The 4,000 Steps

To begin with, the path is in the holm-oak altitudinal zone. Holm oaks tend to grow on the Mediterranean side of the watershed, where they are plentiful up to an altitude of about 500 m. Here, they have been eradicated to create crop terraces. On the either side of the path, which runs between high walls and has steps that give access to gardens, you can still see these terraces, now invaded by or planted with conifers. Like the holm oak, the tree heath and strawberry trees that are also present are typically Mediterranean species. Plants in this zone are xerophile, meaning that they thrive in dry environments. They are well-adapted because their small and glazed leaves limit water evaporation.

This pastoral landscape was deforested by humans for livestock farming. At altitudes of 800 to 900 m, the conifers and shrubs of the montane zone already make an appearance: Scots pines, spruces and blueberries. Yellow-flowering broom has invaded some areas as a consequence of pastureland being gradually abandoned. The pastures at Estivel and Cazalis are still used by flocks of sheep. In the mid-19th century, the first reforestation efforts on Mont Aigoual led to tensions between farmers and foresters because they imposed changes in pastoral practices. Shepherds had to prevent their flocks from eating the young trees, including on the communal areas where they had previously grazed. Since then, the Office National des Forêts has not carried out any more reforestation either on pastureland or on farmland, and instead favours flocks grazing in the forest, which reduces the risk of fires. 

Valleraugue is believed to derive from "vallis eraugia", the Hérault valley. With its 7,834 hectares, the town extends from the Hérault valley to the summit of Mont Aigoual. Valleraugue is located on an important transportation route between the garrigues and the uplands, and once had up to 4,192 inhabitants (1851). Just over a century ago, in 1907, Abbot Fesquet wrote in his monograph on the village: "The population has been reduced to 2,500 souls. There was a time when it was difficult to find lodgings, says a 1773 town council deliberation. Nowadays, accommodation is plentiful...". In the 2007 census, the population was 1,081.