The ridges of Mont Lozère, Trail #18.

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A pretty and long circuit, partly in the forest, partly on the ridges, which links the Col de Finiels pass with the bucolic holiday spot of Le Mas de la Barque, via Pic Cassini and charming hamlets. The only slight drawback: the loop is mostly on tracks.

2 points of interest

Carte Cassini du mont Lozère - © Archives départementales de la Lozère
History
Cassini
The first geometrical map of the Kingdom of France was realised, at a scale of 1:864,000, on the initiative of Louis XV. It is known as the Cassini Map. The Cassini family produced four generations of scholars. The first Cassini, an astronomer, began to apply a geodesic system that consisted of measuring the position of a point on Earth using bearings, namely the polar axis and the Equator. His descendants established a precise map of France (180 sheets) by triangulating a large number of bearings, such as Pic Cassini. It was used as a model for France's Ordnance Survey maps and today has practical applications in many fields (toponymy, phytosociology, etc.).
Groupe au Pic Cassini - otcevennesmontlozere
Architecture
Mas de la Barque
The small family ski station of Mas de la Barque was inaugurated in 1968 to meet the expectations of people living locally. But in 1981, there was precipitation but not much snow; in 1982 the winter was mild; 1983 was a very hot year; and 1984 and 1985 were very cold (record: -23.5°C). These climate hazards gradually shifted the station's focus onto cross-country skiing; downhill skiing was phased out from 1994.

Description

The first section is very easy to run, on a forest track, ideal for enjoying the panoramic views.
The second section is on paths with a few more uphill portions, leading to Pic Cassini (1,680 metres) and then back down to Le Mas de la Barque – a magnificent section!
Then another easy-to-run portion on tracks, through beautiful hamlets that are typical for the massif.
After L'Hôpital, the last climb of the circuit, on paths (200m of elevation gain).
Then a few kilometres on the flat – on the former railway – to finish.

Follow the waymarks for trail #18.
Signposts will guide you all along this route, as well as yellow painted waymarks. In the description below, the signposted place names and/or directions are given in bold italics between quotation marks:

From "Col de Finiels", head towards "Pic de Cassini" via "Ancienne voie romaine", "Louzero de Broussoux", "La Peyre Plantade" and "Ravin de la Levade".
At "Pic Cassini", take "Mas de La Barque" via "col de l'Aigle", "Sous la tête de Bœuf", "Bois de Bellecoste".
At "Mas de La Barque", head to "L'Hôpital" via "Sénégrières", "Bellecoste","Mas Camargues",
At "L'Hôpital", return to "col de Finiels", via "Salarials", "Ancienne voie romaine" (GR®7 long-distance path).

This hike is taken from the guidebook Mont Lozère - Pays des sources, published by the Pôle de pleine nature du mont Lozère.

Departure : Col de Finiels pass
Arrival : Col de Finiels pass
Towns crossed : Pont de Montvert - Sud Mont Lozère, Cubières, Cubiérettes, Altier, Pourcharesses, and Vialas

Forecast

Altimetric profile

Recommandations

The summit is often windy – don’t forget your windcheater. Do not attempt this trail during strong fog or strong winds. Be particularly vigilant when there is snow and/or fog.
Caution: livestock guard dogs (patous) in the Cassini area! Seek advice on how to behave near these dogs from tourist offices and National Park information centres.
Before committing yourself to a circuit, ensure that it is suitable for your activity level and ability. Remember that the weather changes quickly in the mountains. Please close all gates and barriers behind you. Stay on the marked path.

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

Tourism office Coeur de Lozère, Mende

BP 83, place du Foirail, 48000 Mende

https://www.mende-coeur-lozere.fr mendetourisme@ot-mende.com 04 66 94 00 23

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

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