Cevennes Attractions
|
|
The Cévennes, known to the Romans as Mons Cebenna, form the southeastern section of the Massif Central, lying between the valleys of the Ardèche and the Hérault and falling steeply down to the Rhône basin.
Mont Lozère
Mont Lozère is a granite hill reaching its highest point in the Pic de Finiels (1702m/5,584ft), accessible only on foot, which offers magnificent views of the whole Cévennes region. To reach it, drive from Le Bleymard in the direction of Le Pont-de-Montvert; the starting-point of the climb is the Col de Finiels (1,540m/5,050ft).
Mont Aigoual
Mont Aigoual (1,567m/5,141ft) rises to the southeast of Meyrueis. On the summit is an observatory, established in 1887. There are impressive all-round views, extending in favorable conditions to the Alps, the Pyrenees and the Mediterranean, and sometimes to Mont Blanc and Maledetta.
Camprieu - Bramabiau Abyss
In prehistoric times, the site was used as a temple. Now it is a fine example of subterranean caves, many of which are still being formed by the running water.
Anduze, France
Anduze, southeast of St-Jean-du-Gard, was around 1625 a base of the Protestant forces led by the Duc de Rohan. The picturesque old town, with a clock tower of 1320, is, with the nearby pass, the Porte des Cévennes, a good starting-point for trips into the hills.
Bambouseraie de Prafrance
The "bambouseraie" of Prafrance was started in 1856 when Eugene Mazel purchased the property. This interesting garden contains a variety of over 100 species of bamboo. The eastern plants thrive in the rich soil of the Mediterranean climate that abounds around Cevennes.
Cévennes Festival
This annual 10-day festival runs from late July to early August and includes at least five performances such as orchestral, choral and chamber concerts as well as piano, violin and vocal recitals.Since its inception in 1987, the festival events have taken place in the Castle of Banne near Les Vans.
