Fontmort

This commemorates the centenary of the Edict of Tolerance, through which Louis XVI granted Protestants their religious freedom. It was erected on this symbolic site, where several battles took place during the Camisard War. In 1702, Royal troops surprised a group of Camisards, whose leader, Esprit Séguier, they captured; he was burned alive. In 1703, the Camisards attacked Royal troops escorting a messenger and killed the soldiers. In 1704, 500 Camisards ambushed 300 soldiers, over 100 of whom were killed. (P. Grime)

The ruins of this tower stand out against the rocks. The tower's general shape is typical of 12th-century military architecture. It is believed to have had three functions: as the keep of a castle that has mostly disappeared; as a chapel (still extant at the foot of the tower); and as a signal tower. (P. Grime)

  In this valley, goats are the predominant livestock. Their milk is sold to the cooperative dairy in Moissac Vallée Française, or turned into Pélardon cheese on the farm. Pélardon was awarded the AOC (controlled designation of origin) in 2000 and the AOP (protected designation of origin) in 2001. This small round cheese made from unpasteurised whole goat's milk is an emblem of the Cévennes. Since goats offer a better financial return, herds of goats are smaller than flocks of sheep. They maintain smaller grazing surfaces, but need richer fodder to supply milk. (P. Grime)  

From the ridge, your eye is drawn downwards and southwards into Trabassac valley. From the 1970s onwards, this valley became home to young people looking for new values based on nature and a community spirit. Some nicknamed it “the valley of the hippies”. Nowadays, horses are bred there. Deciduous trees are starting to invade the heath from the most rugged small valleys.  (P. Grime)