The Millau Viaduct

This beautiful structure, completed in 2004, is a classic example of the juncture between architecture, engineering and art. Designed by the English, built by the French, the viaduct should be on your itinerary if you are able to spend any length of time in and around the Haut Languedoc. You could plan your return trip to Calais via the A75 motorway which will take you over the viaduct, or you could regard the viaduct as a tourist destination and visit it, possibly following up with a trip into Millau itself, and then a visit to Roquefort, the town of green cheese fame.

There is a Visitor's Centre on the northern side of the viaduct which tells you more about the construction behind this work of art, but really all you need to do is drive across it. It's 2.5km long and 300m high and is one of the biggest, highest and longest bridges in the world. If you have the time, then take the side road that will enable you to view the bridge from below; this is equally stunning and quite breathtaking.