Five outdoor experiences to enjoy in the heart of the Cévennes

South of the Massif Central, between Gard and Aveyron, the Cévennes constitute a little corner of paradise. Outdoor sportspeople in search of pure sensations and raw landscapes find their happiness here.

Dn the south of France, the Cévennes and its corniche, Mont Aigoual, the causses or the Cirque de Navacelles, offer a multitude of outdoor opportunities. While hiking on the Stevenson Trail or mountain biking through the causses, the illusion of being alone in the world increases the pleasure of the effort tenfold. On land, underground, in the air or on the water, unforgettable adventures in the heart of nature await athletes in the Cévennes National Park. Today we invite you to discover five extraordinary Cévennes experiences. They will undoubtedly leave you with lasting memories.

At the crossroads of the worlds

Si summer is a wonderful season to discover the Cévennes, a change of scenery is guaranteed in winter. The snow that falls in abundance gives the vast expanses and magnificent forests, airs of the great north. The sled dogs and their master then offer visitors an opportunity to discover the place in a different way. In the cold winter, such a hike is an experience not to be missed!

In white water

In summer, it is rather the freshness of gorges and canyons that is wanted. And there is no shortage of them in this region with its rugged reliefs. The gorges of Tarn, Jonte or Hérault, are the ideal playground for rafting, kayaking and canoeing enthusiasts. Many rental companies and instructors offer courses adapted to each level. And for canyoning fans, the Tapoul gorges and the Soucy canyon reserve unique sensations.

Hanging on the heights

Then, if you like to climb, walk along cliffs and experience vertigo, the Cévennes are a good choice. To gain height, many climbing spots, but also several via ferrata are accessible in the Cévennes. For beginners, the Via Ferrata des Rousses is a good choice. The more adventurous will find courses that meet their expectations, on the Rochefort via ferrata located in Florac. The gorges of Chasserac also contain dizzying climbing spots. And for even more sensations, several bungee jumping sites exist in the Cévennes. In the heart of the Tarn gorges, on the Alzone or Saint-Georges de Levéjac bridges, the conditions are exceptional.

In the depths

What if you finally succumb to underground exploration? The Cevennes basement is indeed full of treasures that can only be discovered once equipped with a headlamp and a harness. With family or friends, caving is a unique discovery sport. Explorers move through galleries, meanders and magnificent rooms. They thus discovered stalactites, stalagmites, small underground fauna, and sometimes even paleontological remains. From the first steps underground to vertical caving, many formulas exist to satisfy all adventurers!

Under the starry vault

Since 2018, the Cévennes National Park can be proud of the prestigious title of "International Starry Sky Reserve" of the Dark Sky Association. In France, only three sites benefit from this label: the Pic du Midi de Bigorre, the Parc du Mercantour and the Cévennes. They are also the largest dark sky reserve in Europe! If you go through the Cévennes to practice your favorite outdoor sport, do not deprive yourself of this majestic sky so little polluted by the light of human activities. To end your stay in the Cévennes, let yourself be tempted by an exceptional night hike under the starry sky.