Top places to visit in the Cevennes and on the Mount Lozere
Are you in the area only for a short period? Or, maybe, you are already planning your holidays and can’t wait to come see us? Here, you will find a selection of our favourite things to do and to visit. Discover what events should not to be missed, secret waterfalls, historical sites and so much more. Thanks to the following recommendations from the Tourist Office team, you won’t miss a thing.
The Runes waterfall
Take a short hike through the forest and discover the impressive 70 meter waterfall of Runes. It’s the spot to see if you find yourself on the Mount Lozere! The Runes stream, that gave its name to the waterfall, flows along the granite flanks of the mountain to, then, join the river Tarn.
The waterfall can only be reached by a hiking trail. At the start of this trail, if you are observant, you will find an engraving of a dragon biting its own tail. Below, are engraved the following words: “From the earth to the skies, and from the skies down to earth.” The legend has it that this image and message were engraved by Vikings who were traveling through the region thousands of years ago.
The route “Corniche of the Cevennes”
When in the Cevennes, don’t miss out on the historical route “Corniche of the Cevennes”! This ancient route was heavily used by royal troops and merchants, as it linked Nimes to Saint-Flour. It was constructed upon royal orders, to facilitate the movement of royal troops during the Cevennes wars (otherwise known as the War of the Camisards).
For magnificent panoramas and points of view, don’t hesitate to take the Corniches des Cevennes from Florac to Saint Jean du Gard. This route serpents its way along the Cevennes mountain tops. The top three view points along the route are : the Panorama of Pompidou, the Exil summit, and the Saint Pierre summit. All along the route you will be able to admire the magnificent valleys of the Cevennes, stretching out below you all the way into the horizon.
Our advice:
> Make a stop at Saint Laurent de Treves, a small village on the route, and see real dinosaur footprints engraved in stones.
> For more natural wonders and viewpoints along the route, take a walk on one of these hiking trails: Corniches de l’Hospitalet, Vallon de Saint Flour or Saint Roman.
The menhirs of “Cham des Bondons”
North of the Bondons village, stands one of the most spectacular menhir sites in France, with about 200 erected stones! These rock giants were brought to the site from the southern flank of Mount Lozere by our Neolithic ancestors. Were they set up to mark the limit of a territory? Or, were they used for religious purposes? The mystery still stands to this day. At the site, you will also run into dolmens and puechs, spectacular domes.
Would you like to learn more about the mystery of the menhirs? Don’t hesitate to reserve a guided tour!
Hiking with a donkey
Planning to go on a hike? Why not spice it up a bit and go with a donkey, just like Robert Louis Stevenson! A donkey is a perfect companion for both short walks with family and long backpacking trips. It is true that they are a bit strong headed, but also very intelligent. Don’t hesitate to contact our donkey renters!
The caves of Trabuc, home to 100 000 tiny soldiers
Don’t miss out on the caves of Trabuc and their hidden treasures! Follow the path descending into the earth’s underbelly, and with the help of interactive panels discover magnificent underground forms. For millions of years water has sculpted rock into fantastic shapes; the walls of these caves are covered in calcite draperies, twisted columns, jellyfish and butterflies, as well as the mysterious geological formation known as “100 000 tiny soldiers“.
The Finiels mountain summit
Don’t go back home without making a stop at the highest point of the Lozere region, the Finiels mountain summit that stands at 1699 m of altitude! The magnificent views of the rolling hills and mountains are well worth the detour.
Each season changes the color of the Mount Lozere‘s robe. Its flanks turn yellow in springtime with the wild blooms of broom flowers. In summer, they change to shades of gentle purple thanks to flowering heather and wild blueberry bushes. And, in winter, the mountain sleeps under a blanket of sparkling white snow.
The Finiels summit can only be accessed by foot. The 360° view from its top must be merited! To get there, you can either pass by a 12 km southern flank hike called Mallevrière, or by a northern flank hiking path “the Finiels summit”. The shortest path to the summit starts at the Finiels mountain pass (le col du Finiels).
Did you know?
The stones erected along the pathways of Mount Lozere, called “Montjoies“, were placed to delimit the paths for animal herds.
They came in very useful for shepherds and travelers, when thick fog, bad weather conditions, or high vegetation made the paths hard to distinguish.
Maison Rouge (the Red House), the museum of the Cevennes
Are you curious about history and local cultural heritage? Then, you absolutely must visit the “Maison Rouge” and discover all there is to discover about the history and culture of the Cevennes!
For 50 years, Daniel Travier, a passionate amateur historian and author, collected thousands of objects in order to keep the rich historical and cultural heritage of the Cevennes alive.
Today, his incredibly rich collection can be admired between the walls of an ancient silk spinning factory, that has been now restored and figures on the list of French Historical Monuments.
Canyoning in our rivers and streams
Explore waterfalls, jump from one water hole to the next, go swimming in translucent waters… Go canyoning and discover the wild nature of our rivers and streams!
The Cevennes and the Mount Lozere are full of breathtaking canyons. So, don’t hesitate, put on your gear and go on an adventure in the heart of the Cevennes National Park‘s preserved wilderness. Let our passionate canyoning monitors guide you through the twists and turns of our rivers.
The Tarn canyon
Traveling through the Cevennes? Don’t miss out on the magnificent Tarn canyon and its impressive limestone cliffs that have been carved out by the river. These are one of the highest cliffs in the Occitan region. The magnificent canyon and the tiny medieval villages that have been carved out in its flanks, are of breathtaking beauty.
Discover the canyons by floating along the river Tarn. It’s the only way to see the Detroits, the narrowest part of the Tarn canyons. Rent a canoe, a kayak or a paddle… the choice is yours!
You can also discover the Tarn canyons by many other means. The area is full of hiking, backpacking and mountain bike trails!
Hop aboard a steam train in the Cevennes
Discover the Cevennes through the windows of a slow, steam powered train! Take a seat on a cushioned old-time train bench, and go on a 13 km journey through the Gardon valleys along the river banks and across viaducts. Take the train to explore the towns of Anduze and Saint Jean du Gard, or to take a leisurely walk through the Bambouseraie botanical gardens.
©Train à vapeur des Cévennes
Need help planning your trip? Contact us for personalised advice. We’re here to answer all of your questions!