Bridge in the south of France in the Mellow. The Millau Viaduct is the highest transport bridge in the world
A total of four roads lead from Paris to the south of France: A7 through Lyon, A75 through Orleans and Clermont-Ferrand, A20 through Limoges and Toulouse, and A10 through Poitiers and Bordeaux along the Atlantic coast. The shortest route to the Mediterranean Sea is along the A75 - one of the highest motorways in Europe. For a long time, the main disadvantage of this road was considered to be the huge traffic jams in the Millau area, where the A75 crossed the Tarn River. Every year, during the summer holidays and holidays, traffic jams stretched for many kilometers, so over time, the construction of a viaduct over the Tarn Valley became a necessity. Research began in 1987, and he Millau viaduct opened only in 2004. This masterpiece of engineering broke several records and today is considered the tallest transport structure in the world. In my opinion, it is impossible to drive past without stopping in the parking lot to enjoy the views of the bridge and southern landscapes.
I have already driven along the Millau Viaduct three times and stopped next to it each time, so this story will contain photographs taken on three different days. There will be an opportunity to view the bridge in different lighting.
The city of Millau is located in the incredibly picturesque valley of the Tarn River and is surrounded by the mountains of the Massif Central.
Millau has a population of just over 20 thousand people.
To admire the viaduct, it is best to spend a little time and effort and climb to the observation deck hanging over the parking lot.
The Millau Viaduct is a cable-stayed bridge with a total length of two and a half kilometers, standing on seven supports, one of which exceeds the Eiffel Tower in height.
Unlike other, higher bridges (if you count the distance from the roadway to the bottom), the supports of the Millau Viaduct are installed at the very bottom of the gorge. That is why the bridge can be considered the highest in the world.
The implementation of the project was entrusted to the design company "Eifage", and the main architects were the famous Norman Foster and Michel Virlogeux, the author of the impressive Normandy Bridge at the mouth of the Seine.
The designers faced a number of difficulties: the enormous size and depth of the gorge, winds reaching 200 km/h, some seismic activity, as well as resistance from local residents and nature protection associations.
Preliminary studies have identified four possible routes for the motorway: "East" (involving the complex construction of two high bridges over the Tarn and Durby valleys), "West" (construction of four viaducts, which would have a huge impact on the environment), "close to RN9" ( technical difficulties, since it would pass through already built-up areas) and finally “Middle” - which received greater approval among local residents, but also associated with certain geological and technological difficulties.
Additional research has shown that the “Middle” project can be implemented. All that remained was to choose from two options: the “upper” option involved the construction of a 2.5 km long viaduct, and the “lower” option involved a descent into the valley, a bridge over the Tarn and an additional viaduct with a tunnel. The shorter, cheaper and safer "upper" option was eventually approved by the Ministry of Supply.
In 1996 (i.e., 9 years after the start of research), the final design of the viaduct (third from the top) that best fits into the landscape was selected from several options.
The bridge is supported by 7 pillars (or pylons). From each pylon, 11 pairs of cables with a tension of 900 to 1200 tons extend to the roadway.
The weight of the bridge's steel deck is 36 thousand tons, which is five times heavier than the world famous Eiffel Tower.
A special wind shield is installed on both sides of the roadway, protecting the viaduct and motorists from strong gusts of wind.
The condition of the bridge is monitored using a huge number of sensors measuring pressure, temperature, acceleration, tension, etc. Vibrations of the flooring are recorded with millimeter precision.
I believe that the Millau Viaduct is one of the most beautiful and elegant bridges in the world. Its strict lines and apparent simplicity of design not only do not spoil, but even decorate the landscape.
Many opponents of the construction argued that tolls on the bridge would discourage motorists and truck drivers, and the project would not be profitable. It turned out the other way around: the viaduct attracts not only cargo transportation companies (saving time and nerves for drivers), but also tourists who specially come to see the miracle of engineering.
Although cars no longer pass through the city center on their way to or from the south, hotels and restaurants in towns adjacent to the bridge are seeing an increase in foot traffic, dubbed the "viaduct effect."
The toll booth is located north of the viaduct. It can serve 16 lanes. The cost of crossing the bridge in 2013 during the summer season is 8.90 € for cars, 32.40 € for trucks.
Initially, the bridge had a standard speed limit of 130 km/h, but it was lowered to 90 km/h to reduce the risk of accidents - many drivers slowed down to enjoy the scenery.
The bridge's 20 km radius of curvature allows motorists to follow a more precise trajectory and gives the viaduct the illusion of infinity.
Some say that nowadays no one thinks about the aesthetic component of large structures, as capitalism strives to reduce construction costs at the expense of appearance. The Millau Viaduct is direct evidence of the opposite.
How to get there: by car, 6 hours from Paris or a little over an hour from Montpellier.
Bridge fare: 8.90€ in summer, 7€ out of season
Friends, what bridges impressed you in your time?
On December 14, 2004, a bridge across the Tarn River, which was named Millau, was opened and remains in operation to this day. The name of the viaduct was given in honor of a city located nearby in the south of France in the department of Aveyron. The Millau Viaduct is structurally the tallest bridge in the world, with the longest pier.
Millau is a cable-stayed bridge. It consists of 7 supports on which pylons are installed. Cables (cables) from each pylon support the road surface.
The length is 2,460 m. It crosses the entire Tarn Valley, which has a difficult climate and landscape.
The maximum height from the ground surface to the road surface is 270 m. The maximum height from the ground surface to the peak of the pylon is 343 m.
The tallest bridge on the planet is 32 m wide. This made it possible to organize four-lane traffic, two in each direction, and also make two reserve lanes. The metal, but relatively light road surface (36,000 tons) is covered with special asphalt concrete.
7 pylons with a height of 88.92 m are located on supports immersed 15 m into the ground. The height of the supports is different due to the difference in the height of the valley landscape. It varies from 77.56 m to 245 m.
The structure uses 154 cables, 22 cables on each pylon. The shrouds are protected from corrosion by being waxed, galvanized and encased in polyester.
The bridge is equipped with sensors that make it possible to record every deviation from the norm and any shift with micrometer accuracy. Telephony and communications also enable viaduct maintenance staff to quickly perform their functions at any point.
The bridge deck has a slope of 3.0025%, rises from north to south, and also has a curvature with a radius of 20 km. This is done for the best visibility for drivers
Construction of one of the supports.
Viaduct under construction.
The photo shows the rise and curvature of the bridge for a better view of drivers.
Another comparison with the tower
Diagram of the Millau Bridge and dimensions.
Facts about the Millau Viaduct
- The viaduct passes over the Tarn River, the valley of which is characterized by a harsh climate and varied terrain.
- Construction took three years and was completed on December 14, 2004, ahead of schedule.
- The authors of this building are architects Michel Virlojo and Norman Foster.
- The highest point of the bridge is 343 m from ground level, this is the peak of the pylon. This is higher than (324 m) and only 40 m lower than the Empire State Building in New York.
- The bridge is equipped with the highest support in the world - 246.96 m. The previous record belonged to the Tulle and Verrières viaduct - 141 m (also across the Tarn River).
- The height of the support with the pylon is 343 m and is also a world record.
- The Millau viaduct has the highest transport roadway in the world - 270 m from the ground. Adjacent to it in this title is the Royal Gorge Bridge (USA), the road of which is located at an altitude of 321 m, but this is a pedestrian bridge.
- The viaduct connects Paris and the southern part of France, becoming part of the route to the Mediterranean Sea, Spain, Portugal, as well as northern Europe.
- The Millau Viaduct is the highest bridge on the planet from a structural point of view - the height from the ground to the road surface is 270 m, and to the peak of the pylon 343 m. But there are bridges that are located higher from the surface of the earth than Millau. For example, the bridge over the Sidukhe River (China) is 472 m from the ground. However, its pores are not located at the bottom of the gorge, but are located on the nearest hills, plateaus and other hills. And the Millau supports are located directly at the bottom of the gorge. Syduhe is the highest bridge in the world in terms of clearance between the roadway and the ground. Millau is the highest in terms of support height.
Panorama of the Millau Viaduct.
History of construction
Construction began on October 16, 2001. During the first three years, the foundation was laid and all supports were installed.
On February 25, 2003, builders began building the road surface. With the help of hydraulic jacks, which were controlled via satellite, the canvas was pulled out through the supports at a speed of about 150 mm/min. During the construction process, the canvas was supported on temporary supports. On May 28, 2004, the construction of the roadway was completed.
At the end of the same year, all seven pylons were raised, covering the road surface with asphalt concrete began, and the temporary supports were completely dismantled. Tests were carried out in November 2004.
The Millau Bridge is considered the highest bridge on which cars drive; there are, of course, higher ones, for example, in the state of Colorado, but only pedestrians are allowed to cross it, or in China on the Sydukhe River, but its supports are located on a plateau, which is also above earth. Therefore, if we look honestly, it is Milhaud who is the tallest with his 270 meters.
Such heights could not go unnoticed, so many tourists come to this place to photograph the miracle bridge. It looks especially impressive when there is fog in the Thar Valley, then the bridge seems to float above it. This spectacle is truly breathtaking.
Why was Millau built?
The Millau Viaduct bridge seems to float over the Tar Valley.
Many people wonder why such a huge bridge was built in this area. It does not lead to any major cities, but connects Paris and the small town of Beziers. It turns out that although the town is small, it is home to many elite educational institutions.
All students eager to receive an elite education come here from Paris and other French cities. In addition, Beziers is located very close to the Mediterranean Sea, so the influx of people heading to the city is quite large.
Previously, all motorists heading in this direction moved along highway number 9. But due to the large flow of people, traffic jams often formed there. Tourists couldn’t arrive at their destinations on time, truck drivers couldn’t deliver goods, students couldn’t get to school on time—everyone was stuck in huge traffic jams for hours.
Now, thanks to Miyo, the way is clear. You can get things done on time. However, it should be taken into account that travel along the Millau is not free, and read below about how much it costs to travel across the bridge.
Construction and difficulties in building the bridge
The studies that were carried out before the construction of the bridge, according to some sources, lasted 10 years. During this time, chief architect Norman Foster, together with Michel Virlajo and the Eiffage group, were able to create an almost perfect bridge design. By the way, Eiffage includes Eiffel's workshop, which designed and built the main Parisian landmark.
They worked on Milhaud for exactly three years. Construction began on December 14, 2001, and ended on the same date, only in 2004. During this time, the developers had to overcome many difficulties.
The most important thing is the development and installation of the supports on which the bridge rests. Each support was developed separately, each has a different length, weight and diameter, the largest support has a base of 25 meters.
Big problems arose with their transportation. For example, the largest support has 16 sections, each of them weighing at least 2,300 tons. It is clear that it was impossible to deliver the entire support to the bridge. Therefore, we had to deliver it in parts. This took a lot of time and effort. There are 7 supports in total, and there are also pylons and a lot of other design elements on the bridge.
However, the developers' difficulties did not end there. The Millau Bridge was threatened with deformation of metal structures, which are not only very expensive, but also difficult to replace.
Therefore, the team working on the project had to invent a new formula for asphalt concrete. The coating was designed to protect the canvas from deformation and meet other standards. As a result, it was possible to develop a unique asphalt concrete on which motorists drive.
Despite the carefully thought out project and the hardest work, not everyone liked the idea. The Millau Bridge was sharply criticized and demonstrations were organized to stop construction. Few people believed in the success of the project. And even when they began to build the bridge and had already invested in it, there were people and organizations who tried with all their might to prevent its construction.
Is the bridge project successful as a business? Time will show
The Millau Bridge is considered the highest bridge on which cars drive.
Now that the Millau Bridge has already been built, the developers had to face another difficulty. The bridge is not state-owned; it was built with Eiffage money, but the French government gave only 78 years to recoup these costs. By the way, 400 million euros were spent!
That’s why you have to pay 7.7 euros for motorists, 21.3 euros for trucks, 3 euros for motorcyclists, and even pedestrians a symbolic 90 cents.
However, the company can be understood; it is difficult to recoup such costs, especially for such a period, and this despite the fact that the guarantee for the Eiffage bridge itself was given for 120 years. But if you look at it, this project was not developed in order to make a profit, but in order to strengthen the image of the famous company, which can now be famous not only for the Eiffel Tower.
Millau Viaduct Bridge - VIDEO
The Millau Viaduct Bridge is the tallest transport bridge in the world, one of its pillars is 341 meters high - slightly higher than the Eiffel Tower and just 40 meters lower than the Empire State Building. The bridge stands on 7 pillars. The total length of the bridge is 2460 m, its width is 32 m. See how the Millau Bridge was built.
http://youtu.be/SdhGM3N4CXY
We will be pleased if you share with your friends:There is an amazing miracle of engineering and design in France - the famous Millau Viaduct (in the French original Viaduc de Millau). This is the highest road bridge at least in Europe, and at most in the world (it all depends on some technical aspects of determining a specific height). It is built using a cable-stayed system - that is, the bridge actually hangs in the air, but is supported by a special structure of rigid supports and flexible steel cables.
Where is the Millau Bridge?
The viaduct can be seen 4 kilometers southwest of the city of Millau (hence the name of the bridge itself) in the south of France in the Occitania region. It is laid over the Tarn River valley and is part of the final section of the A75 highway connecting Paris with the city of Beziers on the Mediterranean coast.
Geographic coordinates 44.078179, 3.022670
general description
The Millau Viaduct is a fantastic sight. This bridge looks very light and airy. Its length is 2,460 meters. It has 2 lanes in both directions. The total width is 32 meters, this is equivalent to 17 adult men with arms outstretched, as shown in the picture below.
The bridge is amazing in its size. As much as 343 meters in height, which is 19 meters higher than the famous Eiffel Tower. It is worth noting that this is an absolute indicator of the height of the largest support along with the pylon.
A small technical digression: The support is what goes BEFORE the bridge from below, and the pylon is the upper part already ABOVE the bridge.
The maximum height of the road surface is 270 meters above the valley, and its thickness is 4.2 meters.
The viaduct was built using cable-stayed technology and is supported on 7 supports with a height of 77 to 245 meters. Each of the supports is installed in 4 wells 15 meters deep and 5 meters in diameter.
The height of all pylons is the same - 87 meters. Each has 11 pairs of heavy-duty steel cables (usually called cables), capable of withstanding a load of 900 to 1,200 tons each (depending on the length, the shorter the cable, the more load it can withstand). There are 154 guys in total. This safety margin is quite justified, since the weight of the steel frame of the road is 36,000 tons (which is 4 times the weight of the same Eiffel Tower).
The Millau Bridge is not straight, but has a slight bend in the horizontal plane with a radius of about 20 km, as well as a slope of 3.025% from south to north.
Don't miss the steepest street in the world. Its slope is such that losing your balance there is extremely dangerous.
The bridge has 8 spans. The outer ones are 204 meters long, and the remaining 6 are 342 meters long.
During construction, 85,000 cubic meters of concrete were used with a total weight of 206,000 tons, while the total weight of the bridge is about 290,000 tons.
Estimated daily traffic flow of up to 25,000 vehicles.
The developer gives a 120-year guarantee for the viaduct.
Cost of work and concession agreement
The total cost of the project is 400 million euros. To raise funds, the French government decided on a concession agreement.
Eiffage won the tender and financed the construction in exchange for the right to collect tolls for 75 years, until 2080 (this is the principle of the concession). But if the concession generates high revenues, the French government may take over management of the bridge sooner.
History of the Millau Viaduct
The construction of the A75 highway and the viaduct became necessary due to the increase in traffic flow along the No. 9 highway. Usually in the summer there were large congestions on it, because this route was chosen by most travelers heading to neighboring Spain.
Before the Millau Bridge was put into operation, all cars passed through the city of the same name and periodically created a traffic collapse there. And this means discontent among local residents and increased environmental pollution. In addition, large traffic jams practically negated all the advantages of the A75 highway.
Initially, 4 options for the final section of the A75 highway were considered, but ultimately they settled on the construction of a bridge in the area of the city of Millau.
The development and implementation of the project was entrusted to engineer Michel Virlogeau (France) and architect Noman Foster (England).
Sequence of events
- In 1987, initial sketches were developed
- In the fall of 1991, a decision was made on the specific location for the construction of the bridge.
- In July 1996, the cable-stayed technology for its construction was approved
- The final approval of the concession occurred in October 2001
- The ceremonial laying of the so-called “first stone” took place on December 14, 2001
- In January 2002, construction of the foundation for the supports began, and in September of the same year, the bridge deck was already installed
- Construction of the supports was completed in November 2003.
- The roads on the southern and northern sides came close to each other on May 28, 2004, and the joining of the roadway was immediately announced, although in fact this took several more days
- The lifting of the pylons was completed in mid-summer 2004
- Testing of the bridge under a load of 920 tons began in November 2004
- The grand opening took place on December 14, 2004 with the participation of Jacques Chirac (at that time the country's president). But the bridge was opened for traffic only 2 days later. It is noteworthy that the bridge was opened ahead of schedule (it was planned to open on January 10, 2005)
Technical features of the Millau Bridge
Such a stunning structure has many interesting technical solutions and features.
Guys
Special attention should be paid to steel ropes - shrouds. The metal cable has triple protection against rust.
- galvanic treatment
- protective wax coating
- additional polyethylene extruded coating
Special ridges in the shape of a spiral run along the outer surface of the ropes along the entire length. This is done to prevent water from quickly flowing down them. Without this technology, strong vibrations in the cables may occur, especially in rain and strong winds.
Millau Viaduct - bridge over the clouds Road surface
The steel frame of the roadway is covered on top with a special type of asphalt concrete. It took 2 whole years of research to find the optimal formula for the coating, which is based on mineral resin.
The material turned out to be soft enough to adapt to metal deformations without creating cracks. But it also meets the traditional requirements for road surfaces, such as wear resistance, tire grip, density, lack of sagging and rutting.
A total of 9,000 tons of special asphalt concrete and 1,000 tons of standard asphalt concrete were used.
Electrical and security systems
Such a gigantic structure contains tens of kilometers of various electrical cables. There are as many as 30 km of high-voltage cables, 20 km of fiber optics and 10 km of low-voltage cables. The viaduct has 357 telephone points located in different parts of the bridge. This is done for quick communication of service teams both with the control center and among themselves.
The Millau Viaduct is literally strewn with various sensors and monitoring systems for monitoring the condition of the bridge. This entire set of monitoring equipment is designed to monitor the slightest vibrations and shifts of the entire structure and its individual sections. The devices measure temperature, changes in slope, wind speed and direction, as well as a host of other parameters.
On the largest support, the deformation of as many as 12 strain gauges is measured. They are able to detect a shift of literally a micrometer. Moreover, up to 100 measurements are carried out per second. All data on the condition of the viaduct flows to the control and management center located in the area of the toll station.
Is the Millau Bridge really the highest?
The viaduct has a lot of competitors. There are designs much taller and wider, but each has its own BUT. These are mainly measurement methods and technical features.
For example, in Colorado (one of the US states) there is the Royal Gorge Bridge (in the original Royal Gorge Bridge). It lies at an altitude of 321 meters relative to the surface of the earth, BUT it is a bridge for pedestrians only.
Now the Millau Bridge is inferior in height to the road directly to the Chinese bridge on the Syduhe River. Its height is 472 meters above the gorge. And there is a “BUT” here - the supports of this bridge, like other high bridges, lie on the hills, and not at the bottom of the gorge being crossed. But the Millau Viaduct has supports installed right at the bottom of the gorge. Therefore, from a constructive point of view, it is the Millau Bridge that has the right to bear the title of the tallest in the world.
Best places to view the Millau Viaduct
Of course, such a landmark bridge is clearly visible from afar, but there are places from which it looks most impressive.
Cape Coast Brunas
Excellent overview of the viaduct and its surroundings. From Millau, take the D 992 towards Albi/Toulouse. At the village of Krissel, turn onto Brunasa Street and walk 5 km along a narrow road to the observation deck.
Geographic coordinates 44.070574, 3.058249
Luzenson
About a kilometer in a straight line west of the village of Saint-Georges de Luzençon there is an observation deck with an excellent view of the Millau Bridge. Follow signs for Albi/Toulouse to Saint-Georges de Luzençon. Then follow the signs to the Luzenson viewpoint.
Geographic coordinates 44.064485, 2.969102
Village of Peire
It is located on the banks of the River Tarn just 2 kilometers west of the viaduct. Travel there from Millau along the D 41.
Geographic coordinates 44.091668, 2.999611
Rest area at the northern edge of the Millau Viaduct
This observation deck offers unusual views of the bridge. From Millau, take the RD991 heading north. At the Berger roundabout, 7 km from Millau, take the 4th exit towards the rest area. Then walk about 500 meters to the south.
Geographic coordinates 44.091944, 3.022049
Lerouge Bridge
This bridge now stands on the site of the "old bridge" (Pont Vieux), which was washed away by a flood in 1758. From here you have an excellent view of the Millau Viaduct. Especially at sunset. This viewpoint lies near the city center.
Geographic coordinates 44.092823, 3.075350
Lerouge Bridge Terrace of Beffroy de Millau
This is the bell tower known as the Tower of the Kings of Aragon. The 17th-century octagonal tower rises 42 meters above the center of the old town. Visits are open from mid-June to mid-September. For more information, visit the Millau Tourist Center, located opposite the tower.
Geographic coordinates 44.097992, 3.078939
Millau Viaduct and sports
The bridge is not intended for pedestrians, but races still take place across it.
In December 2004, 19,000 runners were able to run across the bridge, but only to the first pylon. They were not allowed further, since the bridge was still closed to traffic.
May 13, 2007 - 10,496 runners finally crossed the Millau Viaduct. The total distance of the race was 23.7 kilometers
Since then, races have been held here every 2 years, during which the bridge is closed to traffic for 3-4 hours.
To learn more about the viaduct, watch the following video. Ignore Millau's signature. This is simply a literal translation of the French name for the Millau bridge.
There is one unique structure in Southern France, near the city of Millau - a cable-stayed road bridge spanning the valley of the Tarn River. The skyscraper bridge “unties” the busy highway, connecting Paris and Barcelona with the shortest route. Its construction cost 400 million euros, and fees for the pleasure of riding on it are planned to be charged over the next 78 years.
By the way, it is correct to call this structure a “viaduct”, that is, the same bridge, but thrown across a gorge, ravine or an entire valley, as is the case with Millau. Yes, and no matter how much you would like to slip into English after reading the title as “Millau”, you should not do this. That's right - Mijo :)
There are 7 observation platforms in the viaduct area, clearly marked on the map >>
There you can also find their description and other useful information.
We visited two of them. First, the lower Cap de Coste-Brunas, indicated on the diagram as number 1. It offers a view from the bottom of the valley, and the bridge supports look like real giants, especially in comparison with the bug-like machines scurrying below. There are seven pillars in total, the second of which they like to compare with the Eiffel Tower, not in favor of the latter. I immediately remembered those sweet and mesmerizing experiences that covered me during the third level of the Eiffel (310 meters). How about organizing a climb to the Millau pylons?!
11 pairs of cables supporting the road are attached to each of the pylons:
The 32-meter-wide roadway is four-lane (two lanes in each direction), and has two reserve lanes. To resist deformation of the metal sheet due to vehicle traffic, the Appia research team has developed a special asphalt concrete based on mineral resin. Relatively soft to accommodate the deformation of steel without cracking, it must, however, have sufficient stability to meet highway criteria (wear, density, structure, adhesion, resistance to deformation - rutting, sagging, shear, etc. .). It took two years of research to find the "perfect formula."
To the ground - 270 meters, yoklmn!
But the most impressive views open from the height of the hill near the observation deck L’aire du Viaduc de Millau (number 7 on the diagram). From there you can clearly see that the viaduct is... crooked! The 20 km radius of curvature allows cars to follow a more precise path than if it were a straight line, and gives the viaduct the illusion of infinity.
They now charge 6.10 euros for cars (more in July and August), which is practically robbery for 2.5 kilometers. But the project needs to be repaid somehow...
While Millau was being built, it was the highest transport bridge, but in 2009 the Chinese built a bridge even higher, even further... and te de. True, there is a nuance: the Chinese bridge passes over a gorge half a kilometer deep, but its supports are not at the bottom. Therefore, the question is who is taller and how to calculate: by the height of the pylons or by the height of the roadway.
View of the viaduct’s “sails” from the main observation deck. People, by the way, come here with their wine, sit on the parapets, admire the beauty and sip. We joined in too :)
Each bridge support stands in four wells 15 m deep and 5 m in diameter, and all of them are equipped with a large number of measuring instruments - anemometers, accelerometers, inclinometers, temperature sensors, which collect detailed information about the “behavior” of the viaduct and transmit it to the service center, located together with the toll booth.
The valley through which the viaduct is thrown. The roads below, although secondary, are all of excellent quality.
The green river Tarn, creator of the valley. Despite its meek appearance, it is known for catastrophic floods.
And this is the village of Millau, which shares its name with the viaduct. At first, local residents were very happy about the construction of the bridge. They say that now cars will drive on top, will not pollute the air and create traffic jams. But over time, a side effect emerged: the decrease in the number of tourists passing through Millau has a negative impact on the town’s economy.
Overall, the visit to the Millau Viaduct and its accompanying viewpoints was very impressive. This is a new attraction of southern France, which should definitely be included in the route, especially when traveling by car.
Location: Tarn River Valley, France.
