The Cévennes National Park!
The Cévennes National Park! The only national park in France to be located in the middle of the mountains, it combines the titles: national park, therefore, but also biosphere reserve (UNESCO) and international dark sky reserve!
Parc National des Cévennes – a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and Mont-Lozère
Come to the Parc National des Cévennes for a wonderful outdoor holiday ! The only national park in France in medium altitude mountains, it is also a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and an International Dark Sky Reserve ! So let’s just say that there’s plenty to do for lovers of the great outdoors, especially as the national park doesn’t just encompass the Cévennes, it also includes Mont-Lozère and a large part of the Causses, Gorges du Tarn and La Jonte. Come on, we’ll show you around !
The first activity is of course walking and hiking. There is a multitude of itineraries including Tour du Lac de Villefort (Tour of Lake Villefort), Chemin de Stevenson (Stevenson’s Trail), La Cham des Bondons (Megalith Trail), Sentier des Sculptures d’Altier (Sculpture Trail) and many more. The hardest thing is knowing which one to choose !
An essential place for cycling and mountain biking
The Cévennes has no shortage of hills for cycling enthusiasts ! The Col du Pré de la Dame, for example, is classed as a Category 1 climb and is every bit as good as its Alpine counterparts…
Mountain-bikers of all levels of experience are catered for too. But the star attraction is the Grande Traversée du Massif Central which crosses the Parc National des Cévennes from east to west including the Col de Finiels at 1,541m altitude… Rest assured, the route is suitable for electric mountain bikes !
As you walk and cycle around, or maybe at your gite, you will have the chance to meet plenty of wildlife. With more than 2,400 identified species, the Parc National des Cévennes is a bit like Noah’s Ark only much bigger ! Keep your eyes open for stags, deer, beavers, eagles and even owls ! As for trees and flowers, there are numerous orchids in spring, carnivorous plants like sundews (drosera) and of course the famous chestnut tree, emblem of the Cévénnes.
Forests of the Parc National des Cévennes
Autumn is the ideal time for a walk through a Cévennes forest to pick up fallen chestnuts and enjoy them roasted, in jam or simply boiled. Another delicious autumn treat is mushrooms. Off you go with a basket on your arm for an afternoon picking mushrooms. Ceps, chanterelles, field mushrooms… one thing is sure : it’s omelette for supper ! Last but not least, autumn is also the time to hear the roar of a rutting stag. Go on a nature walk with a guide in search of this enchanting mating call !
If you’re thinking of coming to the Parc National des Cévennes in winter, then head for the friendly resorts of Bleymard or Mas de la Barque for skiing, snowshoe trekking and sledging. After a day outdoors in the mountain air, there’s nothing better than going home to the warmth of a wood-burning stove or open fire in your cosy gite.
For those who prefer to come in summer, swimming in the upper Tarn, canyoning and star gazing are on the programme. And what stars! Far away from light pollution, the Milky Way puts on an amazing open air show which can be watched through a telescope or with the naked eye.
There are lots more wonderful attractions in the Cévennes, villages of shale cottages to explore, castles to visit, little lanes to wander along, magnificent views to search out. Let’s not forget the annual « Festival Nature » held throughout the park from spring to autumn, with lots of nature events including guided walks, wildlife watching, film shows, etc. Everything to make sure you have a memorable holiday in the region !
Explore Lozère with Gîtes de France Lozère : Gorges du Tarn en Lozère, Mende en Lozère, Margeride en Lozère.
Our selection of accommodations
Lodging
Gîte des Abrits
in SAINT MARTIN DE LANSUSCLE - Lozère
Lodging
Gîte 2/4 personnes à La Grandville
in LA SALLE-PRUNET - Lozère
Lodging
Gîtes de France 3 épis 2/3 personnes Puychauzier
in SAINT-JULIEN-D'ARPAON - Lozère
