Mont Aigoual is a paradise for hikers. It offers hiking trails for all levels, from easy to difficult.
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Mont Aigoual is a paradise for hikers. It offers hiking trails for all levels, from easy to difficult. |
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Mont Aigoual, meaning mountain of water ("aygue" = water)
The Mont-Aigoual, a natural gem of the Cevennes. A summit located in the south of the Massif Central, on the border between the departments of Gard and Lozere. It culminates at 1,567 meters above sea level, making it the highest point in Gard and the second highest point in Lozere.
The Mont-Aigoual is a granite mountain range. It is surrounded by forests of Scots pine, beech and oak. There are also meadows, moors and peat bogs. The flora of Mont Aigoual is rich and varied. Among others, there are rare and endangered species such as gentian of Aigoual, wild orchid and hooked pine. The fauna of Mont Aigoual is also diversified. Among others, there are deer, wild boars, chamois, marmots and vultures.
Mont Aigoual is a paradise for hikers. It offers hiking trails for all levels, from easy to difficult. The most popular trail is the "Sentier des 4 000 marches" (Path of the 4,000 steps). It is a 9.8 km trail that leads to the summit of Mont Aigoual. The elevation gain is 1,282 meters, making it a difficult trail. For less experienced hikers, there are many other easier trails. The "Sentier du Pic de Bellecombe" is a 5.4 km trail that offers stunning views of the Cevennes. The "Sentier de la Forêt de l'Aigoual" is a 11.7 km trail that crosses a forest of pines and beech trees. The hiking trails of Mont Aigoual are well-marked and maintained. It is important to check the weather conditions before going hiking, as the weather can change quickly in the mountains.
Mont Aigoual is a place steeped in history and culture. It has been inhabited by humans since prehistoric times. There are vestiges of Roman occupation, such as the Tour de l'Aigoual, and prehistoric sites, such as the dolmen de la Pierre Plantee. Mont Aigoual is also an important place of worship. It houses a Marian sanctuary, the Chapelle Notre-Dame de l'Aigoual, which has been a place of pilgrimage since the Middle Ages. Mont Aigoual played an important role in the history of the Cevennes. It was a refuge for Protestants during the Wars of Religion and a place of resistance during World War II.
The economy of Mont Aigoual is primarily based on tourism and agriculture. Tourism is a major activity, with around 1 million visitors per year. Mont Aigoual offers many outdoor activities, such as hiking, mountain biking, skiing and winter sports.
Extensive sheep, goat and cattle farming is the main agricultural activity on Mont Aigoual. Animals are raised on pastures on the slopes of the massif. Livestock farming is an important part of the Mont Aigoual economy. It contributes to environmental protection and economic diversification.
Traditionally, agriculture on Mont Aigoual is oriented towards livestock farming. Sheep and goat farming is the main agricultural activity, with around 150 farms specializing in this production. Sheep are raised for their meat, milk and wool. Goats are raised for their milk, which is used to make cheese. Dairy cattle farming is also an important activity, with around 50 farms specializing in this production.
Forestry is an important activity on Mont Aigoual. It is practiced by the National Forest Office (ONF), which is responsible for managing public forests. The forests of Mont Aigoual are mainly composed of Scots pine, beech, and oak. The ONF manages these forests in a sustainable way, by ensuring their conservation and their reasoned exploitation.
The main forestry activities on Mont Aigoual are:
Planting and regeneration of trees: The ONF plants trees to renew forest stands and to create new forests.
Tree felling: The ONF cuts trees to produce wood, which is used for construction, industry, and heating.
Forest maintenance: The ONF maintains forests to prevent fires and diseases.
Forestry plays an important role on Mont Aigoual. It contributes to environmental protection, the local economy, and territorial planning.
The challenges of forestry on Mont Aigoual are multiple. They concern in particular:
Biodiversity conservation: Forestry must be practiced in a way that preserves the diversity of plant and animal species on Mont Aigoual.
Fire prevention: Forestry must help to prevent fires, which are a major threat to the forests of the massif.
Territorial planning: Forestry must contribute to the territorial planning of Mont Aigoual, by ensuring the sustainable management of natural resources.
Old romantic Hotel, L'Etoile Guest-House is a mountain retreat in the South of France. With a beautiful park along the Allier River, L'Etoile Guesthouse is located in La Bastide-Puylaurent between Lozere, Ardeche and Cevennes. Many hiking trails like GR®7, GR®70 Stevenson trail, GR®72, GR®700 Regordane way, Cevenol, GR®470 Allier River Springs and Gorges, Margeride, Ardechoise. Many hiking loops. The right place to relax.
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