The Cévennes: the most beautiful natural landscapes in Occitanie

The Cévennes is a particularly vast area. It's a mountain range that stretches from the Lozère to the Gard, via the Massif Central and the Ardèche and Hérault. It should be noted, however, that the area that is most popular with tourists and the most interesting to explore is in the Hérault, around the Montpellier conurbation. A godsend for Montpellier residents, who can take advantage of an incredible natural area just a stone's throw from the city!

Because of the size of the Cévennes, its climate varies from one region to another. The area of the Hérault that interests us has a Mediterranean climate, but this can be unstable depending on the altitude of the mountains. These are known as Cévennes episodes, or torrential rains that fall in a very short space of time in the region.

The best time to avoid these weather episodes is in summer, but in exchange you run the risk of suffering from the heat. So make sure you're well equipped, with a good water bottle to keep you hydrated and something to protect you from the sun. The best thing to do is check the weather forecast before planning your trip or stay in the Cévennes. This will avoid any unpleasant surprises.

A 300 m canyon, in the heart of the Causses, welcome to the Cirque de Navacelles. This major natural site is a must-see in the Cévennes, and the views are breathtaking. To discover these incredible panoramas, what better way than on foot. There's a signposted 10km trail along the Vis river, so you can explore the area at your own pace.

If you love wide open spaces and want to feast your eyes on them, head for the Corniche des Cévennes. A hike from Saint-Jean-du-Gard to Florac should satisfy your desire for nature. Don't miss the views from Saint-Laurent-de-Trèves or the Col de Saint-Pierre.

For another panoramic view of the Cévennes, head for Mont Aigoual, also known as the summit of the Gard. It rises to an altitude of 1,567 m in the Cévennes National Park. At the summit, in a building that looks like a fortified castle, you'll find the highest manned weather observatory in France.

Situated not far from Alès in the Gard department, Mont Bouquet is a must for exploring the Cévennes. At an altitude of 631 m, weather permitting, you can see Mont Ventoux, Mont Aigoual and even the Mediterranean! It's a great opportunity to see all the different landscapes that make up the beauty of the Cévennes, via a number of hiking trails.