Margeride in Lozère
Margeride, the largest granite massif in Europe is an area with many faces in the north-east of Lozère.
Margeride, the largest range of granite hills in Europe
A land of traditions and unspoilt villages, forest and lakes, farms and good food, it is a destination which offers each visitor a unique experience. It is also a region steeped in history, its past indelibly marked by the tragic episode of the notorious Beast of Gévaudan between 1764 and 1767. A trip to Margeride is a journey full of emotion !
Margeride – a great place for heritage fans
Heritage fans can enjoy a journey back to the Middle Ages in the village of Malzieu-Ville with its charming ramparts, towers and cobbled streets. The leap back in time is even more apparent in May when the village holds a medieval fete. All the inhabitants dress in period costume as knights, courtly ladies and troubadours and a great time is had by all ! Not far from the village, the Tour d’Apcher, an 18m high keep, offers splendid panoramic views of the Margeride hills.
Continue your heritage adventure at Saint-Alban-sur-Limagnole to admire its Renaissance-style château, walk a short way along the Pilgrim Way to Santiago de Compostela and learn even more about Margeride at the amazing Scénovision son-et-lumière show. Further to the east, make a date at the Saturday morning open air market at Langogne, one of the largest in Lozère. While you are there, pop in to the Filature des Calquières, the oldest woollen mill in France !
Lakes and reservoirs in Margeride.
Lac de Naussac is the largest lake in Lozère, great for swimming, canoeing, paddle boarding and kite surfing at its outdoor activity centre. Lac de Ganivet is perfect for families with a beach and pedaloes. Finally, Lac de Charpal is the largest « no-kill » fishing lake in France : a paradise for fishermen ! During your stay in Margeride, make the most of the hundreds of kilometres of signposted paths through woods and across moorland. Whether you prefer walking, mountain biking, cross-country skiing, dog sledding or riding an all-terrain scooter, Margeride has it all ! Along the way, depending on the season, you can pick berries or mushrooms and if you keep your eyes open you’re sure to spot some wild animals.
Not far from Marvejols, enjoy a trip to the Parc des Loups du Gévaudan which has wolves from Poland, Canada, Siberia, Mongolia and the Arctic – hearing them howl is a spine chilling experience ! Further north the spotlight is on bison, the largest mammals in Europe which can grow up to 3 metres long and weigh 800 kilos. Visits to see them are by horse and carriage in summer and a sleigh in winter as their reserve covers more than 200 hectares ! You can also try your hand at being a shepherd for a day on one of the many farms of Margeride which welcome visitors. The question is … will you manage to bring the flock back to their barn ?
Margeride is an amazing region at any time of year and has a good selection of gites and B&Bs. A last tip : before you get to your gite to enjoy the warmth of the fireside or the patio, stop at the Aire de la Lozère on the A75 to collect all the tourist information you need to make sure you don’t miss anything !
Explore Lozère with Gîtes de France Lozère : Gorges du Tarn en Lozère, Mende en Lozère, Parc National des Cévennes"
Our selection of accommodations
Lodging
Le Buron de Champanouse 4/6 personnes
in PANOUSE (LA) - Lozère
Lodging
Gîte de la Grange - Domaine de Coulagnettes
in SAINT-AMANS - Lozère
