Parc National des Cévennes is a vast protected area in southern France known for its rugged mountainous landscapes, diverse wildlife, and rich cultural heritage. It offers a variety of outdoor activities including hiking, wildlife observation, and exploring historic villages.
Established in 1970, Parc National des Cévennes covers part of the Cévennes mountain range in the Massif Central of southern France. It stretches over a region characterized by steep granite peaks, deep valleys, chestnut forests, and Mediterranean maquis. The park is notable for its unique ecological diversity, which includes endemic plant species and habitats supporting wildlife such as mouflon, roe deer, and the rare Bonelli’s eagle. Historically, the area holds significant cultural importance as a center of Protestant resistance during the 18th-century Camisard revolt and features traditional chestnut cultivation practiced for centuries. Visitors to the park can explore an extensive network of hiking trails including segments of the famous GR70 (Robert Louis Stevenson Trail), offering varied terrain from forest paths to panoramic ridgelines. Key landmarks include the Mont Lozère, the highest peak at 1,699 meters, and the picturesque village of Florac, which serves as the park’s visitor hub. The Cévennes also offers opportunities for mountain biking, horseback riding, fishing, and river activities. The park balances natural preservation with sustainable human activity, maintaining traditional pastoralism and small-scale agriculture within its boundaries. Various visitor centers provide interpretive exhibits on the area’s natural and cultural heritage, enhancing understanding and appreciation of this protected region.
Mont Lozère – Highest peak of the park offering extensive panoramic views
GR70 / Robert Louis Stevenson Trail – Historic long-distance hiking route
Traditional chestnut groves – Cultural agricultural landscape unique to the region
Camas Valley – Remote, scenic valley featuring rich wildlife and quiet hiking
At 1,699 meters, it provides the highest viewpoint in the park with subalpine landscapes and diverse flora.
Also known as the Robert Louis Stevenson Trail, it traces the path of the famous writer and crosses multiple landscapes and villages.
Traditional, managed chestnut forests which have shaped the region’s history and economy for centuries.