Millau Viaduct
Building Record-breaking cable-stayed bridge spanning Tarn valley
The Millau Viaduct carries the A75 across the Tarn valley on very tall cable‑stayed piers; engineers, photographers and motorists note the bridge’s scale and the autoroute views.
The Millau Viaduct is a cable-stayed motorway bridge spanning the Tarn valley near Millau in southern France. Opened in December 2004, it is notable for its very tall pylons and long continuous deck.
The bridge deck stretches about 2,460 metres across the valley and the tallest pylon reaches 343 metres above the valley floor, producing sweeping panoramic views from the road and nearby viewpoints. The structure is a major feat of modern engineering and features multiple piers rising from the valley to support a slender deck.
Commissioned to improve traffic flow on the A75 autoroute, the viaduct was designed by the architect Norman Foster in collaboration with engineer Michel Virlogeux and built between 2001 and 2004. It dramatically reduced transit times across the Massif Central corridor and has become an architectural landmark.
The viaduct stands just south of the town of Millau, carrying the A75 across the Tarn valley and visible from surrounding plateaus and roadside belvederes.
- Size and height: The viaduct is approximately 2,460 metres long and its tallest mast reaches 343 metres, making it one of the tallest bridges in the world.
- Design and opening: Designed by architect Norman Foster and engineer Michel Virlogeux and opened to traffic in December 2004, it was built to bypass Millau and relieve congestion on local roads.
How to Get to Millau Viaduct #
The Millau Viaduct spans the Tarn valley beside the A75 motorway in southern France. It is directly accessible from the A75 (the bridge is part of that route) and there are dedicated viewpoints and a visitor centre accessed from local departmental roads (signposted off the A75/Aveyron exits). The town of Millau is a few kilometres from the viaduct and provides local roads, parking and tourist information; the viaduct is a straightforward drive from major regional cities via the A75.
Tips for Visiting Millau Viaduct #
- Use the official viewpoints and the dedicated visitor area (Espace Viaduc/Belvédère) rather than stopping on the motorway-there are parking areas and platforms designed for photos and safe viewing.
- Plan your visit for early morning or late afternoon for the best light on the spans and to avoid peak traffic; the bridge is most impressive from the dedicated south-side overlook and from viewpoints along the D999 approach.
- Combine a stop at the visitor centre to learn about the engineering and then take the short local roads down into the valley for multiple viewpoints rather than driving across the motorway at speed.
Best Time to Visit Millau Viaduct #
Visit the Millau Viaduct in spring or early autumn for comfortable weather and fewer crowds; summer sees the most visitors and winter can bring limited visibility due to weather.
Weather & Climate near Millau Viaduct #
Millau Viaduct's climate is classified as Oceanic - Oceanic climate with warm summers (peaking in July) and cold winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 0°C to 26°C. Moderate rainfall (679 mm/year).
January
January is the coolest month with highs of 8°C and lows of 0°C. Moderate rainfall (61 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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February
February is cold with highs of 9°C and lows of 1°C. Moderate rainfall (51 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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March
March is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of 3°C. Moderate rainfall (45 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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April
April is cold with highs of 15°C and lows of 5°C. Moderate rainfall (60 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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May
May is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 9°C. Moderate rainfall (69 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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June
June is cool with highs of 23°C and lows of 12°C. Moderate rainfall (54 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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July
July is the warmest month with highs of 26°C and lows of 14°C. Moderate rainfall (35 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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August
August is mild with highs of 26°C and lows of 14°C. Moderate rainfall (51 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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September
September is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 11°C. Moderate rainfall (59 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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October
October is cool with highs of 17°C and lows of 8°C. The wettest month with 77 mm of rain and partly cloudy skies.
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November
November is cold with highs of 11°C and lows of 4°C. Moderate rainfall (56 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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December
December is cold with highs of 9°C and lows of 1°C. Moderate rainfall (61 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
