Viaduct Of ChamborigaudViaduct Of Chamborigaud
©Viaduct Of Chamborigaud|Olivier Octobre
One destination, 4 entities

Highlands

In the north of the destination, a region full of charm between nature and heritage

In the foothills of Mont-Lozère, from the Long Valley of Grand’Combe, the Galeizon Valley, and up to Génolhac, the panoramas here are breathtaking. This territory, which touches the heart of the Cevennes National Park, is an invitation to discover and relax. There is no lack of heritage (castles of Portes and Aujac, Maison du mineur…), hiking trails, and good local gastronomy either!

Hiking

Along the Regordan way

An ancient cart road, the “route des Arvernes” linking Nîmes to Gergovie (now Clermont-Ferrand) in Gallo-Roman times, was for a long time, before becoming a Great Hiking Trail, an essential communication axis. It is largely around him that is organized communications in this region of the “Reliefs Cévenols”, between Génolhac and Alès (and beyond to Vézénobres) through Portes.

From Alès or the Grand Combe, a first stop would be the unmissable one at the château de Portes: its spur, dominated by a watchtower, impresses.

By the departmental road on the way to Génolhac, Chamborigaud can be another stop. The viaduct of Luech is a known work of art on this railroad line, still in activity, between Alès and Langogne called “Le Cévenol”.

Further on, successively, the clochers of Génolhac and Concoules stand out. The Romanesque church of Génolhac, flanked by an eleventh-century tower, is marked by its “comb” bell tower. Tiny alleys, vaulted passages, make the charm of this medieval village.

From Génolhac, you can reach the Mont Lozère and the Mas de la Barque. This nature (and ski) resort, dominated by the Aigle rock and the Pic Cassini, is one of the highest points of Mont Lozère, at 1,680 m. of altitude.

The Galeizon Valley

Leaving Alès from the west in the direction of Saint-Paul-la-Coste, the discreet Galeizon valley is discovered.

In September 2018, the Galeizon River received a double label: that of “River in good condition” and “Wild River Sites”. These distinctions aim to protect the entire ecosystem of rivers, it is also a valuation of a territory involved. The quality of the water of this river makes it an exceptional site and a privileged refuge for the wild fauna… All the more reason when you are there to encourage the efforts made to preserve this exceptional site.

This part of the territory is the subject of various inventories in the framework of Natura 2000.

The Natura 2000 site of the Galeizon valley concerns the watershed of the river which includes 8637 ha of territory, for 16 habitats and 18 species of community interest.

Cevennes National Park

As you go up to the Mont-Lozère, a wild and preserved nature is offered to you. The Cevennes National Park protects and enhances the biodiversity of these spaces and highlights a rich landscape and cultural heritage. Here, the vacations are “100% nature”: outdoor sports, hiking or simple stroll, the sumptuous landscapes are full of sight!

Thus, we enter a territory classified as a UNESCO World Heritage site, for its “cultural landscapes of Mediterranean agropastoralism.”

Génolhac

A charming medieval city

At the foot of Mont Lozère lies Génolhac, a thousand-year-old medieval city nestled in the heart of the forests of the Cevennes National Park.

It’s a good place to take a break for a meal or simply to stroll through the old center. The city opens its arms to you for multiple discoveries, from the flavor of its stalls to the quality of its hiking trails through the history written in its streets. You can also discover the heritage of agropastoralism which earned the territory its classification as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2011.

Maison du Tourisme et du Parc

In addition to essential tourist information and proposals for guided tours and hikes, punctually offers exhibitions as well as a store.

Don’t miss the Saturday country market!!

All its producers come to share their quality products with you. Pelardons, honeys, delicatessen, olives… all the flavors of the Cevennes are offered to your taste buds.

1 day in Génolhac

Find all our tips and good plans to discover Génolhac, a medieval city, for the time of a day.

Between alleys, thousand-year-old ruins, local products, cozy beds and tastings of all kinds, the village is a must for lovers of nature, history and small dishes.

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