If you drove to the south of France in the 1990s, you probably spent hours stuck in traffic in the centre of Millau. After years of discussion, a new route was proposed that bypassed the town and would require the construction of the new 'Millau Viaduc.'
Enter Sir Norman Foster & Dr Michel Virlogeux, the architect & structural engineer tasked with designing & constructing what would become the tallest bridge in the world. In 2017 the bridge carried over 5 million vehicles for the first time since it opened in 2004.
Construction started: 16 October 2001
Opened: 16 December 2004
Material: Concrete, steel
Location: Millau, Aveyron
Length :2460m
Height: 343m
Worth knowing: There is a service area at the northern end of the bridge with a visitor centre.
Huttopia Millau is just 500 m. from the lively market town of Millau which lies in the valley below the imposing Millau suspension bridge. There are 152 good sized, slightly sloping grassy pitches with varying degrees of shade, good views over the wooded hills and some enjoy a riverside location. There are 119 pitches for touring with 6/10A electricity for which long leads are needed. The site has a heated swimming pool and snack bar/bar, pleasant for unwinding after a busy day touring making it ideal for long or short stays. The site is situated at the confluence of the Dourbie and Tarn rivers making this a good spot for all the family to have fun in the clear shallow waters.
Millau Plage is located on the banks of the Tarn river, 3 km. from the interesting town of Millau, and with good access to the Tarn gorges. A wide variety of trees provide ample shade for the 251 pitches, 211 for touring; over half have electricity (5A). Forty pitches are occupied by mobile homes for rent. There is a pleasant pool next to the restaurant and bar area. Millau is an historic town with modern shops, bars and restaurants, and is a very popular place for hang-gliding and watersports.
Run by a welcoming French couple, this site is situated on the banks of the Tarn, across the river from Millau. Of medium size, the site has 235 pitches of which 185 are for touring units and the remainder for chalets. Being close to the town it has access to its services but there is also easy access for discovering the beauty and nature of the gorges. The pitches are flat, of average size, shaded under tall trees and have 6A electricity. The site is on the banks of the shallow Tarn, where a sandy beach has been created.
Camping Saint-Lambert is located at the entrance of the Gorges du Tarn, between the Grands Causses and the Cévennes, and 2.5 km. from the centre of Millau. The site has a private beach on the shady banks of the river Dourbie. The river is not fenced and was fast flowing when we visited. There are 133 pitches here, 105 of which are for touring, generally of a good size and generally well shaded. Most have electrical connections.
Also known as Pont Saint-Bénézet, the Pont d'Avignon is one of the most photographed bridges in France.
Originally spanning the Rhone, the current bridge fell into disrepair during the 17th century, with only 4 of the original 22 arches remaining in place today.
The bridge features the Chapel of St Nicholas, where the body of St Bénézet was originally interred and was made famous in the 15th century in the song 'Sur le Pont d'Avignon'
Constructed: 1234
Closed: Approx. 1644
Material: Stone
Location: Avignon, Provence
Original Length: 900m
Current Length: 120m
Height: 25m
Worth knowing: Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the bridge attracts over 300,000 visitors per year.
Camping Sandaya Ile des Papes is a large, open, well-equipped site. Avignon and its palace and museums are 8 km. away. The site has an extensive swimming pool and a fishing lake with beautiful mature gardens. The railway is quite near, but the noise is not too intrusive. The 350 pitches, 151 for touring (all with 10A electricity), are of a good size on level grass but with little shade.
Pont d’Avignon is on the Ile de la Barthelasse in the centre of the river, within walking distance of the town centre, via the bridge, or on the free ferry. Separated by trees and flowering shrubs, there are 265 level touring pitches, some on grass and some with gravel; 200 have 10A electricity. All are shaded and neatly laid out with good access. A good play area, tennis courts and volleyball pitch are in the centre of the site separating the two halves. The restaurant, bar and terrace overlook the attractive pool. During the season there are musical and themed evenings in the restaurant.
A well run municipal site just 1 km. from the interesting old town of Villeneuve-lez-Avignon and only 4 km. from the historic walled town of Avignon, on the opposite bank of the mighty River Rhône. Avignon is easily reached by bike using the nearby ferry or by bus. There are 126 spacious touring pitches, some with 6A electricity. They are separated by some hedging, with a variety of tall trees giving welcome shade. There are no problems here for large outfits. The adjacent municipal swimming pool, skate park and tennis courts are free to campers.
Instantly recognisable as the work of Gustave Eiffel, the Garabit Viaduct crosses the River Truyère on the rail route between Marvejols and Neussargues.
At the time of construction, it was the world's highest bridge at 124 meters.
Unusually there was no tender process for the construction, with the project going straight to Eiffel based on his work on the similar Maria Pia Bridge in Porto.
Constructed: 1882 to 1884
Opened: 1885
Material: Wrought iron
Location: Ruynes-en-Margeride, Cantal
Length: 565m
Height: 124m
Worth knowing: The bridge featured in the 1976 film 'The Cassandra Crossing.'
With views across the Auvergne countryside, this pleasant site on the edge of a small traditional French village is a comfortable and convenient break in your journey when using the A75 motorway. The interesting village has a bar and a small restaurant serving inexpensive meals. There are 90 touring pitches, all with electricity (6A), 20 also have water and drainage. Some are level with views over the village, some on the hilltop among trees and others on sloping, grassy land with panoramic views of the Monts du Cantal and the distant volcanic mountains.
This is a very steeply terraced, family run site situated in the heart of the Gorges de la Truyère. Of the 116 pitches, only 8 are for touring. The highest pitches have no electricity and are only suitable for tents. The lower pitches have 15A electricity and some have a sink, draining and a barbecue. All have stunning views. The pitches are of average size and separated by tall conifers offering good shade. The site roads are very steep and have sharp bends, so access may be difficult for large units. Many pitches are some distance from the toilet blocks and access may involve climbing a large number of steep steps.
Still in the top 20 tallest railway bridges in the world, at the time of construction, the Fades Viaduct was the world's tallest in every category.
Built to complete the Tulle-Clermont and Montluçon-Gannat railway, until its recent closure, trains ran across the Sioule River on a steel truss platform on top of quarried granite piers.
Ideally situated within walking distance of the floral spa town of Châtelguyon, this site is in the interesting and picturesque region of the Auvergne and underwent a complete renovation in 2014. Most of the 278 good sized, level, grass pitches are for touring (10A electricity) with some hardstanding. They are marked by a variety of mature trees giving good shade. There are plenty of water points and drains and some pitches are fully serviced. Although a busy site, the organised family activities finish at a reasonable hour. The site has easy access from the autoroute and is good for short and long stays.
Situated in the lush green heart of France Camping Les Suchères is an intimate family site which has 35 spacious grass pitches with 6amp hook-up point. There are also bungalows and safari tents available to hire. The unique layout of the site provides every pitch with an unobstructed view of the playground, so that parents can keep an eye on their playing children from the comfort of their pitch. The playground has been fitted with fun playsets and a big sandpit. There are also wonderful spots for picnics, surrounded by beautiful trees and protective shrubbery. There is also a children's farm, where children are invited to care for and cuddle small animals like rabbits, chickens and guineapigs. At the children's farm there are also frequent readings of stories about animals. Camping Les Suchères is a wonderful place in France where you can feel at home as a family.
Allowing the Canal latéral à la Loire to cross the Loire river, the Pont-canal de Briare only lost its title of the world's longest aqueduct when the Magdeburg Water Bridge opened in 2003.
Gustave Eiffel had a hand in the construction, producing the fourteen masonry piers. In exceptionally cold weather, the 2.2-meter-deep trough can be drained into the Loire below to prevent damage.
Constructed: 1890 to 1896
Opened: 16 September 1896
Material: Masonry piers, steel trough
Location: Briare, Loiret
Length: 662m
Width: 6m
Worth knowing: The steel channel contains more than 13,000 tonnes of water
This attractive, high quality site, ideal for families with young children, is in a rural setting and well situated for exploring the less well known eastern part of the Loire Valley. Two lakes (one for boating, one for fishing) and a pool complex have been attractively landscaped in 18 hectares of former farmland, blending old and new with natural wooded areas and more open grassland with rural views. There are 245 large, level grass pitches with 120 for touring units. All have at least 10A electricity, 15 have water, waste water and 16A electricity, and some 30 have hardstanding. Eight have individual en-suite sanitary units beside the pitch.
Sites et Paysages Camping Touristique de Gien is an open, attractive, well-cared-for site on the bank of the Loire with views of the town of Gien and its château. It has a long river frontage, which includes a good expanse of sandy beach. On the banks of the Loire, as you cross the bridge from Gien, turn right, and the site is just a short distance on the right; access is easy. There are 200 good-sized, level, grassy pitches, with 150 for touring. Mature trees shade some, and many have good views over the river. All have 10A electricity.
La Borde is located in the less well known eastern stretch of the Loire valley, close to the picturesque château town of Gien. Please note that there are no touring pitches here. However, an excellent range of accommodation is on offer, including tree houses, tepees, cosy Romany style caravans and a wooden cabin overlooking an attractive pond. The wellness centre offers free access to a relaxation lounge, sauna and hot tub. Various massage and beauty treatments are also available. Other facilities include a small petting zoo, giant wooden games, an organic shop and coffee shop. Campfire meals and lunch baskets are also available to order.
We couldn't create a list of our favourite bridges in France without including at least one in Paris. The 2 spans of Le Pont Neuf (one on each side of the Île de la Cité) are the oldest to cross the Seine in Paris.
The name literally means the 'new bridge', which it was at the time of construction; it has remained whilst all the older bridges have been replaced.
Constructed: 1578 to 1607
Opened: 1607
Material: Stone
Location: Paris
Length: 232m
Height: 22m
Worth knowing: In 1985, modern artist 'Christo' wrapped the bridge in more than 40,000m2 of fabric.
Occupying a grassy, tree-covered area on the banks of the Seine, Camping Sandaya Paris Maisons-Laffitte is a popular and well-maintained site. The reception staff are welcoming, friendly and multilingual. There are around 300 pitches, 113 occupied by mobile homes and tour operators, plus two areas dedicated to tents. Most pitches are separated by hedges, are of a good size with some overlooking the Seine (unfenced access), and all 170 touring pitches have electricity hook-ups (10A). The roads leading to the site are a little narrow, so large vehicles need to take care. There is a frequent train service and occasional noise from aircraft.
A busy site and the only one within Paris, set in a wooded area between the Seine and the Bois de Boulogne. The site is quite extensive but nevertheless becomes very full with many international visitors, with noise well into the night, despite the rules. There are 410 pitches of varying size (including mobile homes) of which 313 are marked, with electricity (10A), water, drainage and TV aerial connections. An improvement and development programme including a new toilet block and restaurant was carried out during the winter of 2014/15. Reservations are made for pitches – if not booked, arrive early in season (mornings).
This site is on flat land beside the River Marne with 450 pitches, 76 of which are occupied by mobile homes and chalets to rent. The 220 touring pitches are on gravel and are separated by hedges. All have electricity (10A) but water has to be fetched from the toilet blocks except for the 32 serviced pitches which have taps and waste water points. There is also a large area of grass pitches for camping where there are water points but no electricity. It is very much a short-stay site and it can be noisy late at night with groups staying here, although it appears to be well run.
Huttopia sites are rather different; when the French owners visited Canada and experienced ‘back to nature’ camping, they were so impressed that they decided to introduce the idea to France.
Spanning the Hérault River, the Gignac bridge was designated a national monument in 1950.
Described as the 'the most beautiful bridge of the 18th century, traffic over the bridge has been much reduced since the opening of the new Languedoc Bridge on the A750, a couple of hundred meters downstream.
Construction of the bridge was delayed due to the French Revolution before completion in 1810.
Constructed: 1776 to 1810
Opened: 1810
Material: Dressed limestone
Location: Gignac, Hérault
Length: 175m
Height: 20m
Worth knowing: The Michelin Green Guide describes it as "The finest 18C bridge in France because of its daring design and the beauty of its architectural lines"
On the shore of Lake Salagou in the heart of the Hérault, Les Vailhés campsite is a real oasis in this unique landscape. Set out in terraces, many of the camping pitches offer stunning views of the lake.
Les Clairettes is a quiet, all year, family site situated among vines and olive trees in the Hérault countryside, west of Montpellier. It is within easy reach of Cap d’Agde and neighbouring beaches and resorts. There are just 75 pitches of which 19 are for tourers with 10A electricity and a number of mobile homes and caravans, both private and for hire. A small bar and a pleasant swimming pool with a paddling pool provide opportunities for relaxation on site, and the nearby town of Paulhan has a range of shops, bars and restaurants. The Lac du Salagou is a short drive (or cycle ride) away and offers a range of outdoor and water-based activities. The towns of Pézenas and Clermont-l’Hérault, and the cities of Montpellier and Béziers are all within easy reach.
The 14th-century Pont Valentré took 70 years to construct. Legend has it that construction took so long the foreman signed a pact with the devil to complete the job.
Designed to be its own fortress, the 3 defensive towers never actually saw combat. A likeness of the bridge has been adopted by the town of Cahors as the city emblem.
The nearby pumping station houses a museum detailing the history of the bridge.
Constructed: 1308 to 1378
Opened: 1350
Material: Stone
Location: Cahors, Lot
Length: 138m
Height: 40m (Tower height)
Worth knowing: Restoration was performed between 1867 and 1879 by the architect and head of the historic monuments of France, Paul Gout.
This clean and well run site is owned by a young, English speaking, French couple keen to improve the facilities and ambiance. It is only 4.5 km. from the A20 and is an ideal stopover site for holidaymakers travelling to and from Spain, but is also good for longer stays. It has 80 large, unmarked and slightly sloping grass pitches, some with shade from maturing trees. There are 52 pitches for touring units and all have 10A electricity. Access is good for larger outfits. The site facilities include a rustic bar and restaurant with hand painted murals on the walls.
Set in the west of the Lot department, this site is located on a wooded hill about 16 km. from the large town of Cahors. It is owned by the Campéole group and is classed as a holiday village. It is very lively here during July and August but otherwise very quiet. There are 136 uneven, stony pitches with shade, 43 of which are for touring, all with 10A electricity (rock pegs are essential). There are also mobile homes and bungalows to rent.
Run by an enthusiastic young Dutch couple, Camping des Arcades is situated in the hilly surroundings of the Lot Valley. There are 80 level, grass pitches with 6A electricity hook-ups. The heated swimming pool is small but provides plenty of fun during hot summer days. Those who enjoy fishing can enjoy lazy afternoons on the banks of the site’s lake (the lake is unfenced). The site’s facilities such as the reception, the bar and the restaurant are housed in a 13th-century watermill. Entertainment and excursions are organised all season. The D653 road runs beside the site, which may cause some nuisance.
This site is set in four hectares of mature oak woodland within the Parc Naturel Régional des Causses de Quercy with stunning natural scenery and only 2.5 km. from the clifftop village of Saint Cirq-Lapopie. La Truffière is well suited to those seeking a peaceful countryside holiday and it is a superb area for hiking.
The 3rd most visited attraction in France (after the Eiffel Tower & Mont St Michel), this Roman aqueduct consists of 3 tiers crossing the Gardon River. Originally built to carry water along the 50km long Nîmes aqueduct.
Until UNESCO listed the bridge as a world heritage site in 1985, you could still drive across the lower tier.
Probably the main attraction in the Gardon area of France is the Pont-du-Gard, an amazing Roman aqueduct built around 50 AD. The site, run by FranceLoc, has 200 level, mostly good-sized pitches 92 for touring (with electricity 6A). Many are on stony terraces in a woodland setting offering good to heavy shade Others are more open with some having good views across the river. Rock pegs are essential. There is direct access to the river where swimming is permitted, although in summer the water level may be a little low. Attractive, heated swimming and paddling pools and separate toboggan.
Owned by the group FranceLoc, this site is well positioned for visiting the Pont du Gard, Nîmes and Uzès, famed for their Roman connections. The 200 pitches offer extremely generous amounts of shade and keeping the 14 hectares watered involves over 5 km. of hose pipe. The touring pitches, of which there are 79, are large, level, numbered and separated and all have 6A electricity connections. An entertainment programme (July/August) is aimed mainly at young children (teenagers may find the site rather quiet). The site has a very good swimming pool complex, open all season, complete with both indoor and outdoor pools and water slides.
The campsite LE BARRALET is located in Collias in Gard, in Occitanie, a guaranteed feast for the eyes, since Occitanie has so many rich and wonderful sights to see. It is located by the river le Gardon with direct access so that you can enjoy many outdoor water activities. Many hikes in the Gorges du Gardon are to be discovered starting from the campsite or the village of Collias. A prehistoric site, Collias is a tourist and cultural attraction that makes it a holiday destination. The site has 136 pitches of which 84 grass/hardstanding are for caravans, motorhomes or tents. There are also 51 mobile homes and chalets available to hire.
Rob has been involved in the leisure industry since completing a BTEC in Travel & Tourism in 1993. Previous roles have included the promotion of tourism in Yorkshire and running a motorcycle touring company in the Australian Outback.
He is the General Manager at Alan Rogers Travel Group, responsible for the ongoing development of the Alan Rogers website and the publication of the Alan Rogers Guides and 'Destinations' magazine.
Rob has owned several caravans, and he regularly travels with his wife and young daughter in their VW Transporter, complete with a Tentbox roof tent. A keen cycling fan, Rob can often be found in a field in Belgium during the 'Spring Classics' season.
During Napoleon lll's rule in the mid to late 1800s, France colonised several overseas territories, and with Britain restoring ownership of some territories to France, Napoleon doubled the size of his empire.
There are some impressive places on the list in France, as you can well imagine, such as Chatres Cathedral, the Palace of Versailles and the fortified city of Carcassone. So why not plan your next trip across the Channel to visit some of these sites, they’ve been given this status for a reason, so you know you’re in for a treat!
