In the heart of the Grands Causses, on the Causse Noir, bordered by the Gorges de la Dourbie, the cité de pierres is a characteristic tourist site in northern Aveyron, on the Lozère border, not far from Millau. It consists of piles of ruinous rocks stacked one on top of the other, appearing to form silhouettes, animals or sometimes objects, depending on the visitor’s imagination.
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The City of Stones
Discover the famous multi-faceted stone chaos!All about
the city of stones
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Edouard Alfred Martel, father of 19th-century speleology, explores the Dargilan and Aven Armand cavesEdouard Alfred Martel, father of 19th-century speleology, explores the Dargilan and Aven Armand caves
DID YOU KNOW?
The famous Édouard-Alfred Martel named it ”Montpellier le Vieux” in reference to the Montpellier inhabitants who call their old limestone center ”Lo Clapas”. In 2019, this chaos was renamed “la Cité de Pierres”.
A site for athletes
Over the years, the chaos has become a multi-site, allowing visitors to discover it in a variety of ways to suit all tastes. For example, you can take a free walk on heritage panels for 1 to 3 hours, take a tour on a tourist train with a guide explaining the nature of the site, or take a via ferrata course with a zip line, or a rock-climbing course for children. Whether you’re an avid walker, a sporty type or just looking for something original, there’s something for everyone!
A remarkable geological complex
This is a unique geological site, characteristic of the Grands Causses, not to be missed. Spend a day with your family, your partner or your friends and discover these strange limestone dolomites.
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DID YOU KNOW?
It’s worth noting that this site was the shooting location for the 1965 film La Grande Vadrouille, starring Louis de Funès and Bourvil. Gérard Oury, the director, chose the chaos of Montpellier le Vieux to shoot the scene where the two main actors are disguised as Germans, one on the shoulders of the other. The famous Mycène gate is easily recognizable.
- How do I get to the Cité de Pierre?
Located in the south of France, in the Occitanie region, the Cité de Pierre is situated on the Causse Noir :
- 23 mins from Le Rozier
- 30 mins from Millau
- 45 mins from Meyrueis / Massegros
- 55 mins from La Malène
- 1h10 mins from Sainte-Enimie / La Canourgue / / Mende
- 1h35 from Mende
- 1H50 from Montpellier
- What activities are available at Cité de Pierre?
A wide range of activities are available to help you discover the rocky chaos of the Cité de Pierre:
- Hiking
- Train ride
- Explor Game
- Via Ferrata
- Tyrolean traverse
Plan your stay on
