The Roof of the Cévennes (by mountain-bike)

This beetle is a declining, endangered and protected species. It is considered a reliable bio-indicator of environmental quality. An essential link in the proper functioning of forest environments, it likes mature deciduous forests and dead wood. The specific management of the strict nature reserve of Le Marquairès favours its development. Here, forestry is forbidden, and the forest is left to evolve naturally.

The Tarnon is 38.9 km long and has its spring on the Aigoual massif (1,565 m) in the municipality of Bassurels. After its confluence with the Mimente, it flows into the Tarn downstream of Florac. It separates the Causse Méjean plateau from the Cévennes. Upstream of Rousses, the Trépalous flows into the Tarnon. This small river has carved out the Tapoul Gorge, which is famous for canyoning. The Tarnon is a Cévenol river: very abrupt and intense floods can occur during extreme weather events. 

The draille follows the ridge and crosses the Can de l'Hospitalet plateau. This transhumant trail enables the sheep flocks of the plains (of the southern Cévennes and the Crau) to move up to northern Gévaudan (Aubrac, Margeride, Mont Lozère). This draille is only one branch of a larger network along which transhumant livestock still travel. 

A beautiful view onto Mont Aigoual (1,567 m) –  a mountain of winds, fog, snow and rain. Banks of clouds coming from the Mediterranean rub against its slopes and can cause violent precipitation (also called Cévenol episodes). This temperamental mountain is home to the last mountain weather-station in France.