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Local activities
Learn French… in the country
In the Cévennes, you can enjoy many sports and activities suitable for all ages and interests.
In this area of rivers, mountains and rocks, there are endless opportunities for walking or hiking, swimming, canoeing and kayaking, cycling, riding and cross-country skiing.
Traditionally, the Cévennes' economy was based on the sweet chestnut tree (for food, timber, heating, tannin), goat and sheep farming, coal mining and silk-worm farming. The last two have disappeared in the 50s' but are still very much part of the area's cultural background.
The nearest towns are Alès, a good shopping town in the neighbouring Gard, and Florac, a pretty little tourist centre, which is the administrative HQ of the Parc National des Cévennes.
Sports and Activities
Because of the diversity of the climate and soil, this beautiful natural reserve is suitable for all kinds of sports and activities such as:
- CANOE & KAYAK Another way of discovering the Gorges du Tarn. The beautiful landscape, the quality of the natural environment and the unpolluted water makes this part of the world a canoeist’s paradise.
- CANYONING This sport, also called aquatic walking, is practised in fresh running water : you dive, slide, climb...
- HIKING Miles and miles of beautiful trails : farming paths, forest tracks, ancient paths of the transhumant flocks, etc …. This is a walker's paradise in all season.
- MOUNTAIN BIKING There are numerous paths which are accessible to lovers of this sport.
- HORSE RIDING There are various tracks for riders, whether beginners or experienced. For a couple of hours or treks lasting a few days.
- WALKS WITH A DONKEY You might prefer to travel, like Robert Stevenson, in the company of this gentle friend with long ears. He can carry your bags or even a small child.
- GLIDING This excellent ecological sport will let you discover the Causses and the Gorges from a great height.
- CAVING AND POT-HOLING Discovering and exploring spectacular underground landscapes, caves, tunnels and pot-holes.
- RIVER RAFTING After heavy spring and autumn rains the rivers can swell to wild streams that you can descend in inflatable boats.
- ROCK CLIMBING Sheer cliffs were created when the Gorges du Tarn & de la Jonte were carved out of the rock.
- FISHING The region is blessed with many kilometres of trout-filled rivers and streams. It offers countless opportunities for fly fishing in stunningly beautiful and varied landscapes.
- WINTER SPORTS The Lozère has almost 400 kms of cross-country skiing trails. There are also other activities such as dog sledging
