Escape to Saint-frezal-d'albuges, Lozère, Languedoc-Roussillon

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.

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.

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.

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.

The first part of the trail is contemplative with only the red wooden viewing frames placed along the path to highlight some key elements of the landscape. Then, 7 illustrated explanatory panels give information on the elements observed. P - At the start sign in the hamlet of Féreyrolles, take the path that climbs to the right. This path leads to a track, turn left, then 250m further on, turn right onto the canal path. Follow the chestnut trail signs. In this first section, continue straight on for 1km. With the 5 red frames, use your sense of observation to identify traces of human intervention in the landscape. At the “Sardoune” theme panel, the path continues downhill to a small road. Turn right and walk 300m. Go down the path on the left until you reach the canal. Turn left and you’ll see a sign marked “le Béal”. Cross the canal and continue along the path on the left. Walk through the chestnut orchards and then a meadow where there’s a third panel with a 19th century illustration of a landscape of the Borne valley. At the end of the meadow, continue on the track, turning left to reach another theme sign entitled “l’arbre à pain” (Europe’s version of the breadfruit tree). After 50m, take the road. To continue along the initial trail, take the road left then, at the crossroads, go right. Walk along this small road for 350m. (For the return trip, you can take the road on your right to get to the Geopark site. If you take this 600m detour, you’ll discover a geological curiosity – “balls” of polished granite that fell onto the riverbed several million years ago).  Take the path on the right to reach a chestnut orchard. Continue straight ahead on the path past the information panel “les châtaignes d'Ardèche”. At the end of the trail, take the road again and head left to return to the hamlet of  Féreyrolles. You can also carry straight on by following the road then taking a small path on your right. This additional 1.5km loop, which takes about half an hour, takes you past a goat farm. Cross the road when you get to the stone cross, climb up to the old canal and go left to return to Féreyrolles.

Built at the foot of Mont Lozère on the Regordane Way, Villefort has developed its own forms of architecture, which make use of both schist and granite. A few clarifications:• To reach Panels 5 (How the village is arranged) and 6 (Paris-Marseille train line), go up Rue du Chazalet and take the first lane on the right. Take a small path (GR 44) that climbs about 50 m to the viewpoint.• To get to Panel 13 (River network), continue along Impasse du Lavoir and take the first road on the left, which heads downhill to the river.

The Montselgues blockfield path makes its way through a wild landscape dominated by the mineral element : granite. This beautiful hike evokes granitic Britanny with a whiff of legend. First, take the road that goes north out of the village, in the direction of Teste Rouge and Pradon. After about 100 m, turn right on a stony path leading to la Borie, 2 km away. You will first have to confront a difference in height of 90 m uphill, then the equivalent douwnhill, and you will see how unlike those two slopes are. On the first part, you will not find any blockfields but, on the contrary, a quiet landscape, very green, with gentle shapes and a moderatly steep gradient. Stone buildings bear witness to old developments : the rocks and walls along the way, the cross, the small bridge, the calade (cobblestone path), the paving on the path made out of grey, pink, yellow granite stones... Once you reach the road leading to la Borie, follow it uphill on your left for about 100 m, then pass the tight bend of the road, leaving the shed on your left. After 20 m, the path leaves the road and passes between the two houses on the right to climb among rocks up to Petit Paris, perched on the top. Go through the hamlet. Just out of Petit Paris, a bench carved out of stone invites you to sit down for a while. The walk continues on a path lined with rocks. After 1 km, you will see on your right one of the most beautiful granite blockfields in the area. A natural treasure less unusual in Brittany or the Auvergne, not to mention the numerous places around the world where the old basement rises to outcrop, on every continent. 500 m after the blockfield, you will go through the Cayres hamlet, a toponym that could mean either angle or remote place. You can pick the meaning you like. Carry on after the farm and take the road (yellow markings) on your left, follow it to the end of the downhill gradient, then take the track suitable for vehicles in front of you towards the ridge. The way back to the village will take you on the ridge of one of the plateau de Montselgues' corrugations, first called Pierre plantée, then Serre de Teste Rouge. The word serre means, depending on the place, an elongate mountain or a high point with gentle or rounded slopes. Once on the road, at the pass, take the tarmacked road that goes directly down to Montselgues, your starting point.

This mas (farm) with its astonishing architecture is the starting-point for a path that plunges into the very particular atmosphere of the Upper Tarn plain.

Ce parcours rejoint le deuxième plus haut sommet de la Lozère: le pic Cassini (1680m). Vue panoramique à 360° sur le mont Lozère, portant jusqu'au littoral et jusqu'aux Alpes. From the car park, take the large path heading due north into the beech forest. The path climbs gradually and enters a forest of creeping pines before arriving at the Col de l'Aigle pass. From the pass, continue due west on the track and then a stony path to reach the peak of Pic Cassini. From the summit, go back down to the Col de l'Aigle by the same route, and then take the path on the left that runs parallel the ridge and forms the limit between the cantons of Villefort and Le-Pont-de-Montvert. Go over a small grassy pass sprinkled with gentian flowers and, in the hairpin bend, go downhill on the track on the right. Walk through the beech forest, then the firs. In the hairpin bend, take the track again all the way down to Mas de la Barque.

This walk passes through very diverse landscapes and lets you explore the complex interactions between mankind and nature.   Start at the Tour de l'horloge (clocktower), cross the bridge over the Tarn and turn right.

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.

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!

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.

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.

A fine terroir cuisine with specialities like all-you-can-eat roast pig on a spit. Large terrace and inflatable games for kids. From May to September, pizzas baked in a wood oven, to eat in or take-away.

Our eatery in the heart of a Cévennes property in Ardèche Mountains Regional Park overlooks the medieval village of Largentière. We'd love to see you in our old farmhouse oozing personality.

The Ranchisses'inn is a friendly restaurant by the river in a beautiful stonehouse. Homemade Ardèche specialties, firewood pizzas and grill cooking... Our cuisine is made with fresh local products.

Marker 10From this high point (above which short-toed snake eagles are often seen), the site of Le Tournel on the rocky spur dominating the Lot Valley, showcases all its strategic power. The surrounding landscape was slowly shaped by human activity, the dispersed settlements favouring the human hold over nature. Mont Lozère’s denuded rounded tops are maintained by the flocks of transhumant sheep that graze here. Crops take up the fertile dips near villages, where farming can be mechanised.

Scots Pines, which have replaced oaks on limestone soils and beech on siliceous soils, cover vast areas. With birches, they are the first to invade abandoned farm land. As a result of agricultural decline, vast heaths of broom – which can live on poor soils – have formed. They are periodically subjected to controlled burns by farmers. This landscape evolves over time, and according to natural and human factors.

Marker 9A few plant species are well-represented near the ruins, such as hoary plantain and mugwort. Among the plants that colonise the almost soil-less stone walls or rock faces are stonecrops (several species, notable for their succulent leaves); saxifrages (three species), which brighten up the rocky outcrops in spring with their white flowers; and navelwort. Trailing snapdragon with its yellow flowers streaked in pink exists almost exclusively in the Cévennes. On top of the tower wall, you will notice two rows of schist stones with rounded lower edges, an exceptional architectural detail. They probably date from the 12th century.

Marker 8The keep and redoubt are defensive elements. Through their massive appearance and their position, they asserted the lords' prestige and power. In the 13th century, the keep was redesigned to have a narrow winding entrance passage and a curtain wall on its west side. The first two floors were each occupied by a rectangular room with a vaulted ceiling and arrow-slit openings. Access from one level to the next was through a  manhole. On the second floor, a wall still carries the imprint of the fireplace that once took up the whole back wall. A  turret built onto the keep contained a spiral staircase that gave access to the third floor.

This tower was probably necessary to fortify the castle during the Hundred Years' War. Its extremely thick walls (1.7 m as compared to 80 cm for the residence) reinforce a corner of the castle wall and served as the last line of defence. They follow the contours of the vertical cliffs. The tower still shows the vestiges of three corbels just above the access door, which must once have supported a bretèche (small defensive balcony). Inside, the floors separated by vaulted ceilings are accessible through manholes.

Marker 6Le Tournel is situated in a landscape that is covered by a network of traffic axes: two drailles (drovers' roads) and the Via Soteirana linking Villefort with Mende. Because of its geographical position, the Château du Tournel was a dominant feature and played a prominent role in monitoring the territory, its people and their movements. The Via Soteirana, a former Royal road, seems to have been crucial for mining operations in the surrounding area. It was also a non-negligible source of income for the castles built at intervals along it, because of the tolls imposed on every user.

Marker 5The similarities in construction between the watchtower and the keep date both buildings to the 13th century. The tower, part of the first settlement of the site, served as the advance defences of the original village. Later it found itself at the centre of the site, and from there protected and controlled the one-road village. Its walls are 1.2 m thick and the closing system of the door – with a sliding bar – can still be seen. Probably damaged during a fire, it was transformed into a dwelling with two storeys, separated by a wooden floor that replaced the destroyed vaulted ceiling. The anchorage points for its joists can still be seen in the masonry.

Marker 2In the 11th century, the King's authority was declining. Secular land-owning lords built fortresses to protect their assets and the people for whom they were responsible. The castrum or castle of Le Tournel was built at an altitude of 1,080 m, surrounded by a loop in the river Lot that is impossible to skirt. It occupies a rocky spur surrounded by sheer drops on all sides except the north. The vertical rock faces of the east and west sides make accessing the castle extremely dangerous. The site itself was the mainstay of the castle's defences, and enabled it to dominate and survey the Lot valley.

The first village was built at the foot of the castle, on the narrow strip of the ridge between the castle and the block of rock that closes off the spur to the south. Thus protected by its inaccessibility, the village was never surrounded by an internal rampart. Its buildings can still be made out in some places, where the rock is shaped into anchorage points, and consisted of small houses built in parallel to the rock faces so as integrate  them in the construction. This original accommodation was abandoned in the 13th century, badly served by its inacccessibility and the strong winds buffeting it. The houses were levelled off, their walls becoming terrace walls.   

From the 13th century on, the local lords preferred the more comfortable Château du Boy while some inhabitants chose the security of the city of Mende over the protection afforded by castles. The steep location of the village, the demographic crises of the 14th and 15th centuries, the plague, and the end to territorial conquest may also explain the gradual abandonment of the site. In the 19th century, only a few houses were still inhabited, and the land was barely used. The one-road village was definitively abandoned in 1930, when today's hamlet of Le Tournel was built along the western slope of the spur.

The restaurant is located in the privileged setting of the hamlet of Gua (road D203) on the banks of the river La Beaume. We propose a traditional home-made cooking with a regularly renewed menu and, out of meal times, a snack menu.

Ardèche terroir cuisine in a panoramic dining room with a view of the Alps and Ventoux Mount. This familial restaurant is popular for its fine cuisine and the chef, Claude Belin, cares about the use of fresh products only.

Nice restaurant in the middle oh the old touristic town, with charming sunny terrace. Meridional and italian food, nice chices... We offer creative, Mediterranean-influenced cuisine to suit all tastes (pasta, fish, meat, vegetarian...).

We offer a "bistro" menu, with our meal salads, burgers, tartars, ribs, entrecôtes... If you fancy an ice cream, a cocktail or a board to share, we look forward to welcoming you on our terrace.

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.

Treat your tastebuds! Traditional hearty dishes. All our dishes are homemade including the jams we serve for breakfast. You will love the chef's exquisite Ardèche cuisine made from garden and fresh produce.

A fine terroir cuisine with specialities like all-you-can-eat roast pig on a spit. Large terrace and inflatable games for kids. From May to September, pizzas baked in a wood oven, to eat in or take-away.

In the garden of a former 18th-century mill, in absolute peace and quiet, the chef offers you one or two different menus every day. The cuisine is based on fresh, seasonal, home-grown and local produce. Open only in the evening. Reservations recommended.

Our eatery in the heart of a Cévennes property in Ardèche Mountains Regional Park overlooks the medieval village of Largentière. We'd love to see you in our old farmhouse oozing personality.

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.

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!

Le Carmel is a former convent built in 1845. It closed in 1972 and reopened as a 26-room restaurant following renovation. 3 minute walk from the centre. Le Carmel has stayed true to the charm and serenity of its initial vocation.

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!

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.

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.

Bois Simonet campsite offers an exceptional panoramic site in the heart of family nature, under the pines, at the gates "Monts d'Ardèche" and 20 km from the listed site of Vallon Pont d'Arc and the Cave of Pont d'Arc (reproduction Grotte Chauvet). Come and discover this little corner of paradise with 45 accommodations The site is composed of 45 accommodations mainly chalets for 4 to 8 people, 7 lodges, 18 camping sites for tents and caravans, 2 heated pools, 3 playgrounds for children, a city stadium. The river "Beaume" and its crystal clear waters is 10 minutes walk from the campsite. Quiet, friendly and family village, not flooded. On site services in season (+ W.E. in May and June): Bar, restaurant, takeaway, pizza, supermarket, games, petanque, table football, ... Breads and pastries on the spot - Press in July and August. Activities in season: ping pong and foosball tournaments, petanque competitions, canoeing, donkey rides in the campsite, kids club, teen club, foam party and 5 evening entertainment a week ... But beware, everything stops at 23 h to respect the rest of each. Accommodation: High-end chalets (telephone, Wifi, air conditioning, dishwasher and television depending on model).

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.