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THE SOUTH FRENCH CEVENNES
The rich nature
of the National Park in the South of France, in the steep and wild Cevennes and
situated only 55 miles from the Mediterranean, offers lots of possibilities for
an agreeable stay throughout the year.
There are lots
of described and/or indicated walks or bike trips, and several possibilities to
rent a canoe, a donkey or a horse. You can explore the caverns or go parasailing
while cities like Nîmes, Avignon, Anduze, Arles, Uzes, Florac or Vezenbre are
within an one or two hours drive distance.
The three
different territories (the schist, the granite and the chalk plateaus) are all
within a 20 miles radius and they offer a wide variety in landscape, fauna,
flora and architecture. |
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We live on the edge of
the National Park of the Cevennes which means
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beautiful views
which change with every corner
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the silence that
is not broken by traffic or other noises
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Eagles, wild
boars, buzzards, foxes, does, badgers, martens, cerfs, owls, woodpeckers,
squirrels etc with a bit of luck you can see them on or just outside the
campsite.
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Wild orchids,
thyme, mint, all kinds of campanula’s, the poet narcissi with their heavenly
smell, you’ll find them growing everywhere.
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The chestnut, the
diet’s main staple of former days, flowers splendidly in late spring and
embaumes the campsite with its heady perfume.
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In autumn you can
enjoy the many autumn colors, the many edible mushrooms and evidently the
delicious chestnuts.
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In winter the
bones of the land show themselves with all the man-made terraces, the old
paths, the rocks and the countless tiny mountain brooks;
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Spring is
vigorous, breath taking and glorious, you can practically see the grass
grow.
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In summertime, the
living is easy, nice and warm with the typical sound of the “cicades”
We live in the “real”
Cevennes, the schist part with its steep valleys, 20 miles north you arrive in
the , comparatively, more gently rolling, granite of the Mont Lozere, and 20
miles to the east you will be impressed by the chalk plateaus near Florac with
the Gorge du Tarn winding its way , way down below, towards the sea.
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Nice cities to visit
at about an hours drive:
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Nîmes has
interesting Roman vestiges like the famous arena
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Anduze is a small
rather touristic town but still nice and the bamboo gardens next to it are
certainly worth the journey.
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The little steam
train St Jean du Gard- Anduze et vice versa is appreciated by children
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Vezenobre, a tiny
mediaeval “town” has an interesting fig festival in autumn
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Uzes the old duke
town has a totally different feeling
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Avignon in summer
is where it’s all happening: music dance and theater, either inside or out
on the streets
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Florac is alive in
summertime, St Enimie is only a bit further on and while you are in the
neighborhood, make a little detour to Fages , a tiny but interesting hamlet
and the small waterfall at Runes
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Other towns a bit
further on, at a two hours drive, like Montpellier, Arles or Sommieres are
also worth a visit at
In
the National Park itself are many short and commented walks, explaining
different topics, like the vultures, the megalithic tombs, the menhirs, the silk
worm raising industry, and evidently about the various wildlife and vegetation.
Near us you can visit an old restored castle St
Pierre at St Germain de Calberte and the castle near Portes. Different caves
like the Grotte de Trabuc or the Aven Armand are at an hours drive.
At 1,5 hours drive you find the very amusing and
interesting arty discovery Park, le Vallon de Villaret, where not only kids but
grown ups too can pass a very agreable day. Definitely not to be missed.
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La
Combe de Ferrière
