The 20 things to do in Lozère

Want a relaxing holiday in breathtaking landscapes? Direction la Lozère, for a stay resolutely turned towards nature.

Receiving many tourist sites, visiting the Lozère, the least populated department in France, promises an escape in a preserved environment. Divided in 4 geographic areas, Lozère has a large variety of landscapes.

Deep forests, highlands, mountains are crossed by hiking paths that lead you out of the beaten paths. Between caves, waterfalls and zoological parks, discover the best things to do in Lozère!

To discover also :

1. Mende

The department's prefecture is a step for anyone who comes to visit the Lozère. Walk through its historic centre with narrow streets and charming squares. In his heart stands the imposing Gothic cathedral, symbol of the power of the bishops who led the city and the province of Gévaudan.

Also, Mende is driven by multiple paths forming the "Mende Heritage Circuit". You can thus discover the city's flagship monuments by yourself. Don’t miss the pharmacy of the former hospital, the Notre-Dame Bridge and the City Hall. Then take a little height by climbing to the top of the Mende Causse, which offers a breathtaking view.

2. Langogne

Langogne city centre lets you presume the fortified past of the city. The remnants of ramparts that surrounded the church and monastery of the Benedictines are always present. Towers have become homes. The city is built on the shores of Lake Naussac, a real indoor sea of 1,050 hectares. Extend your towel on the beach or indulge in nautical activities such as windsurfing or kite-surfing.

And to visit the Lozère side traditions, direction the living museum of the Filature des Calquières, the oldest in France. The hosts explain to you the transformation of sheep’s wool to the skein ready to knit.

3. Aven Armand

The Armand Aven is an immense cavity dug into the limestone of the Mejean Causse. It is one of the must-sees in Lozère. You'll take a funicular that will lead you 50 meters underground.

The aven is equipped with a sound and light show that guides you during your exploration. During your visit, you will discover some 400 stalagmites and a room so large that it could house Notre-Dame de Paris . You will marvel at one of the largest stalagmites in Europe, more than 30 meters high.

4. Cascade de Runes

This cascade is divided into two jumps and is about 60 metres high in its entirety. You will have to park your car on the parking lot in the direction of the Monvert bridge from the village. Keep walking on the path that leads you to the top of the waterfall, then down.

Count 40 minutes to go/return on a steep road. It is possible to swim even if the water remains fresh all year round. At the start of the trail you will observe a stone with a dragon drawing that bites the tail. The legend says that roaming vikings on Mount Lozère would have engraved it.

5. Dargilan Cave

Don't miss the largest cave in Causses and Cevennes if you're going to visit the Lozère! Located in Meyrueis, it impresses by its size and the beauty of its concretions with very pronounced natural colours. It is thus nicknamed the pink cave, a dominant color that is observed in its various rooms. You will discover the bell tower, the elephant ear or the petrified cascade, unique in the world for its dimensions and colours.

6. Nature reserve of bison in Europe

Go to meet Europe’s largest land mammal by visiting the Lozère! The bison is present in the wild in the north of the continent, but it has been reintroduced into Margeride. Walk in the middle of these mastodones who live in semi-freedom in a park of 80 hectares. You will visit a part of the park on foot, the other in carriage or by train in winter.

It should also be noted that a museum space tells you the history of bison throughout the world.

7. Parc des loups du Gévaudan

In the heart of the Gévaudan, this park welcomes more than a hundred wolves of 5 different subspecies. The purpose of the owners is to change the negative image of the animal. You start your visit with a museum space. It deals with the place of the wolf in the advertisements and in the tales. Documents about the Gévaudan beast are also exposed.

You then enter the animal park or canids are divided into 5 groups depending on their origin. You will observe wolves of Europe, Canada , Siberia Mongolia and Arctic wolves.

8. Medieval town of Sainte-Énimie

The medieval city of Sainte-Énimie is often considered one of the most beautiful French villages and we quickly understand why. On the banks of the Tarn, narrow alleys paved with pebbles lead you from placette to the Romanesque church.

You will visit the village with a lecturer guide or by yourself thanks to an application or a plan. Then take the hermitage path to reach the cave in which the princess Male would have withdrawn. Not far, a promontory offers a beautiful view of the city.

Sainte-Énimie is also the ideal starting point for canoeing tours on the river or hikes. A must if you come to visit the Lozère!

9. La Garde-Guérin

La Garde-Guérin is located in the commune of Prévenchères. Nearby, a route linking the Mediterranean and Auvergne was threatened by the "roads", looters gathered in bands. The Knights Pariers established themselves as an economic and military community to defend the section. Today we visit the tower, the church, the castle, the bread oven...

10. Walk in the boat Gorges du Tarn

From La Malène, embark with professional bworkshops to discover the most beautiful part of the Gorges du Tarn . You will slip through the water between the cliffs, in the most steep part of the canyon. The bworkshop is guided to tell you the history of the place and describe your fauna and flora.

The 8-kilometre ride lasts about an hour, ideal if you are looking for a short activity in Lozère.

11. Hiking on Stevenson Road

Robert Louis Stevenson, author of The treasure island , published in May 1879 Travel with a donkey in the Cevennes . Stevenson's path takes its way through the Lozère, from Puy-en-Velay to Alès. Take your turn in this adventure and explore the landscapes of Gévaudan and Mont Lozère.

No need to walk for weeks, choose a section that interests you and it’s gone! The route passes through several places of interest, and allows to visit the Lozère in an original way.

12. Lac de Saint-Andéol

Lake Saint-Andeol is a glacial lake that served as a pagan worship site 2,000 years ago. It is said that ceremonies were held there, during which people launched offerings in the lake. Amateur and professional archaeologists surveyed the lake to find the fortune.

Today, the site is classified for its fauna and flora special to peatlands. The ruins of a chapel built by Saint-Andeol to stop the pagan ceremonies are located north of the lake.

13. The Cham of Bondons

The Cham des Bondons is a limestone plateau near Florac and Mont Lozère. He presents the second largest concentration of menhirs in France, after Carnac in France Brittany . These menhirs were erected around 3000 BC, and today there are 154.

They are listed by group and arrow paths allow you to discover them during pretty walks. About 30 funeral burial are also on the site.

14. Ascension of Mont Lozère

This hike is one of the best to do in Lozère. It will lead you to the highest point of the department, at 1,699 meters above sea level. From there you will have a clear view to the Alps.

The level of difficulty requires being a confirmed walker. The departure is from the Bleymard, on a 650-metre high. The journey should take you about 6:30, so it is necessary to be a minimum prepared.

15. The park of Vallon du Villaret

This leisure park combines nature, game and art for the greatest happiness of children and the greatest. One of the best things to do in Lozère for good moments of family fun!

The visit lasts 3 to 5 hours, depending on your degree of curiosity. Over 100 surprises await you, through playful experiences and games for all ages. We don't tell you any more so that your adventure is going on at best...

16. The Corniche of the Cevennes by car

From Florac to Saint-Jean-du-Gard, the road follows a journey on the ridges that separate Gard and Lozère. The old royal track allowed troops to move quickly while having a clear view of the surroundings.

Today it has become a tourist itinerary that offers beautiful views of the French and Borgne valleys. At the wheel of your car, make stops to observe the landscapes that offer you. Visiting the Lozère is also taking its time...

17. La Maison des Vautours

Much more than a viewer, the Maison des Vautours is a museum located in the heart of the Jonte Gorges. He tells the story that links these raptors to the Cevennes, and their reintroduction from 1981. Your visit begins on the panoramic terrace, from which you will observe the colony perched on the cliffs thanks to the long views.

Accompanied by a specialized guide, you will then join the projection room. Three cameras installed in a nest, on a perch and close to a feeding area transmit their live images. You will discover amazing scenes of life and the best images filmed in recent years. One of the best activities to do in Lozère with children.

18. Mont Aigoual

At the border between Gard and Lozère, Mont Aigoual peaks at 1,567 metres above sea level. Its geographical location offers a view of 13 departments, to the Alps and the Alps. Pyrenees . You will reach the summit by the famous climb of the 4,000 steps and its 1,200 meters of elevation from Valleraugue.

No panic, a road also allows you to access it by car! You will discover a castle-like building, which houses the last mountain weather station in France. Exhibitions help you understand the work of technicians and the phenomena that make the rain and the good weather. The Mont Aigoual massif is also 28 hiking trails to explore and a ski resort.

19. Archaeological Museum of Javols

The village of Javols is built at the site of the former Gallo-Roman capital of the Gabales: Anderitum. The Javols Museum presents the archaeological discoveries made on the site. An outdoor circuit makes you travel the old city in about an hour.

Explanatory panels tell the story of the excavations and the main points of interest of Anderitum. An application connected to virtual reality helmets also allows you to discover the ancient city as it was at the time. A fun experience not to miss!

20. Gastronomy

To visit the Lozère, it is also to offer themselves gustative pleasures. The products of the terroir are highlighted in the markets of producers and restaurants. Four cheeses benefit from a Appellation d’Origine Contrôlée:

• The Laguiole,
• The Blue of Auvergne,
• The Blue of Causses,
• And Pelardon.

The charcuterie is not left with the salaisons. Taste the doughnut, a speciality based on pork stuffing cooked in crepine. The department shares with the Auvergne typical aligot and truffle, comforting dishes based on cheese and potato.

Also try the Manouls, a bunch of sheep cooked with white wine. Or the Poet, a mixture of pork feet and beef meat simmered in a wine sauce.

Want a traditional dessert? Test the Coupetade, a cake based on prunes and grapes.

How do I go to Lozère?

By car

The car remains the main way to go to Lozère and to move there. The highway A75 between Clermont-Ferrand and Montpellier Go through the department.

From Lyon , you will follow the Nationale 88 that serves Langogne and Mende.

By train

Population density does not allow to have a very developed railway network in Lozère. The cevenol train connects Clermont-Ferrant to Nimes taking one of the most beautiful French railway routes. It serves the east of the department, including Langogne. Mende is connected to Clermont-Ferrand and Montpellier by the TER lines.

By bus

The bus network allows to move inside the Lozère and to the neighbouring departments. The lines link Saint-Chély-d’Apcher to Mende and Millau , Mende in Clermont-Ferrand and Marvejols in Puy-en-Velay.

By plane

Unfortunately, there is no airport in Lozère. It will be necessary to land from one of the neighbouring departments and finish the journey otherwise. Consult Skyscanner to find the best flights, the arrival of which will be in Montpellier, Clermont-Ferrand or Rodez.

Where to stay in Lozère?

La Lozère is full of guest houses, Airbnb and charming cottages that welcome holidaymakers in the middle of nature. You can change your accommodation according to the places you want to visit in Lozère. Mende remains the simplest city in terms of offer and mobility. But staying in a beautiful village like Sainte-Enimie is also an excellent idea.

To find the room that matches you, enter your criteria in a Compare hotels . You'll be sure to find the best prices.