L'Oustal Crémat - Trail n°7

3 points of interest

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  History

  Crosses

  This is one of the very many crosses to be found in Lozère, especially in the upper Lot valley. Cross makers, the best known of which is Jean du Born in the 17th century, worked with materials found in the region. For at least six centuries, crosses were erected along paths in Lozère to assume a variety of functions: limit or path markers, memorials, places of contemplation, calvary or pilgrimage site, event, expression of individual or village piety, etc. Over 400 survived the Wars of Religion and then the Terror that followed the French Revolution. The most recent crosses have, since the 19th century, been made of forged iron. Some of them have been fixed on older bases or tree boles.

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  Flora

  Forest atmosphere

  You are walking through a wood where white oak, beech and whitebeam make harmonious neighbours, including some impressive specimens. Further on, Austrian pine predominates, being well-adapted to the schist bedrock, before giving way to fayards (beeches) again. Lower down, along the Rieu Frech brook, you can see firs whose long needles are bluer than other trees’ and point upwards like half-brushes: white or Colorado firs (Abies concolor). They were chosen for their ability to adapt to the local climate.

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  History

  Château

  The little château that you pass was built in the 17th century on the road from Florac to Bagnols. Its tower hides a handsome spiral staircase. For 59 years, this fortified building was the base of the mounted gendarmerie. The stables were on the ground floor. In 1966, the gendarmes moved into accommodation lower down in the village.