Lozère, the hiking land
Lozère is often referred to as the land of hiking due to its unique geographical diversity, blending the volcanoes of Aubrac with the limestone plateaus of the Causses and the schist of the Cévennes. The landscape is characterised by its wild and sparsely populated beauty, featuring unspoilt expanses where the flora — ranging from dry grasslands to beech and pine forests — is rich and varied. The history of the department is marked by a low population density, which has preserved an intact natural heritage and many famous trails, including the Stevenson Trail (GR®70) and the GR®65 (the Way of Saint James). The fauna is emblematic, with the reintroduction of vultures on the Causses and the presence of large mammals in the forests of Aubrac. This land is thus the ideal place for a complete immersion in nature, far from the urban hustle and bustle.
Lozère: this name may come from the Gaulish word "lausa", meaning flat stone — a pre-Indo-European word adopted by the Gauls. In French, a lauze is a stone slab used to cover roofs. Its composition would be "lausa" + "serre" ("serre" is certainly a pre-Latin term designating an elongated mountain [Place names of Franche-Comté, G. Taverdet] — the Medieval Latin "serra", mountain, is, in this sense, perhaps pre-Latin [Etymological Dictionary of Latin, Ernout and Meillet]).
Lozère is a land of extremes. It is the least populated department in France (72,000 inhabitants), yet it has the highest average altitude. It is the poorest department, accounting for less than a thousandth of national income; conversely, it has the cleanest air in terms of ozone levels. There is no industry in Lozère, except for the Creusot-Loire factory in Saint-Chély-d'Apcher in the northern part of the department, but there are landscapes of great beauty, a rugged relief, and a thousand small rivers teeming with trout.
On the great Causses, on the rounded mountains of Aubrac, on the grassy slopes of the Cévennes, on the ridges of Margeride — everywhere here one breathes an air of eternity. In the evening, as the sun is about to set, as the causse merges with the sky and the herds return home, the visitor cannot help but think of biblical times and feel the soul of Virgil. Lozère is the department with only one traffic light — yet another record, though hardly a handicap.
Lozère is the ancient Gévaudan, and further back still, the pagus Gabalicus of Pliny, whose capital was the Gallo-Roman city of Gabalum, today a small village in the centre of the department called Javols — famous for its archaeological excavation site. A land of hardy people living in a harsh climate, the Lozériens are known for their hospitality and their deep attachment to their native soil. The department's vocation is primarily agricultural; long isolated, it has gradually opened up to tourism despite the narrow and winding roads that are so full of charm. The growing interest in nature has made Lozère an ideal destination for horseback riding and hiking.
For the city-dweller, coming to Lozère is something of an adventure, even if the Beast of Gévaudan met its end one day in June 1767. A land of legends that has not been spared the harshest of realities, Lozère has remained — sheltered from pollution and the great currents of modern civilisation — a fresh, clean, and unspoilt land that does not reveal itself all at once. It is a land that deserves to be discovered; a land that certain economists have called the "French desert." It is a living desert, cherished by all those who long for a week of true rest: the land of happy holidays.
Lozère is a paradise for hikers. With its 7,000 kilometres of marked trails, it offers hiking possibilities for all levels, from beginners to the most experienced. The department is crossed by three mountain ranges: the Cévennes, the Margeride, and the Aubrac. The Cévennes, with their steep terrain, offer grandiose landscapes, notably Mont Lozère, the highest point in the department. The Margeride, softer in relief, is well suited to walking and horseback riding. Aubrac, with its green plateaus, is a land of livestock and deep-rooted traditions.
Lozère is home to diverse fauna and flora. Wildlife includes deer, wild boar, badgers, mouflons, marmots, vultures, eagles, falcons, and owls. The flora is equally rich, with oaks, chestnut trees, beeches, pines, firs, wildflowers, and medicinal plants.
Lozère has a long and rich history. It has been inhabited since prehistoric times and has been shaped by numerous historical periods, including the Gallo-Roman era, the Middle Ages, and modern times. The department has also been the scene of major historical events, such as the Camisard revolt in the 17th century and the French Revolution.
The economy of Lozère rests on three pillars: agriculture, tourism, and craftsmanship. Agriculture is the main economic sector, accounting for around 25% of GDP. Lozère is a land of livestock — particularly sheep and cattle — and also produces cereals, fruit, and vegetables. Tourism is another important sector, attracting many visitors each year thanks to its natural landscapes, cultural heritage, and outdoor activities. Craftsmanship is also dynamic, with many artisans producing local goods in wood, leather, textiles, and glass. Other sectors — industry, commerce, and services — are also present, with industry primarily represented by wood processing, metallurgy, and agricultural product transformation.
Organic farming in Lozère represents an opportunity not only for farmers but also for consumers seeking healthy and environmentally responsible products. By combining tradition, innovation, and respect for ecosystems, organic farmers contribute to the preservation of landscapes and the revitalisation of the local economy. This trend is part of a broader movement towards sustainable and responsible agriculture — essential for the future of farming in France and beyond.
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