The Massif du Meygal

The Massif du Meygal is made up of hills and ‘sucs’ (small dormant volcanic domes and cones), a great place for outdoor activities in summer or winter.

The Nordic skiing area is enchanting in winter and with thirty different walks in summer, you really are spoilt for choice, but if we have to choose one then it would be Mont du Testavoyre. The volcanoes of Haute-Loire are steeped in legends and the Mézenc Nordic ski area, dominated by Mount Mézenc is no exception.

Mount Mézenc

Mount Mézenc is a mysterious yet well-known mountain at the heart of the Massif Central, forming a natural boundary between the Ardèche and Haute-Loire départements. ‘Puei Vei’, its ancient name, is made of phonolite (or clinkstone, you will understand why as you climb to the summit) and culminates at 1,754m, towering over the surrounding volcanoes and making it an absolute must to climb. The 360° views are amazing and there are plenty of outdoor activities on the slopes all year round. It takes about 3 hours to climb to the top or walk around it.  Nearby Mont Gerbier de Jonc (1,417m) overlooking craters, domes and peatbogs is where the Loire rises and starts its journey of 1,012km to reach the sea.

Here is a brief list of peaks, hills and other summits that you will hear about during your stay and which you are sure to want to climb :

Mont Mézenc (1,754m)

Mont Gerbier de Jonc (1,551m)

Suc de Sara (1,521m)

Suc de Bauzon (1,472m)

Testavoyre (1,436m)

Pic du Lizieux (1,388m)



 

Les Estables, a well-known ski resort and the highest village of the Massif Central, used to suffer harsh winters and deadly winds. Many older inhabitants talk of losing a family member, lost in a ‘Burle’ blizzard and found frozen to death the following day.

The Burle is a weather phenomenon created by snowfall and the wind specific to the region. You need to have good protective clothing at the top of Mont Mézenc as the wind chill factor gives temperatures well below -20°. There is no need to climb to dizzy heights to breathe high altitude air as here the climate is comparable to 2,000 – 2,200m altitude in the Alps.

In summer, the air is much warmer and climbing hills and mountains is a more comfortable task, although the plateau is always quite chilly. So if you go to watch the sun rise, wrap up warm and take a thermos of tea or coffee to keep you warm while you await the majestic arrival of the sun.

Massif du Mézenc-Meygal – a Bermuda Triangle ?

Anecdote or legend, this Massif is said to be the French Bermuda Triangle because of the strange happenings which have occurred there, including more than 70 unexplained air crashes. The last plane crash was in 2015 when 2 people from Ardèche, including the former president of Annonay aero club, died. The most intriguing crash in Haute-Loire was in 1948 involving Kathleen Kennedy Cavendish, sister of US president John F. Kennedy.  However, all that can be seen nowadays is a stunning landscape of rolling hills and valleys as far as the eye can see and a bright, ever-changing horizon. The child-friendly walk to the top takes about 20 minutes. The gites at nearby Les Estables offer a high degree of comfort and plenty of activities close-by. Come to one of France’s favourite regions for its exceptional flora, magnificent scenery, delicious local produce and outdoor activities.

Discover the treasures of Haute-Loire, the historic buildings of Puy-en-Velay, Château de Rochebaron and Viaduc de la Recoumène."