The 4,000 Steps
Yellow waymarks6 points of interest
HistoryValleraugue
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.
FloraMediterranean level
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.
- Agriculture
Paturage
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.
- Flora
The evolution of plant life
At the pass stands a schist menhir (standing stone). To the north, in Trépaloup ravine, hewn flint implements bear witness to a human presence in the region since prehistoric times. Palynological analyses (studies of pollen fossilised in peatbogs) have allowed scientists to piece together the plant life on Mont Aigoual from 8,000 to 5,000 BC. Pine predominated, accompanied by birch and hazelnut. Then pine populations gradually diminished. The damp climate warmed up, favouring the spread of oak and hazelnut. Finally, the increased damp and cloud cover at altitude allowed fir and beech to develop. From the end of the first century BC, the substantial percentage of grasses shows that forest had receded in favour of pasture and prairies. This was the start of the great deforestation. - History
A Resistance refuge
In early 1943, the first Resistance group of the Cévennes was formed. The refuge of the Aire-de-côte group was one of the wooden shacks used for forestry works, whose roof was camouflaged using branches. On 10 July 1943, a message warned the post office in Rousses that a German attack was imminent. The Resistance was informed – but a storm delayed the group’s departure. The Germans arrived… The forester was arrested as an accomplice, accused of being in radio contact with London. Indeed, the Aire-de-côte Resistance listened to a crystal radio set built by the two Jews who were hiding there. - History
Aire de Côte
Aire-de-Côte farm was purchased by the French State in 1862, during the period of reforestation. Before the farm became a stopover gîte, it was for a long time the residence of the local forester and his family. In the first half of the 20th century, Aire-de-Côte was very different. To the north, behind the house, was the draille (drovers’ road), lined by upright stones and 40 to 50 metres wide. Thousands of transhumant animals passed every year on their way to or from summer pastures. The transhumant animals stopped there at lunchtime, then continued on towards Mont Aigoual.
Description
Signposts will guide you all along this route. In the description below, the signposted place names and/or directions are given in bold italics between quotation marks:
Starting from "Valleraugue - Office du Tourisme", make for "Mont Aigoual" until you reach "Menhir de Trépaloup". From here, you can hike to "Mont Aigoual" via "Mont Aigoual - Sommet" and return the same way. At the crossroads "Menhir de Trépaloup" follow the GR® 6 -7- 66 hiking-path to "Cap de Brion", then join "Aire de Côte" via "Le Coulet". Return to "Valleraugue" via "Le Fageas", "Combe Première", "Le Châtaignier" and "Foyas".
This walk is taken from the guidebook Massif de l’Aigoual, published by the Communauté de communes Causses – Aigoual - Cévennes as part of the collection Espaces naturels gardois and the label Gard Pleine Nature.
- Departure : Valleraugue
- Arrival : Valleraugue
- Towns crossed : Val-d'Aigoual, Bassurels, Saint-André-de-Valborgne, and Les Plantiers
Forecast
Altimetric profile
Recommandations
Make sure your equipment is appropriate for the day's weather conditions. Remember that the weather changes quickly in the mountains. Take enough water, wear good shoes and put on a hat. Please close all gates and barriers after yourself.
Information desks
Tourism & national parc'house
Col de la Serreyrède, 30570 Val d'Aigoual
The Maison de l'Aigoual houses the tourism office Mont Aigoual Causses Cévennes and the Maison du Parc national. This visitor centre provides information on and raises awareness of the Cévennes National Park, its sites and events as well as the rules that must be observed in the National Park's central zone.
On site: changing exhibitions, video projections, Festival Nature events and shop Open year-round
Tourism office Mont Aigoual Causses Cévennes, Valleraugue
7 quartier des Horts, 30570 Valleraugue
This office is part of the National Park's associated tourist-information network, whose mission is to provide information on, and raise awareness of, the sites and events as well as the rules that must be observed in the National Park's central zone. : Open year-round
Transport
Access and parking
D 986 from L'Espérou or Pont d'Hérault to Valleraugue
Parking :
More information
Source
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