Garabit

Garabit is a village and commune in the Cantal department in south-central France. It is situated in the Massif Central region. The village is notable for its proximity to the Garabit Viaduct, a striking iron railway bridge that spans the Truyère river.

The Garabit Viaduct was designed by Gustave Eiffel and his company, and construction was completed in 1884. It is an iconic example of 19th-century engineering and was once the highest railway bridge in the world. The viaduct is still in use today, carrying trains on the Paris-Bordeaux line.

Beyond the viaduct, the area around Garabit offers natural beauty. The Truyère river, dammed to form the Lac de Grandval, provides opportunities for water sports and recreation. The surrounding hills and mountains are popular for hiking and enjoying the rural French landscape.

Garabit itself is a small, quiet community. Its economy is largely based on tourism, attracted by the viaduct and the natural environment. Visitors can find local amenities and a sense of traditional French rural life. The village serves as a gateway to exploring the wider Auvergne region.