Cévennes National Park: wilderness and preserved heritage

Between valleys, forests and stone villages, Slow Village offers you a slow immersion in a landscape shaped by nature and man in the Cévennes National Park . Classified as a biosphere reserve by UNESCO, this territory is to be discovered with attention and simplicity.

To help you settle in smoothly, our open-air hotel in Anduze offers a peaceful starting point, 60 kilometers from the park, ideal for walking, contemplating and enjoying the greenery.

One of Europe's few inhabited parks

The Cévennes National Park is one of the only inhabited parks in Europe. It is home to Génolhac, a pretty medieval village at the foot of Mont Lozère. Founded in the 11th century, this village bears witness to the history of the Cévennes. Indeed, its narrow streets depict an eventful past, with the Hundred Years' War, the Reformation, the Camisard War... Come and discover!

A biosphere reserve recognized by UNESCO

The Cévennes National Park has been recognized by UNESCO as a biosphere reserve since 1985. This label highlights both the park's natural wealth and the way its inhabitants live in harmony with their environment.Agropastoralism is still very much alive, and has shaped the landscape for centuries. This way of life, based on extensive livestock farming and the upkeep of open spaces, has contributed to the area's inclusion on UNESCO's World Heritage List.

A mosaic of landscapes

Stretching across the Lozère, Gard andArdèche departments, the Parc national des Cévennes reveals a diversity of landscapes. From the granite plateaus of Mont Lozère to the forests of the Aigoual, from the limestone limestone plateaus to the Tarn and Jonte gorges, each corner reveals a different character of the territory. This ecological richness is accompanied by a heritage of buildings such as farms, mills, bell towers... all witnesses to a life rooted in these living landscapes.

Unmissable hikes , bike rides and horseback rides

With over 5,000 km of marked trails, the Cévennes National Park is a paradise for hikers, cyclists and horseback riders. This slow-paced form of discovery allows you to fully immerse yourself in the diversity of the landscape and the spirit of the place.

From family loops to major itineraries like the GR®70 or the 160 km Florac, via mountain bike trails and discovery paths, there's an adventure for everyone.

Wildlife observation

A veritable sanctuary of biodiversity, the Cévennes National Park is home to over 2,500 plant species and a wide variety of fauna. Along the paths, it's not uncommon to spot mouflons, otters, foxes, Bonelli's eagles and vultures soaring over the cliffs.

Forests, rivers, moors and peat bogs provide as many habitats as observation opportunities, with total respect for living things. Rare orchids, mountain butterflies and ancient ferns make up a flora as delicate as it is precious.

Discover Cévennes villages and know-how

Visiting the Cévennes National Park also means discovering authentic villages, each with its own strong identity. From Saint-Jean-du-Gard, the historic heart of Camisard country, to Anduze, via Génolhac, Vézénobres and Alès, each place combines heritage, tradition and art of living.

Narrow cobbled streets, medieval architecture, local markets, fig-growing and Protestant heritage... know-how is passed on, and the local people embody a relationship with the land marked by resilience and local pride.

Nature activities: canoeing, caving, climbing, wild swimming

The Cévennes National Park is an ideal playground for anyone who enjoys gentle or intense sensations, connected to nature. From canoeing in Anduze and Chassezac to cliff climbing , via ferrata , caving in limestone caves, and even wild swimming in rivers, the possibilities are varied and accessible to all levels.

Contemplating the starry sky in an international dark sky reserve

Since 2018, the Cévennes National Park has been labeled a Réserve Internationale de Ciel Étoilé (RICE), the largest in Europe. This label, awarded by the International Dark-Sky Association, recognizes the exceptional quality of its night sky, virtually untouched by light pollution.

The Milky Way and the constellations can be seen with the naked eye, providing magical nights for contemplation. This recognition also promotes the protection of nocturnal biodiversity. Alès, designated a "Ville Porte des Étoiles" (City of Stars), illustrates this collective commitment to a preserved sky accessible to all, for one night only.

Preparing your visit to the Cévennes Park

To fully enjoy the Cévennes experience, it's best to prepare your itinerary in advance. The park, vast and full of contrasts, can be explored slowly, along paths and valleys. Located around 1 hour from the first access points to the heart of the park, our open-air hotel Slow Village Anduze is a comfortable starting point for discovering the Cévennes in the spirit of slow tourism, between greenery, heritage and serenity.

Park access and entry points

The Parc national des Cévennes is accessible via several main roads. From Anduze, you can reach Saint-Jean-du-Gard via the D907, then continue to Le Pompidou via the D9. Alternatively :

• by train: the nearest stations are Alès, Génolhac, Villefort and Mende.
• by bus: seasonal service between Alès and Florac from April 15 to October 31
• seasonal shuttles from the park: from July 7 to August 31, to the Gorges du Tarn and Mont Lozère.

Rules and behaviors to adopt in a national park

The Cévennes National Park is a protected area, classified for the richness of its landscapes and its biodiversity . To preserve it, certain rules apply, particularly in the core area of the park:

• Do not pick plants or disturb wildlife,
• Keep to the marked paths,
• Limit noise,
• Keep dogs on a leash (prohibited in heartland areas, with a few exceptions),
• Do not light fires or camp outside authorized areas.

These simple gestures allow everyone to enjoy the place without impacting its fragile balance .

Practical advice: seasons, weather, equipment

The Cévennes can be discovered throughout the seasons, each revealing a unique atmosphere. In spring , the trails come alive and the rivers soften. In summer , the freshness of the forests and gorges provides an ideal refuge. Autumn is ideal for peaceful walks, mushroom or chestnut picking. Winter , calmer, invites you to retreat, by a fire or on snowy paths.

Bring suitable footwear , clothing to cope with rapid changes in weather , a map or guidebook , and always something to respect nature throughout your trip.

Why visit the Cévennes National Park in slow motion ?

Nature sets its own pace: slow, deep, authentic. Discovering the Cévennes in slow motion means choosing to open your senses, taking your time, and reconnecting with a region that deserves to be lived as much as it does.

Living to the rhythm of the landscapes

In the Cévennes, everything invites you to slow down. Far from the noise and bustle, the trails, villages, and forests provide a setting conducive to observation, listening, and contemplation. Traveling in the Cévennes means taking the time to sit down, walk, and breathe.

Accommodations like our outdoor hotel extend this experience. A way to fully experience the region, in harmony with yourself and the environment.

Adopt environmentally friendly tourism

The Cévennes National Park is a sensitive territory, shaped by centuries of balance between man and nature. Traveling in the Cévennes also means choosing simple actions such as limiting motorized travel, choosing local products, and respecting the trails as well as the flora and fauna.

Adopting sustainable tourism doesn't mean giving up, it means rediscovering: another way of discovering, gentler, truer, more aware.

FAQ – Cévennes National Park

Can we bivouac or camp in the park ?

Bivouacking is only permitted in the core area of the national park, under strict conditions: more than an hour's walk from any motorized access, between 7 p.m. and 9 a.m., with a light tent pitched for one night only. Wild camping , on the other hand, is prohibited throughout the territory.

Are dogs allowed in the park ?

Yes, but with restrictions. In the core area of the Cévennes National Park , dogs are prohibited , even on a leash, to protect wildlife. However, they are allowed in the membership area , provided they are kept on a leash. It is therefore possible to hike with your dog on certain paths, outside the most sensitive areas.

Where to observe animals in the Cévennes ?

The Aigoual and Mont Lozère massifs are ideal for spotting mouflons, red deer, roe deer, and birds of prey like the Egyptian vulture and Bonelli's eagle. The Tarn and Jonte gorges also offer beautiful observation points. For a gentle approach, choose quieter times (morning or dusk) and remain discreet.

What are the most beautiful hikes ?

Not to be missed:

• The GR®70 – Stevenson trail , for an immersion over several days,
• The Runes waterfall , starting from the Finiels pass,
• The 160 km Florac trail , for experienced hikers,
• The Cévennes cornices , with breathtaking views of the valleys,
• PR trails, mountain bike circuits and theme trails complete this varied offering for all levels.

Can we visit the park as a family ?

Absolutely. Many discovery trails are suitable for families, as are some walks around villages or in the gorges. Centers like Le Mas de la Barque or Mont Aigoual offer fun activities, bike rentals, and workshops for children. River swimming , stargazing, or visiting farms complete the family adventure.

Where are the most beautiful viewpoints ?

The park is full of natural lookouts. Not to be missed:

• Mount Aigoual and its orientation table.
• The Finiels pass , on the heights of Mont Lozère.
• The Cévennes ledges , between Florac and Saint-Jean-du-Gard.
• The cliffs of La Jonte , to observe vultures in flight.

These viewpoints allow you to grasp all the grandeur and diversity of the Cévennes landscapes .