La Pontiere in Pelouse: Unveil Authentic Lozère

Mausoleum, châteaux, chapel, farms, hamlets – so many sites steeped in a history that simply begs to be told... From the mausoleum in Lanuéjols, go uphill into the village and towards the church. Below the cemetery, go downhill on the right to the road. Cross it and take the farm track on the valley floor. Cross first La Prade brook and then the Vareilles road to reach Finiols. In that hamlet, turn right at the T-junction and go downhill to Le Boy. Here you join up again with the D 41, onto which you turn right for 300 m. Then take a track on the left going uphill to Chapieu. Before you arrive on the plateau, at the third hairpin bend, take the level track to reach the Château de Chapieu, 150 m ahead. Return to the track and go uphill to Chapieu farm, skirt its buildings and continue straight ahead to a forestry track. Turn right onto the track and walk to the Col de La Loubière. At the Col (pass), take the lane back downhill to Le Masseguin. In the hamlet, take the path that goes uphill on the left. A ridge path will lead you to St Geniès chapel. Continue on this path, which goes downhill all the way to the road. Turn right onto the road, and, in the hairpin bend, take the track. After 200 m, leave the track for a path on your left going downhill to Vitrolles. Return to Lanuéjols on the road.

Beyond its historical importance, the site of Le Tournel also bears witness to ancient schist architecture and reveals a vast landscape shaped over time. Some clarifications:• Your starting-point is opposite the car park – you need to cross the road at the tunnel exit• From Marker 3, you can join the mill on the bank of the river Lot via a staircase (there-and-back)• From Marker 9, you can join a belvedere that overlooks the site of Le Tournel and allows you to read the landscape.

Blizzard belltowers keep you company throughout this trail over the large Mont Lozère peatbogs, the meadows of Les Espradels plateau and the “1,000 rivers” with their steep banks. As you leave the hamlet of f Oultet, head towards Lozerette. Fork left onto the path to join up with the track to Lozerette. Take it to the right (do not go through Lozerette). As you cross Les Espadrels plateau, at the crossroads, continue straight ahead. Join up with the track to Serviès (do go to the hamlet of Serviès to see its blizzard belltower, then retrace your steps) and turn right towards les Sagnes. Keep going straight, across the plateau, and in Les Sagnes walk to the lower hamlet to see its blizzard belltower before doubling back. As you enter the hamlet, take the track on the left towards Croix de Peyrou. 150 m after the cross, continue straight ahead, then take the second path on the right, towards Auriac. Go through Auriac and then around the summit of Peyrou to the fork below La Felgère, at the menhir (standing stone). Take the right-hand path to go back downhill to Oultet.

Hike 240 kilometres of a trail once used by merchants and mule-drivers, Crusaders and pilgrims heading for St Gilles’ tomb or to Le Puy-en-Velay for its Black Madonna. This document presents only the segment of the trail between la Bastide-Puylaurent et l’Affenadou, most of which is on the territory of the Cévennes National Park. You can find the entire itinerary in the official guidebook, Le chemin de Régordane (ref. 7000),published by the Fédération française de randonnée pédestre (FFRandonnée)and sold in the National Park’s centres, online at www.cevennes-parcnational.fr, in bookshops and sports shops, and at boutique.ffrandonnee.fr. All information about the Régordane Way is also available at www.chemin-regordane.fr.

A mosaic of valley and plateau, and forest and pastureland for your enjoyment ! From the car park, walk downhill on the road for 150 m, then turn left to follow the left bank of the overgrown dry riverbed. At first, the path is sunk between boxwood hedges and low walls, then it rises slightly and crosses to the right bank of the gully (section shared with the GRP Tour du Sauveterre trail). It gradually goes down into the Ispagnac valley. At mid-slope, at a crossroads, take the path that goes back up to the plateau and the hamlet of Mas André.  The path climbs gradually to reach a forestry track, onto which you turn right for 70 m. Then take the path on the left that goes uphill to Mas André. Turn left onto the tarred road, then take the old track (a small draille or drovers’ road to the left of the road) to Mas André. At Mas André, turn right, then right again at the ruins. Go uphill on the large path and fork right at the crest towards the pine plantation. The path goes over a plain with cultivated parcels of land and then heath. You reach a track at the foot of Mont Chabrié (the hill on the right). Fork left, take the track for about 400 m and take the path on the right. This former path where the rock goes down to the hamlet of Paros. The path comes out in the centre of the hamlet between the ferradou (ox-shoeing stocks) and the bread oven. Continue downhill. At the iron cross, take the path on the right to reach the road. Turn left to get back to the car park.

Le Single trail goes around the summit of the same name, part limestone part schist, and offers numerous viewpoints over the upper Tarn valley and Mont Lozère. Mountain-bike route #5. Quite smooth despite a descent on a single-lane and stony path. From Ispagnac, cycle to Quézac via the town gardens. Then climb to Javillet and continue on the forestry track to reach Le Tomple. Take the lane on the left (do not go through the hamlet) that joins up with the D 16 road. Go downhill on a stony single-track path to reach a track that leads to Monteils. Go downhill towards Salièges; turn left before you arrive at Salièges and take the path towards Fayet. Bike along the Tarn on this track to Fayet, Bieissette and then Ispagnac.

This family circuit runs alongside the river Tarn and amidst gardens and vineyards to help you explore the villages of Ispagnac and Quézac. Mountain-bike route #3. This route uses small tarred lanes and good tracks, and includes one slightly more technical downhill section. From the car park opposite the pharmacy, cycle down to the Tarn via the town gardens. Go along the river to Quézac Bridge. Cross it and go through Quézac. Turn right to get to the village gardens. Go back up to the town hall (mairie) and over the bridge. Immediately after the bridge, turn left to join up with the D 907 bis, onto which you turn right for a few metres before turning left above Ipagnac. Go through the vineyards and return to the village through the recently built part of town.

Quézac or Ispagnac: impossible to choose between! An ideal circuit with young children, despite a few relatively short  technical sections. Mountain-bike route #4. From the car park, go down towards the river Tarn and through the gardens. Cross the bridge to Quézac. At the town hall (mairie), turn right towards the Tarn and reach Notre-Dame de Quézac. Leave the village in the direction of the Causse Méjean. Take the track going uphill to Javillet. Continue on this track to get down to the reservoir and then to Quézac bridge. On the other side of the bridge, take a small path on the left towards Molines, In Molines, turn right  onto the D 907 bis for a few metres (go past the Quézac bottling factory) and turn left to take the road leading to Espinards/Salançon. Well before Espinards, at Point 619, leave the road for a track suitable for motor vehicles on the right, which joins up with a path going downhill to Ispagnac.

Explore an environment of ancient forests, stone paths, brooks and traditional hamlets. Panoramic views and heritage are in tune with each other. Cross the D 907 bis by the pharmacy and walk left along it for 400 m, direction Florac. Take the path on the right that runs alongside the river Tarn, below the D 907 bis. Cross the road, walk alongside the large house on the left for 20 m along the road, and turn right to take the path. To begin with, this is steep. At Salanson, the path joins up with a road: turn right onto it, follow it for 750 m, and then leave it by taking the downhill path on the right. At the crossroads, take the path on the left that goes back uphill to Lonjagnes. In Lonjagnes, go down the small lane immediately on your right, which goes down between the houses to the bottom of the hamlet. Cross the small bridge and take the path on the right. At Le Marazeil, cross the footbridge and walk up the small lane to the top of the hamlet. After the carpark before the wooden cross, take the path on the right with the granite bridge, which joins up with the road. Turn right onto the road and walk to Nozières. Go uphill into the hamlet and take the second small lane on the right. This joins up with the N 106 road. 100 m before the stop sign, take a path on the right. Stay on the main path, ignoring two paths on the right. Cross the bridge, turn left, and follow the path alongside the brook to Le Cantonnet. To return to Ispagnac, cross the D road and join up with the outbound path.

Welcome to LA FAGE gîte, at heart of village, 1,000m up between the Ardèche mountain and Cévenne ardéchoise. 9 little bedrooms (2 to 6 beds) ? 3 with shared facilities and 6 with private facilities. Kitchen, living room available. Cooking based on local produce. Many outdoor activities, sports, natural and cultural heritage all around. Piano in living room. Weekend lets, weekly lets for groups, families, nature classes. Beginner's orienteering and heritage discovery can form part of walks/hikes. Activity organiser on-site. 1 bedroom with disabled access.

Our 180m² group chalet in the heart of the Ardèche mountain has 46 beds in 10 4-bed dorms and 3 3-bed dorms. Half-board available at the foot of the slopes and hiking trails.

To stay at the Seigneurie de Naves, is to find a place of peace and charm. You are guaranteed the time to step back, relax and enjoy a different pace of life away from everyday stresses. Located on a rocky spur, Naves is a quiet medieval village that is officially designated as a “Village de Caractère”. The lively town of Les Vans is located in the valley 2 km away – or just over 1 km if hiking! Located on a rocky spur, Naves is a quiet medieval village that is officially designated as a “Village de Caractère”. The lively town of Les Vans is located in the valley 2 km away – or just over 1 km if hiking. Naves has maintained its atmosphere into the 21st century thanks to the sympathetic restoration of the properties by the residents. It is a collection narrow cobbled streets that lead to village square with an 11th century church and views across the typical terrain of the southern Ardèche. Situated between two lanes, the house can be accessed by the lower road for the Blanche de Paysac and the Pitcholine rooms. From the upper road, via a lovely vaulted ceiling, you can access the Rougette and the Frantoio rooms. A particular feature is a beautiful stone spiral staircase that serves the family suite and the dining room. In the central part of the house is the Library lounge and Wellness area. At this level, under a high canopy, there is a fountain and access to all parts of the house. Then cross a small stone bridge that spans the lane, to gain access to the pool and gardens. As soon as you cross this little bridge, you will fall under the charm of this green haven of peace. You will first encounter a small covered seating area where you can to sit quietly enjoy a drink, read or just contemplate life – regardless of the vagaries of the weather. Next is a lovely arbour offering protection from the sun when the shade of the centuries-old mulberry trees is insufficient. Breakfast and dinner served here. A little further on there is the boulodrome where you can test your skills at pétanque. The best teams can compete to win an appetizer on the House! A pool of 12 x 5 m will allow you to do a few laps, relax and freshen up after your muscles have been stretched by one or the other sports activities offered in the surrounding area. For a quieter time, you can wander through the rest of the garden where over 500 carefully chosen plants delight the senses. Or merely sit a while under an olive tree and enjoy the views across the roofs of the old village to the distant horizons.

Large 18th century stone house in peaceful traditional village in southern Ardèche. Typical vaults and arches, separate entrance to guest rooms. 2 double rooms with en-suite shower room et WC. 1 family suite of 2 double bedrooms, en-suite shower room et WC. Open to guests: large living room with kitchen area (open fireplace, TV). Breakfast served on large terrace in shade of wisteria ? many specialities, wide selection of homemade preserves. Gîte for 6 people on same property. Shared swimming pool with attractive poolside area.

Are you looking for the perfect place for your holiday? Your search is over: La Nouzarède campsite is made for you! Soak up the peaceful atmosphere, natural setting and family feel.

In a wild and unspoiled valley not far from Tauriers, this fragrant rose garden contains more than 700 different old varieties of roses. It has been classified as a remarquable garden. GPS : [44.54978, 4.25655] Discover the collection of hundreds of old rose varieties in its charming setting within the preserved countryside. It is only 15 minutes from Largentière and is open to visitors for one month in spring. In the garden, you can enjoy a cup of tea or local juice in the tea house. Berty Rose Garden is also a nursery rose garden where you can purchase your favorite rose!

Located in a medieval house, panoramic terrace, traditional local home-cooked food. The Bastide de Sanilhac welcomes you in a charming and welcoming atmosphere to enjoy during weddings, seminars, holidays or week-ends.

A former school in the village of Les Borels, La maison de l'escalade and the gîte de Païolive are located 15 minutes' walk from the river Chassezac, in the sensitive natural area of the Bois de Païolive and a stone's throw from the start of hiking and mountain biking trails. Our family-run gîte welcomes you all year round. Our establishment is Jeunesse et Sport approved. Possibility of renting by the room, several rooms or the whole gîte. Composition : - 32 beds divided into 4 rooms for 5 people and 3 rooms for 4 people. - fully equipped kitchen - large common room - full sanitary facilities - outside terrace - car park

The "La Cévenole" wine cellar, the birthplace of Chatus, an ancient grape variety from the Ardèche, offers wine sales and tastings throughout the year. In summer, discover the vineyards on tours followed by a tasting session. In summer: guided visits of the cooperative are available Mondays. On Thursdays, visitors can take a guided walk through the vineyards and learn more about the region’s emblematic vine variety, the chatus. These visits are free of charge and end with a tasting.

“This hamlet contains a few handsome examples of traditional architecture and an unusual joint fountain-bread oven. The back wall of the fountain was added later, and the layout of the buildings shows that the ruined oven, which is behind the fountain, was originally covered by the same roof.” (A. Boemare)

Marker 7The valley landscape unfolds before you, with pride of place given to the fir grove, the jewel of this area. The centenarian grove seduces the walker who is alert to its beauty and unity. The history of the valley continues with forest management that is as concerned with protection and production as ever, but which also increasingly integrates the scenic dimension and welcomes the public – joint preoccupations of the Office National des Forêts and the Cévennes National Park.

The foresters' house of the Loubière valley is located mid-slope, but difficult to see amidst the vegetation. It was first occupied in the 13th century and has been home to the famous De Ligonnès family, one of whom married Marie-Sophie Lamartine, sister of the illustrious poet, in 1827. Since it was bought by the State in 1879, the building has become the private residence of the forest ranger responsible for the sector.

Marker 2Among the various trees of all ages and sizes in this forest, humans compromise with nature by leaving certain species to grow and introducing others of their own choosing. Thus, young pines, beeches and spruces have naturally found their place here, following in the steps of a first generation of spruces (some of which can still be seen), creating a diversity that has been further enhanced by planting larches. Some small trees such as larches, of which roe deer and hares are particularly fond, are protected by netting or a tube around their base for the first few years of their lives. This great variety makes it possible to maintain or increase the forest’s biological diversity.

Marker 3These spaces, which used to be farmland, naturally favour beech trees, but have been planted with pine and spruce. Young seedlings find it difficult to develop beneath these even-aged plantations because there is insufficient light on the ground. Light must be allowed to penetrate between trees to ensure that the forest is renewed. Natural processes help with this, and sometimes humans take over. If a forest is left to evolve naturally, trees age and die. Their death creates open spaces that are slowly colonised by shrubs, then small trees, then trees. A forest takes several decades to resettle an area, during which time a variety of plant and animal species follow one another.

Marker 1The clearing where you are standing used to shelter a camp for Harki refugees (Algerian soldiers who fought on the French side during the Algerian war of independence). Harkis assisted in many forestry projects in Lozère, working for the Office National des Forêts (the state body in charge of forests). That explains why the letters FSIRAN, for Français de Souche Islamiste Rapatrié d’Afrique du Nord (Frenchman of Islamic origin repatriated from North Africa), can sometimes be found carved into stones. In 1975 a reservoir was built with their help to protect the forest against fires. In no time, nature has responded to this small disruption: plants have grown up around the basin’s edges, and animal species (toads, frogs, dragonflies, herons, etc.) have discovered an enticing site.

Foresters can choose to fell all the trees in a generation that has reached maturity, and thus harvest a great quantity of wood. In this case, several species are planted in their stead. This method can allow animal and plant species to develop that appreciate very open spaces. Conversely, it is possible to exploit trees gradually, having selected them from an early age. Gaps in the tree cover are gradually filled, either by natural seeding or by planting. In this case, man’s efforts combine with nature’s.

Marker 4The fir reigns triumphant over this damp slope, which only rarely sees sunlight. These tall trees stretch their crowns skywards up to 30 metres above our heads. At the end of the 19th century, foresters chose fir and spruce for these north-facing slopes with their deep and cool soil. Scots pines and beech thickets provided the necessary shelter for those firs and spruces in their early years. The size of the project meant that a temporary tree nursery had to be set up, where the seedlings could adapt to the harsh local conditions. You can still see the nursery terraces and tool shed.

Marker 5This clearing, covering the former nursery site, is a light-well in the middle of the forest, and exudes freshness. Humans have made a  choice here to maintain an open space at the cost of regular grazing. Sheep thus pass several times a year, teaching broom and fern respect. Here, farmers find an additional food source for their flocks while foresters look for scenic interest and improved diversity in the existing environments. Diversity is greater on the edges of forests because of certain small trees (hazelnut, whitebeam, rowan, etc.), which provide shelter and food for new animal species.

"St-Pierre Romanesque church was built in the 12th century and expanded in the 14th. Built from tuff and limestone from the region, it has remained very pure in style. The nave has a barrel vault; two chapels added in the 14th century make up the side aisle. They house the funerary niches of the Auriac,  Châteauneuf and Tournel families. The transept, which is topped by a dome on squinches, supported an octagonal bell tower before the French Revolution. The five-sided apse and the apse chapels are covered by spherical vaults: from the outside, they form a beautifully arranged chevet.” (A. Boemare)

The Bistrot de Malbosc offers local cuisine based on fresh local produce. Exceptional meats and traditional Ardèche recipes. All homemade! Located in the far south of the Ardèche region, on the border with the Gard, Lullia and Jérémy welcome you to their bistro, offering an incomparable view of the Monts d'Ardèche and the Cévennes, while serving local cuisine based on fresh local produce and exceptional meats.

Gourmet home cooking, an unusual setting, local produce and a musical atmosphere... This is the clever blend of this henhouse restaurant... (May contain traces of ORGANIC food)... Jazz concerts on Sundays in summer!

Located in the heart of the village of Les Vans in southern Ardèche, the Café de la Bourse is a bar - restaurant - PMU. On-site bar-restaurant and PMU. We only serve home-cooked food at lunchtime. A unique daily menu based on fish or meat will be served.

Dare to experience an explosion of flavors at our Trattoria. The art of Italian cuisine condensed in our fresh homemade pasta, gnocchi, pizzas, lasagne... Home-made food straight from Italy and a few words of Italian to welcome you as if you were there... Let us surprise you!

Fresh homemade pasta, gourmet salads.

Traditional home cooking, fresh local produce. Wines from Ardèche and elsewhere, cocktails. Shaded terrace, 2 air-conditioned rooms in the heart of the historic center.

The restaurant La Feuille de Chou offers home cooking, traditional, family-style cooking using produce from the four seasons. We welcome you for lunch and dinner all year round, in a friendly setting (lovely vaulted, air-conditioned room).

Coline Zampa and Karim Geist invite you to discover a refined farm to table cuisine featuring dry aged meats from their local producers, fresh fish direct from the port of Séte, and natural wines from the area and beyond, all to be enjoyed in one of the oldest and grandest stone buildings in Les Vans

A multi-faceted place to dine, refresh and entertain. There are different atmospheres at Le Bombyx, depending on the time of day, evening and season. An address in the making, a place to discover absolutely! You can find out more about the programme, timetable and menu on the atelier-bombyx.fr website.

Welcome to LA FAGE gîte, at heart of village, 1,000m up between the Ardèche mountain and Cévenne ardéchoise. 9 little bedrooms (2 to 6 beds) ? 3 with shared facilities and 6 with private facilities. Kitchen, living room available. Cooking based on local produce. Many outdoor activities, sports, natural and cultural heritage all around. Piano in living room. Weekend lets, weekly lets for groups, families, nature classes. Beginner's orienteering and heritage discovery can form part of walks/hikes. Activity organiser on-site. 1 bedroom with disabled access.

Hotel in the midst of pine forests near the Espezonnette River, fishing. Private car park. Outdoor heated pool. Logis de France restaurant approved: 2 "saucepans".

Our 180m² group chalet in the heart of the Ardèche mountain has 46 beds in 10 4-bed dorms and 3 3-bed dorms. Half-board available at the foot of the slopes and hiking trails.

This campsite in the heart of the Ardèche is surrounded by stunning mountains by the Vernazon River near the village and shops. Ideal for nature lovers.

Hôtel Au Parfum des Bois is a family hotel and restaurant where you can enjoy peace and quiet in the Ardèche mountain. Home cooking. We can't wait to meet you!

Located in a natural setting, typical of the Les Vans area, campsite Le Pradal is the ideal accomodation for your stay in Ardèche. Pitches for tents, campers and caravans are set on shaded tarraced grounds. The campsite also has rental accomodation : mobile homes, chalets... Located in a natural setting typical of the Pays des Vans, Le Pradal campsite with a large swimming pool is the ideal establishment for your stay in the Ardèche. The customised pitches for tents, motorhomes / caravans are arranged on a shaded terraced plot. Direct access to the river (private beach) via a path (1000m) Services: swimming pool with paddling pool for children, bar and shaded terrace, playground, petanque court, games room with table football and table tennis, football, basketball, fitness area, volleyball court. A sale of farm products is offered at the campsite. Near the gorges of the river Le Chassezac, many sports activities are quickly accessible: swimming, canoeing, hiking, climbing, paragliding... Don't hesitate for your stay in the Ardèche, choose the Pradal campsite!

The holiday cottages, “Le Domaine de la Jeanne” is located on an old agricultural property of 2 ha, surrounded by olive-tree plantations and old vines. The swimming-pool is heated at 25 degrees minimum from May until the end of September which guarantee you a lovely pre and post summer season. We propose lodgings out of stone and wooden of contemporary aspect with a total capacity of 55 peoples. The cottages or gîtes are classified 3 stars, are of great comfort with one to three bedrooms which is very adaptable for couples, families, hiking or cycling clubs. Sandrine and Xavier as former restaurant owner also offer a full and half board service for groups (15 to 55 pers) and an host table during summer evenings with authentic fine meals. Located in full nature, facing southward with the Cevennes National Park nearby, La Jeanne is ideally located to enjoy outdoor activities : river, canoe, climbing, cannyoning, fishing, baths, horse riding, and obviously hiking..... We are open from early April until mid November, For a real discovery of Southern Ardèche come and visit us!

An old family farm at 1,5km from Les Vans. 2 rooms for 2 persons & a room for 4.

To stay at the Seigneurie de Naves, is to find a place of peace and charm. You are guaranteed the time to step back, relax and enjoy a different pace of life away from everyday stresses. Located on a rocky spur, Naves is a quiet medieval village that is officially designated as a “Village de Caractère”. The lively town of Les Vans is located in the valley 2 km away – or just over 1 km if hiking! Located on a rocky spur, Naves is a quiet medieval village that is officially designated as a “Village de Caractère”. The lively town of Les Vans is located in the valley 2 km away – or just over 1 km if hiking. Naves has maintained its atmosphere into the 21st century thanks to the sympathetic restoration of the properties by the residents. It is a collection narrow cobbled streets that lead to village square with an 11th century church and views across the typical terrain of the southern Ardèche. Situated between two lanes, the house can be accessed by the lower road for the Blanche de Paysac and the Pitcholine rooms. From the upper road, via a lovely vaulted ceiling, you can access the Rougette and the Frantoio rooms. A particular feature is a beautiful stone spiral staircase that serves the family suite and the dining room. In the central part of the house is the Library lounge and Wellness area. At this level, under a high canopy, there is a fountain and access to all parts of the house. Then cross a small stone bridge that spans the lane, to gain access to the pool and gardens. As soon as you cross this little bridge, you will fall under the charm of this green haven of peace. You will first encounter a small covered seating area where you can to sit quietly enjoy a drink, read or just contemplate life – regardless of the vagaries of the weather. Next is a lovely arbour offering protection from the sun when the shade of the centuries-old mulberry trees is insufficient. Breakfast and dinner served here. A little further on there is the boulodrome where you can test your skills at pétanque. The best teams can compete to win an appetizer on the House! A pool of 12 x 5 m will allow you to do a few laps, relax and freshen up after your muscles have been stretched by one or the other sports activities offered in the surrounding area. For a quieter time, you can wander through the rest of the garden where over 500 carefully chosen plants delight the senses. Or merely sit a while under an olive tree and enjoy the views across the roofs of the old village to the distant horizons.

Just a 10-minute drive from the small town of Les Vans, come and enjoy a stay in our carefully renovated 15th-century mas. Breathtaking views, calm and nature. Our 3 independent guest rooms will seduce you from the moment you arrive. Each of our three bedrooms has its own entrance, private terrace, bathroom and shower, 160/200 bed, silent fan, small fridge and tea and coffee making facilities. The property of almost 1 hectare makes you feel at home, and features a beautiful 10x5m infinity pool, surrounded by a lovely terrace in a quiet, secluded setting, with a breathtaking view over the plain, Mont Ventoux, the Ardèche gorges, the Vercors and sometimes even the Alps. If you'd like to stretch your knees after basking in the sun, you can enjoy our pétanque court or take the GR path up to the small hamlet of Brahic or down to Les Vans.