drinks, jams … All that’s missing is the bread !
The picnic area at Saint-André-de-Vezines:
While the kids and older ones improvise a game of soccer on the field next door, relax over a locally selected aperitif or beer. Take your time tasting the specialities in your basket, but don’t forget to keep score! And for a change from soccer, the garbage can will double up as a basketball hoop! +3 points for long shots!
Picnicking in nature
Ambiance champêtre sur les causses with areas that smell of pine cones and wild herbs: the more athletic will take advantage of this to build up their strength before or after a hike, the contemplative will indulge in a little siesta in the open air.
L’aire du hameau de Caylus à la Cresse:
Let’s get some height, heading for the picnic area above the village of La Cresse, in the hamlet of Caylus. A breathtaking panorama awaits you up there. Just remember to keep your mouth shut during your meal…
Access to the belvedere is via a narrow path. We avoid venturing off the path, at the risk of missing the viewpoint and ending up at someone’s house!
Picnic with a panoramic view of the Viaduct
It’s a must-see in the land of the Grands Causses! Here are the few areas with a breathtaking view of the famous Viaduct!
L’aire du Viaduc de Millau:
an area set up as close as possible to the famous bridge. A gourmet break to contemplate this giant !
Your pet can also stretch its legs by taking advantage of the canine agility course!
L’aire du village de Peyre:
From the Village de Peyre, a breathtaking view of the Tarn valley and the Millau Viaduct in the background. With this view, you won’t want to read the label on the packet of chips or the beer… unless the product is made locally, it’s still interesting !
Picnic by the water
Canoeing, swimming or sunbathing to be combined with lunch on the pebble beaches, this is the ideal program to really feel like you’re on vacation.
A few recommendations for an eco-responsible picnic
In Nature, do your bit for the environment !
- Forget disposable crockery in favor of reusable and/or recyclable. This is your chance to bring out your old, chipped, mismatched tableware from the cupboard.
- Exit the plastic bottle too, adopt the glass one or the metal flask.
- Sort your garbage on arrival: from 1 to 5 months, from 1 to 5 years and up to 100 years: that’s how long it takes for an apple core, a cigarette butt – not to mention the risk of fire – and a steel can to break down, respectively!
- Finally, in nature, you’re never alone. For the sake of your tablemates and wildlife alike, keep a low profile! Let’s respect the places we share with others.
All that’s left is to extend the invitations and find the gourmet produce to fill a 100% local basket.
