Gorges du Tarn

Todd Sain Sr.

5 years ago

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Gorges du Tarn Facts

The deceptively simple sounding term Gorges du Tarn names a breathtaking canyon situated in a beautiful section of the Northern Hemisphere. This magnificent region of the world also stands out from similar areas across the globe for a fascinating and remarkable reason.
That’s because it constitutes a unique location formed by an extremely unusual combination of two entirely separate geological forces. Due its unique positioning, this picturesque site further typically maintains a markedly milder climate than the rest of the surrounding region.
This is accurate due to the fact that the beautiful area boasts a much milder winter season than the rest of the area. The summers in the immediate area additionally tend to be somewhat warmer than those of the surrounding regions. This only serves to add to its popular appeal.
Due to these generally comfortable environmental conditions, the area comprising the Gorges du Tarn remains quite popular as a tourist destination. Yet, its popularity doesn’t simply end there. In fact, tourists and locals alike frequently enjoy numerous outdoor activities in the area.
These include such ventures as kayaking, hiking, spelunking, and rock climbing. But the remarkable region also boasts yet another incredible attraction to many. This only adds to its already ample charm. A multitude of castles, many from the Middle Ages, also draw many.

Hells Canyon

Kali Gandaki Gorge

Coyote Gulch

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Gorges du Tarn Physical Description

Perhaps most notably, the gorgeous geographical feature known as the Gorges du Tarn contains within it some truly impressive physical characteristics. That’s not simply our own personal opinion, however. This somewhat bold statement actually holds fully true for several separate reasons.

Incredibly, the truly magnificent site possesses a total length measuring roughly 33 mi (53 km). Not only that, but the marvelous location also manages a depth that varies only moderately over its entire length. That’s because this aspect of the wonder ranges from 1,312 – 1,669 ft (400 – 600 m).

The stunning beauty of the Gorges du Tarn itself originated with the steady actions of the Tarn River, itself a wonderful work of Nature. Having its source on Mount Lozere, this strongly flowing water source eventually carved out the winding path now displayed by the picturesque canyon.

Although the exact age of the site presently remains undetermined by scientists, rough estimates of its age exist. Currently, those numbers place the origin of the remarkable site in the Quaternary Period, about 2.5 million years ago. Regardless of age, though, its natural beauty constantly amazes.

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Gorges du Tarn Location, Formation, and Wildlife

Perhaps not surprisingly for some, the breathtaking Gorges du Tarn formed in a region of the world already well known for its great abundance of natural beauty. That’s due to the fact that the area of the globe in which this geological wonder formed now consists of the continent of Europe.

More precisely still, the magical canyon formed in the amazing area that now constitutes the country of France. Further situated in the southern portion of that beautiful country, this fabulous setting also happens to lie within the borders of what’s now the departments of Lozère and Aveyron.

It also bears mentioning that the region in which this beautiful creation of time and Nature formed predominantly consists of a very pliable mineral. That’s the relatively soft sedimentary rock known as limestone. This formed during the Mesozoic Era, between about 252 – 66 million years ago.

The comparatively soft nature of that specific mineral only enhanced the erosive effects of the water flowing through the site, thereby accelerating its formation. However, the stunning region also experienced a period volcanic activity, further affecting the nature of the surrounding landscape.

The stunning beauty of the lovely Gorges du Tarn remains further augmented by the marvelous flora and fauna so prevalent to the captivating area. Added to the widely varied types of plant life so common to the area, however, numerous cave-dwelling species also inhabit the breathtaking site.

These intriguing endemic creatures include two known species of small molluscs. Several types of bats also dwell in the numerous caves located within the gorge. Astonishingly, though, several species of vultures even inhabit the region, as well as the recently reintroduced European Beaver.

Birds of prey frequent the area as well, including several types of vultures, eagles, and falcons. Mammals also appear in great numbers, such as otters, wild boar, roe deer, and smaller mammals in the forests. Mediterranean butterflies and lizards inhabit the region too, usually in dry rocky areas.