The Cévennes - a forgotten region in the south of France

Southern charm with
a special history

The mountainous region of the Cévennes is one of the most beautiful and varied landscapes in the south of France. Characterised by spectacular natural beauty and small towns with their southern charm, this region is also fascinating because of the special history of the people who courageously defended their Protestant faith against state power and whose resistance still has a certain after-effect today. We invite you to get involved with the landscape , the history and the people and become a friend and lover of this area.

Summer in the Cévennes- an invitation to life

Enjoy dreamlike, very warm days in harmony with nature. Breathtaking landscapes alternate every few kilometres, spectacular valleys with their rivers invite you to take a dip in refreshing water. Hike the Cévennes in the footsteps of Stevenson and his donkey. Experience the silence of the high plateaus also called „Causse“ or climb one of the mountains in the area. Let yourself be enchanted by one of the many caves in the region. Enjoy the tranquillity on your bike on one of the many small back roads in the Cévennes and immerse yourself in this breathtaking landscape. Also an insider tip for mountain bikers, as many trails make the hearts of sportsmen beat faster. A canoe trip on the Herault is a must. One advantage of this region – it is within easy reach of the Mediterranean Sea – about 1h for our guests! An experience for all generations is a visit to one of the many weekly markets in the summertime.

Spring/autumn - an awakening of nature. The colourfulness of the End of summer

First warm days from Easter, the landscape slowly awakens from hibernation. A spectacular experience in spring is the sheep drive, also called “transhumance” among experts. As a guest, you should not miss this. Picturesque days in autumn in its full colourfulness, the scent of “smoked” chestnuts fills the mild autumn air. A gentle transition into hibernation.

Unique landscape in
heart of the south

The area around our 1739 is characterised by the Cévennes, the persecuted Huguenots in the Middle Ages, the simplicity of life, but nevertheless the “savoir vivre” of the French, pleasure as a companion in life, but also the Mediterranean flair and Roman culture characterise this unique landscape in the heart of the south.

South Cévennes - the Huguenot country the secret tip of the South

In the Middle Ages, the Cévennes were the hiding place of the Huguenots during the War of Religion, and this has survived in “Catholic” France to this day. Traces of history can still be found today. Be it the hiding places in the countless caves or the poor churches of the region. Immerse yourself in a wonderful landscape that changes every few kilometres and become a friend of the Cévennes.

Experiences in the South Cevennes

Cirque de Navacelles:
A breathtaking basin transformed by water.
La Grotte des Demoiselles:
A spectacular karst cave with beautiful figures created by nature, also a Huguenot hideout.
L’Herault:
The water vein of the Southern Cévennes, bathing, canoeing, relaxing.
Musée Cevenol:
The history of the Cévennes.
Haribo Museum:
A museum for the small and the large.
Musée de la Soie:
Immerse yourself in the Golden age of the Cévennes from silkworm farming to fabric.

Mont Aigoual:
The local mountain with its 1500m allows a view to the Mediterranean Sea and the Alps on a clear day, for hiking enthusiasts it can also be hiked over the "4000 steps".
Observatoire Mont Aigoual:
Visit the Cévennes weather station.
Chaos Nimes les Vieux:
A spectacle over thousands of years, erosion has created rare shapes in the limestone.
Train a Vapeur des Cevennes:
A train ride from Anduze to St.Jean du Gard on the old rails.
Bambousserie de Prafrance:
Home to the largest bamboo groves outside Asia.
La Couvertoirade:
The medieval Templar town.

Gorges du Dourbies:
Less well-known than the Gorges du Tarn, but no less impressive.
Gorges du Tarn:
One of the most popular climbing areas in France.
Lac du Salagou:
Reservoir in the middle of the Herault department, impressive the red colour of the earth.
Dolmen de la Fabiere:
Dolmen tomb.
Causse de Larzac, Causse Noir,Causse Mejean:
Limestone plateaus with spectacular landscapes, each Causse an adventure in itself.
St.Guilhelm de Desert:
Medieval village on the pilgrimage route to Santigo di Compostella, Unesco World Heritage Site since 1998.

On the trail of history - formative traces

A country with history , be it from the time of the Romans, the Middle Ages or prehistory. Immerse yourself in this landscape steeped in history and explore the traces left by our ancestors.

Nimes:
Former outpost of the Roman Empire with a Colosseum as a legacy.
Orange:
Famous for its Roman buildings, the theatre and the city foundation arch.
Avignon:
Former ancestral seat of the popes, testimony to the history of the massive papal palace.
Tarascon:
Magnificent impressive castle dating from 1434.
Arles:
Source of inspiration for paintings by van Gogh, former provincial capital of the Romans with diverse remains: amphitheatre.
Pont du Gard:
Roman aqueduct on 3 levels.

Along the Mediterranean

There is power in tranquillity. But if the tranquillity should ever disturb you, a trip to the Mediterranean Sea with its long sandy beaches is worthwhile. After an hour’s drive, you are immersed in another world. Visit the beaches of Palavas les Flottes or Carnon.

If you would rather go shopping or enjoy the hustle and bustle of the city and still take a piece of history with you, then visit what I consider the most beautiful Mediterranean city in France. The university town has remained young for years. Shop in the small boutiques in the small streets of the city. Visit the lively Place de la Comedie and take a look at the old opera house or enjoy a view over the roofs of Montpellier at the new opera house.

If you want to experience history, then visit the historical highlights of the city: Aqueduc de St.Clement, Triumphal Arch Porte de Peyrou, St.Pierre Cathedral or the churches of St.Anne or St.Rode.

A special highlight is the city’s nightlife, end the day with a good “repas” , on one of the countless restaurant terraces and enjoy the French cuisine.

Other towns along the coast:

Sête: The Venice of the South of France around Mont St.Clair
Bezier: Birthplace of Pierre-Paul Riquet , builder of the Canal du Midi, founded as a city of Gaul, still shows itself today with buildings steeped in history
Aigues-Mortes: A medieval town on the edge of the Camargue with imposing ramparts and its famous Constance tower, which served as a prison for the Huguenots.
Camargues: Pristine marshes, huge salt marshes, primeval pastures and vast sand dunes, wild horses and pelicans

“Very cozy house in the heart of the Cevennes with a great view over the valley. Very quiet location. River for swimming by car 5 min. A very relaxing holiday. Gladly again"

Miriam

The Cévennes - a forgotten region in the south of France

Southern charm with a special history