The highest peak of the Cevennes nature park, a magnificent mountain range, is called Mont Lozére with a hight of 1,600 m. One of the sparsely populated departments of France is named after it - the Lozère, a haven for nature and hiking enthusiasts. The limestone plateaus (Causses) of Aubrac and La Margeride also offer an unforgettable introduction to untouched nature. In Aubrac, the hiking trails lead through vast grasslands, where cows and sheep are still traditionally grazed. The restaurants here are called "Burons", named after the huts of the herders and guardians.
On the menu, a regional version of the Aligot, originally from the Aveyron but no less popular here, will not be missing. Cheese after? Don't miss the Pélardon, this is one of the oldest goat's cheeses in Europe. If there is still room for a sweet dessert, drink a Cartagène, the wine liqueur of the region. There is also a bubble version: the Pitchoun.
La Margeride Natural Park distinguishes itself with impressive gorges, gorges and rock formations. In the middle of the nature reserve is a wolf park and a reserve where the last European bison live more or less in freedom. In the winter, the area is suitable for cross-country skiing.
The steep rock walls along the tarn - les Gorges du Tarn - are impressive. The source of the Tarn lies at the highest point of the Cévennes, the Mont Lozère. The river is ideal for exciting trips by canoe or kayak. Do moor in beautiful, rural villages such as Sainte-Enimie, Saint-Chély-du-Tarn, La Malène and Le Rozier. Sainte-Enimie in particular is worth a visit. You can stroll through the medieval streets and relax on one of the many terraces. Grab a bite? Le Bel Eté has a good reputation. As well as the slightly more expensive La Tendelle.
Restaurants are present in large numbers in the Lozère. The department may be sparsely populated, but if you like French cuisine, there is nothing short of it. Among the restaurants are many "Auberges". Food is often only served here in the afternoon, usually at mild prices. Also eat "on the farm"; at the Ferme Auberge Gazy in the municipality of Chanac, for example. Eat what the local pot buys and the children can enjoy themselves at the sheep farm.
There is much more to enjoy for children. In Sainte-Enimie they can get rid of their energy in the Utopix theme park and at Bagnols-les-Bains there is a fairy-tale activity park called Vallon du Villaret. Meanwhile, "maman" can be pampered in the spa of Bagnols-les-Bains, which is fed by a hot spring that was already known in Roman times. "Papa" and the older children can venture a piece of rock wall climbing in the Lozère. This venture is called Via ferrata and can be practiced at six locations. From "easy to difficult", but in all cases not suitable for people with heights.
A visit to the Lozère is not complete without seeing its capital, Mende, with its flamboyant Gothic cathedral and charming historic center. There is a market every Wednesday and Saturday morning. In July Mende organizes a large flea market every year and in mid-August the city celebrates four days and nights. In July and August there is a market in Le Bleymard on Sunday morning; on every Thursday morning in Bagnols-les-Bains and on Thursday and Sunday morning in Chanac.