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Chaos de Montpellier-le-Vieux: A Stone City

Discover a breathtaking natural wonder: explore Europe's largest rock chaos with stunning rock formations and panoramic views.

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Explore the Chaos de Montpellier-le-Vieux, a unique and impressive natural rock formation in the Grands Causses regional park near Millau. This 'city of stones' features stunning dolomitic rock formations shaped by erosion over millions of years, offering hiking trails and panoramic views.

A brief summary to Chaos de Montpellier-le-Vieux

  • Monday 9:30 am-5:15 pm
  • Tuesday 9:30 am-5:15 pm
  • Wednesday 9:30 am-5:15 pm
  • Thursday 9:30 am-5:15 pm
  • Friday 9:30 am-5:15 pm
  • Saturday 9:30 am-5:15 pm
  • Sunday 9:30 am-5:15 pm

Local tips

  • Wear sturdy walking shoes as the terrain can be uneven and rocky.
  • Bring water and snacks, especially during warmer months.
  • Arrive early, especially during peak season, to avoid crowds and secure parking.
  • Check the weather forecast before your visit and dress accordingly.
  • Consider taking the small train for an overview of the site if you have limited time or mobility.
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Getting There

  • Driving

    From Millau, follow the D809 in the direction of La Roque-Sainte-Marguerite. Then take the D991 to Montpellier-le-Vieux. Follow the signs to the site. There is a free parking area at the entrance. Be aware that parking can be limited during peak season, so arrive early.

  • Public Transport

    From Millau, take a bus towards La Roque-Sainte-Marguerite. From there, it's approximately a 5km walk to the entrance of Montpellier-le-Vieux. Check local bus schedules for accurate timings as they may be infrequent. A taxi from Millau is an alternative, costing approximately €20-€30.

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Discover more about Chaos de Montpellier-le-Vieux

The Chaos de Montpellier-le-Vieux, also known as the 'Cité de Pierres' (City of Stones), is a remarkable natural site located in the Aveyron department of France, near Millau. Situated on the Causse Noir, it's part of the Grands Causses Regional Natural Park and is known as the largest rock chaos in Europe. This unique landscape features a vast expanse of dolomitic rock formations sculpted by millions of years of erosion. Originally called 'Lo clapàs vièlh' (the old heap of stones in Rouergat), it was renamed Montpellier-le-Vieux by Edouard Martel, who likened it to the old stone center of Montpellier. The site's geological history dates back to the Jurassic period when the area was covered by a warm, shallow sea. Over time, limestone deposits accumulated and were compressed into rock. Tectonic shifts and erosion by wind, rain, and temperature variations created the dramatic and unique rock formations seen today. Visitors can explore the 'city' through several marked hiking trails, ranging from easy to moderate, with walks lasting from 30 minutes to 3 hours. These trails wind through the rock formations, some of which have been named for their distinctive shapes, such as the Porte de Mycènes (Mycenae Gate), l'Arc de Triomphe (Triumphal Arch), and various animal figures. For a more relaxed experience, a small tourist train offers a guided tour of the site. The site also offers a via ferrata, featuring underground passages and tyrolean traverses, for a more adventurous experience. The area is also known for its diverse flora, including Scots pines, small oak trees, boxwood, juniper, and wild thyme.

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