The Cévennes in 8 natural sites between gorges and peaks

A granite massif, gorges several hundred metres deep and caves open to the public: the Cévennes pack in a diversity of landscapes rarely found in France. The national park protects this natural environment from the highest peaks down to the underground rivers. Looking for things to do in the Cévennes with the family, from hiking and swimming to geological discoveries?

Our selection of eight sites will help you plan your days, with a campsite with a water park as your base after all that exertion.

Mont Aigoual: the 1,565m summit and its Climatographe

The highest point in the Gard, Mont Aigoual towers over the massif at 1,565 metres. Its weather observatory, the last of its kind still staffed in France, now houses the Climatographe, a climate change awareness centre that opened after restoration work. From the summit, the 360° panorama stretches all the way to the Mediterranean on a clear day. Seasoned hikers climb via the famous “4,000 steps” trail from Valleraugue, while families tend to prefer the short loops around the observatory.

Visitors’ favourite moment: the panorama that suddenly opens onto the Alps and the sea after the final climb.

Practical information:

• The site straddles the Lozère and Gard départements, reachable by road from Valleraugue or Meyrueis.
• The observatory and its exhibition are free to visit in season, with hours that vary by period.
• The 4,000-steps hike is for experienced walkers only, with a steep elevation gain.

Gorges du Tarn: the limestone canyon for whitewater sports

Between Quézac and Le Rozier, the Tarn has carved out a dizzying 53-kilometre canyon, 400 to 600 metres deep. The river winds between cliffs, ruined castles and hidden beaches, forming an ideal playground for canoeing, kayaking and rafting. From Sainte-Énimie to La Malène, one swimming spot follows another in crystal-clear water. Canoeing downriver remains the top activity for discovering the gorges at water level, at a pace accessible to families.

Visitors’ favourite moment: the boat crossing departing from La Malène, guided by local boatmen.

Practical information:

• The most common starting point is Sainte-Énimie, in the Lozère.
• Canoe rental operators offer routes ranging from a few hours to a full day.
• Swimming is best in summer, in the natural pools scattered along the Tarn.

Grotte de Dargilan: the “pink cave” of rock formations

Nicknamed the “pink cave” for its ochre tones, the Grotte de Dargilan in Meyrueis was the first cave in the region opened to the public, unveiled in 1888. The guided tour covers nearly a kilometre of galleries rich in rock formations, including a famous petrified waterfall. The route descends through a series of large chambers, kept cool year-round. It’s an ideal outing on days of intense heat or rain, when outdoor plans become tricky.

Visitors’ favourite moment: the Pink Dome chamber and its mineral waterfall frozen in stone.

Practical information:

• The site is located in Meyrueis, in the Lozère.
• The guided tour lasts around 1 hour 30 minutes.
• The cave is open from spring to autumn — bring a warm layer.

Abîme de Bramabiau: the underground river of the Bonheur

Near Mont Aigoual, the Abîme de Bramabiau is home to an underground river, the Bonheur, which has carved out a network of galleries spanning eleven recorded kilometres. The visitor route, developed since 2006, covers a very accessible one-kilometre stretch, crossing footbridges and passing waterfalls. The name, which means “bellowing ox” in Occitan, evokes the roar of the water as it emerges from the cave. Children love this discovery, won over by the sound of the river and the coolness of the route.

Visitors’ favourite moment: the roar of the waterfall at the entrance, which gives the site its name.

Practical information:

• The site is located in Camprieu, between the Gard and the Lozère.
• The guided tour lasts around an hour.
• A ticket bought here entitles you to a reduced rate at partner caves.

Maison des Vautours: birds of prey in the Gorges de la Jonte

At the heart of the Gorges de la Jonte, the Maison des Vautours lets visitors observe the large birds of prey reintroduced to the massif. Cameras broadcast live footage from nests built into the cliffs, and a terrace fitted with telescopes offers a privileged vantage point. Griffon vultures soar above the gorges from April to October, the period when they’re most visible. The exhibition traces the story of their return to the Grands Causses, a rare case of successful reintroduction.

Visitors’ favourite moment: watching griffon vultures glide right past the cliff face opposite the terrace.

Practical information:

• The centre is located in the Gorges de la Jonte, on the road from Meyrueis to Le Rozier.
• Vulture-watching is best from April to October.
• Telescopes and an exhibition space are available on site.

Corniche des Cévennes: the listed scenic road

Linking Florac to Saint-Jean-du-Gard, the Corniche des Cévennes follows a ridgeline classified as a scenic route. Originally laid out by royal troops, it now connects the schist heights to the Cévennes valleys through a succession of viewpoints. The route, whether by car or by bike, alternates between moorland, chestnut groves and stone hamlets. Several purpose-built viewpoints invite you to stop and take in the Mont Lozère and the Vallée Française.

Visitors’ favourite moment: the Can de l’Hospitalet viewpoint and its sweeping view down over the valleys.

Practical information:

• The route links Florac to Saint-Jean-du-Gard over roughly forty kilometres.
• You can travel the road by car, motorbike or bike if you’re feeling sporty.
• Spring and autumn offer the finest light over the ridges.

Mont Lozère: the granite landscapes at the park’s highest point

The highest granite massif in the national park, Mont Lozère peaks at the Sommet de Finiels, 1,699 metres high. Its vast stretches of moorland, dotted with granite boulders and traditional villages, guarantee a total change of scenery. The Stevenson Trail, a famous long-distance hiking route, crosses its slopes. In winter, the Bleymard’s Nordic ski resort brings the massif to life, while summer is ideal for hiking and watching the herds at pasture.

Visitors’ favourite moment: the Sommet de Finiels, from where the view sweeps across the Massif Central all the way to Mont Ventoux.

Practical information:

• The main starting point is at the Col de Finiels or the village of Le Bleymard.
• Climbing the Sommet de Finiels makes for an accessible half-day hike.
• The GR70 (Stevenson Trail) waymarking crosses the massif.

Sainte-Énimie: one of the most beautiful villages on the banks of the Tarn

Nestled deep in the gorges, Sainte-Énimie is ranked among the Most Beautiful Villages of France. Its sloping cobbled streets, limestone houses and old monastery tell a long history intertwined with the legend of the Merovingian princess who gave the village its name. It serves as an ideal base for exploring the Gorges du Tarn, on foot or by canoe. The riverside terraces invite you to pause after touring the medieval town.

Visitors’ favourite moment: the view over the village’s rooftops from the viewpoint overlooking the gorges.

Practical information:

• The village is located in the Lozère, at the heart of the Gorges du Tarn.
• Touring the town on foot takes around one to two hours.
• Spring and summer are the best times to combine the village with whitewater sports.

Now you know what to do in the Cévennes, from the summits to the underground rivers. Where should you set up camp to move easily between the gorges and the caves? Book your stay now at a campsite with a water park in the Lozère and enjoy a heated pool to help the whole family unwind after every day of adventure.