La Malène brings together traces of local history and striking landscapes in the Gorges du Tarn. When planning your visit, it is worth distinguishing between the two: the Church of Saint-Jean-Baptiste and Castel Merlet offer different historical points of interest; the Roc des Hourtous is a viewpoint, while a hiking route passes through Rieisse, descends to the Tarn and returns along the riverbank. Canoe and kayak trips are also possible on the river.

Landscape of the Gorges du Tarn

The Roc des Hourtous is a viewpoint in the commune of La Malène, offering views of the Détroits and the Cirque des Baumes. The Détroits are 2 km long. There, the river is flanked by two 50-metre-high rock walls that narrow to 30 metres apart. These measurements refer to the Détroits; the viewpoint, by contrast, offers views of this section and the Cirque des Baumes.

The village centre also has its own connection to the landscape: a deep cleft in the area of the village centre forms the link to the Causse Sauveterre. Thus, the landscape around La Malène includes not only the gorge and its rock walls, but also its connection to the Causse.

Church and historical traces

The Church of Saint-Jean-Baptiste is Romanesque and was probably built in the 12th century by members of a religious order from Sainte-Enimie. The nave displays the 17th-century painting “Saint Jérôme lisant” by Luis Tristan de Escamilla. Thus, Romanesque architecture and a 17th-century work of art come together in the same building. The church’s Penitential Chapel contains the remains of 21 residents of La Malène who were executed during the Revolution. This part of the church complex connects local history with the fate of its inhabitants.

Above the village centre, the remains of Castel Merlet, also known as Castellum Melena or Amarillès, stand on the rocky promontory of Rocher de la Barre. The traces include evidence of a former place of worship; the complex dates to the 6th or 7th century. The historical span therefore extends from this complex to the church, probably built in the 12th century, and the painting from the 17th century.

Hiking and activities on the Tarn

A hiking route from La Malène follows the Chemin du facteur to Rieisse, descends to the Tarn and returns along the riverside path. Unlike a single viewpoint, the route is defined by a sequence of named places and sections of trail: it leads to Rieisse, down to the river and back along the riverside path.

You can go canoeing and kayaking on the Tarn near La Malène. Rental providers offer various routes throughout the Gorges du Tarn; after the trip, participants are taken back to the starting point by bus. Seasonal conditions may affect availability, so check in advance which options are available during your intended travel dates. The tradition of boat trips in the Gorges du Tarn also continues to this day.

A traditional dish

Coustillous—grilled pieces of pork ribs—and braised potatoes are considered a traditional local dish of La Malène. Alongside the historical and landscape highlights, this named dish is another culinary connection to the village.

If you are looking for a hotel in La Malène, your interests can help guide your choice: local history and art, the gorge landscape, or activities on the Tarn.

Discover more destinations: Rieutort-De-Randon, Saint-Laurent-De-Trèves, Rimeize, Chaudeyrac, Langogne, Moissac Vallée F., Lanuéjols, Marchastel.

For the wider travel guide: Lozère.