TARN RIVER

river, in southwestern France. It has its source south of Mont Lozre at an elevation of 5,167 ft (1,575 m) in the Massif Central. After a course of 233 mi (375 km) it joins the Garonne River below Moissac (Tarn-et-Garonne dpartement). Its magnificent gorgeswhich extend for more than 30 mi through the limestone plateaus known as the Causse Mjean and the Causse de Sauveterre, between Florac (Lozre dpartement) and Millau (Aveyron dpartement)are among the greatest tourist attractions in France. After entering the fertile lowlands of Aquitaine, passing through Albi, capital of Tarn dpartement, the Tarn is joined below Montauban by an important tributary, the Aveyron. The Tarn drains a basin of about 4,600 sq mi (12,000 sq km).