Over 53 km, steep cliff faces rise to a height of 500 metres above the Tarn. The Causse Méjean is a wide prairie of yellow grassland as fascinating as the desert.

The Causse of Sauveterre is less arid with a landscape of woodland. In the bottom of the Gorge a procession of pretty limestone villages and hamlets bask in the sunlight. This unique site is soon to obtain the classification of "Grand Site National". The valley of the Lot crosses the department from east to west.

This is a fertile region with many historic remains – castles, fortresses and churches – where life is sweet. Mende, the capital of the department, is noted for the beauty of its old centre, ancient dwellings and its impressive cathedral which seems to watch over the town.