Castelviel

3 points of interest

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  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.

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  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!

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  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.