Head in the stars

It’s not just about climbing high. Altitude isn’t everything. The peak of Mont Aigoual, at 1,567 metres, is nothing compared to Alpine peaks. And yet, just 70 kilometres from the Mediterranean, here you have unlimited views and the highest manned weather station in France. What more do you want?

The highest point in the Gard is a fascinating site. Extremely hard to reach in winter, where an aerial struggle is fought between ocean and Mediterranean airstreams, often at 28 degrees below zero (Celsius!), and winds measured at over 300 km/h, not to mention wild rain (over 2 metres per year – don’t forget that the word Aigoual refers to water, snow and fog…), it is hard to believe that Mont Aigoual could attract visitors. And yet, that it does. An oasis of refreshingly cool weather in the summer, Mont Aigoual lives among the stars, analyses the weather, and delivers outstanding views over nearly one-fourth of France!

An amazing experience awaits you at the peak of Mont Aigoual. Here stands an impressive château-fort like building which houses the last mountain weather station in France. Inaugurated in 1894, the observatory also has a weather museum which draws over 80,000 visitors each year. Step into the shoes of a Météo-France technician as you visit the temporary and permanent displays which cover 350 m² of space. See the tools and techniques and learn about meteorological phenomena on the many interactive, educational supports. There are also over 800 photographs of Mont Aigoual and a big-screen film that compose a hymn to the wild beauty of nature here.

Mont Aigoual, slated to become the 4-season Nature Pole, is also hikers’ paradise. If you are not ready to tackle the famous 4000 steps which entail 1200 metres altitude change, there are 28 different marked paths to explore. For skiers, the Prat Peyrot family-style ski resort has 14 downhill trails, 60 km of cross-country trails, and snowshoe trails at nearly 1500 metres altitude.

Celebrating the transhumance

Each year in springtime, thousands of sheep leave behind the plains and valleys in the Cevennes to reach the Mont Aigoual highlands where they spend a peaceful summer. Colourful pompoms and tinkling collars embellish the sheep as they begin their climb, creating a luminous, musical sight. Towards mid-June, they pass through the hamlet of L'Espérou, the occasion for a grand celebration. Lots of special events, workshops and demonstrations of local expertise (sheep-herding dogs, shearing, other), local dancing, a shepherd banquet and a great market are all part of the fun. Not to be missed.

4,000 steps