Castelviel

Forest

History and culture

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This ridge path offers exceptional panoramic views over the Trabassac valley, the Corniche des Cévennes and Mont Aigoual: a singular area, where history and landscape merge!

3 points of interest

Flora

Contrasting vegetation

The asymmetry between the two sides of the valley is marked. On the north slope, both deciduous and coniferous trees have established themselves, while the south-west slope is covered in heath and holm oaks. The holm oaks grow in the smallest dip where a bit of soil has collected, all the way up to the ridge at an altitude of 800 m (normally they are not found above 500m). The warm microclimate of these rocky zones, together with their poor and dry soil that excludes most other trees, has enabled the holm oak to extend its natural range.

History

The mystery of the shaped rock

On the summit, a rectangular base carved into the rock may once have been the foundations of a structure built from perishable materials or even from stone. A similar base can be found further down the slope. Tradition dates these to the Hundred Years War (1337-1439). The insecurity that reigned at the time incited people to organise collective means of defence. The establishment of networks of (flame or smoke) signals from towers or elevated spots was encouraged. The lords of Anduze are said to have organised such a network from Anduze to Florac, with Castelviel Rock as a link in that chain.
The story also goes that these shapes are the foundations for the pillars of a bridge linking the Serre des Potences, built by fairies who were tired of having to cross the valley to meet up. However, digging soon struck them as being even more tiring than walking!

Fauna

The raven

You may spot a raven here. This member of the crow family, whose wing span exceeds 1 metre, is a mountain bird; its presence is linked to rocky areas. It builds its nest in a cliff that is inaccessible to predators. It hovers like birds of prey and can even fly upside down. You can recognise this carrion-eater by its black plumage and its deep call.

Description

From the parking area, cross the road and take the forestry track opposite.
1) After 600 m, take the track on the right. You walk below pines and clear-cut areas.
2) At the intersection, take the track on the right; at the second intersection, continue straight ahead.
3) Take the leftmost track and cross over to the other side of the ridge.
4) After 1.1 km, the track turns slightly left. Then it changes into a path and veers right (steep slope). Walk alongside the ridge. Be careful: some sections are vertiginous and schist bedrock might be slippery when it is raining.
5) When you arrive at the highest point, take the path on the left to another high point.
6) Continue for 20 metres, until you see the path again (steep section on schist).
7) At the intersection, turn left. At the second intersection, continue straight ahead. Finally, at the third intersection, turn right onto the first track of this walk. You will reach the parking area after 1.4 km.

Departure : At the pass 2km before Saint-Martin de Lansuscle (D 28)
Arrival : At the pass 2km before Saint-Martin de Lansuscle (D 28)
Towns crossed : Saint-Martin-de-Lansuscle, Molezon, Sainte-Croix-Vallée-Française

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 sturdy shoes and put on a hat. Please close all gates and barriers behind you.

Is in the midst of the park

The national park is an unrestricted natural area but subjected to regulations which must be known by all visitors.

Information desks

Office de tourisme Des Cévennes au mont Lozère

le Quai, 48220 Le Pont de Montvert sud mont-Lozère

https://www.cevennes-montlozere.com/

info@cevennes-montlozere.com

04 66 45 81 94

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Tourism'house and national Parc at Florac

Place de l'ancienne gare, N106, 48400 Florac-trois-rivières

https://www.cevennes-gorges-du-tarn.com

info@cevennes-parcnational.fr

04 66 45 01 14

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.

On site: exhibitions, video projections, events and shop Open year-round

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