Top 5 Natural Monuments around Saint-Beauzély

Three stone crosses, erected in a line on this small rise above Creissels, give the place its name, but in reality there are five in total: a fourth is hidden below, a fifth watches further on at a crossroads, on the side of the old Tournal mill. This marking, inherited from centuries-old rural piety, perhaps outlined an ancient processional path now fallen into oblivion. The panorama unfolds in 360°: to the west, the Tarn valley and the Millau viaduct with its fine suspended line and its seven pylons. To the south, the landscape closes in on the Boundoulaou cirque, from which one can distinguish, on the right, the limestone outcrop of Puech de Fayssel which closes the natural amphitheater carved into the edge of the causse. To the north, the town of Millau unfolds almost entirely below, dominated in its center by the massive silhouette of Puech d'Andan, whose summit plateau is divided into two distinct parts. Further to the right stands the Pouncho d'Agast, a pyramid-shaped promontory that marks the beginning of the Causse Noir at an altitude of 841 m.

Perché at an altitude of approximately 730 meters, the Cap de Coste viewpoint overlooks the eastern end of the Boundoulaou cirque. It reveals a vast panorama of the Millau basin and its surrounding massifs. To the left, the easily recognizable Millau Viaduct spans the Tarn valley, connecting the Larzac to the Causse Rouge. Further to the right stretches the latter: a large limestone plateau whose undulations dominate the valley. Then, the Puech d’Andan stands out with its wooded silhouette, cut in two by a clear central notch. Finally, further away, the Pouncho d’Agast, an emblematic relief of the Causse Noir, is easily recognized by its profile like a true limestone pyramid.

The name "Montagne de Trois Croix" already hinted at it, and so it's no real surprise to find more than just a summit cross up here, which – as is common in many places – crowns the mountain peak. The central cross, standing in the middle, points the observer to the execution of the incarnate Son of God, Jesus of Nazareth. According to biblical tradition, however, he was not condemned to death and crucified alone, but together with two criminals. Pope Francis, who died on Easter Monday, once composed the following prayer on this subject: "Help us, Son of Man, to free ourselves from the arrogance of the thief, the robber on your left, and of the short-sighted and the corrupt (...) Instead, we ask you, Son of God, to identify us with the good thief who looked at you with eyes full of shame, repentance, and hope; who, with the eyes of faith, saw divine victory in your apparent defeat and thus knelt before your mercy and grace and stole paradise with honesty and integrity.

History and nature an ideal mix

The Creissels waterfall is a true natural gem! It is a resurgence that flows constantly throughout the year, with a flow that varies. What makes this place so special is that it is loaded with calcium carbonate, which has allowed the formation of a magnificent tuff rock. In winter, when temperatures drop, the waterfall transforms into a magical spectacle. The icy concretions that form are simply magnificent, and it is fascinating to see how the waterfall can completely petrify at times. It is an ideal place for nature lovers and photographers in search of enchanting landscapes. I highly recommend visiting the Creissels waterfall, whether to admire its peaceful flow in summer or its incredible transformation in winter!

Magnificent panorama to be seen absolutely

Insanely beautiful view from the plateau.

very beautiful waterfall