Back in the 9thC, Lozère was actually part of Aquitaine until 814 when Louis the Pious (son of Charlemagne) divided his kingdom for his three surviving sons. Powerful fiefdoms emerged, among the best known of which was the County of Gévaudan. In 1166 Alfonso II, King of Aragon (in Spain), inherited Gévaudan. Local nobility took advantage of a distant monarch to give themselves titles and to acknowledge their Bishop as sovereign. They built fortresses for protection and to show the locals who was boss! Vestiges of these castles form an important part of Lozère’s heritage.

The pleasure of little 'discoveries', old and new

Major old trade roads have for over 1000 years crossed the Lozère highlands of Languedoc. So too Pilgrim routes to Santiago de Compostela, and Pilgrim routes down to the Mediterranean and the Holy Land. If you’re fascinated by historic anecdote and little known events, your curiosity will be amply rewarded in this secret corner of France where time seems so often to have stood still. See our holiday suggestion below.

See historic Mende, jewel of Pilgrim
towns on the Chemin St-Jacques

There’s still a medieval feeling about Mende, capital of Lozère and well positioned right in the centre of the county. The stunning Gothic Cathedral (15thC to late 19thC) presides over the atmospheric old town with its cobbled streets; the 12thC bridge over the River Lot is an architectural masterpiece, with 3 arches and 2 bows. This little ‘medieval city’ on the Pilgrim Way to Santiago de Compostela bustles with shops and festivals.

Thermal Spas or Health Spas

France has never lost the popular, age-old tradition of health spas. The natural spring waters at Bagnols-les-Bains (800m high on the slopes of Mont Lozère) have been popular since Roman times. You can today enjoy all the health-giving benefits of an authentic spa in modern comfort. Pamper yourself.

There are Thermal Spas too at La Chaldette. In the 12thC pilgrims on their way to Santiago de Compostela would stop here to benefit from the healing powers of the thermal waters. Like Chaudes-Aigues in nearby Cantal, the natural hot springs at La Chaldette arise out of the volcanic subsoil.

From Roman to Romanesque

As you cross the little village of Lanuéjols you’ll be surprised to come across the remains of a 3rdC Roman Mausoleum built by the town’s then ‘master’, Julius Bassianus in memory of his two sons. Lanuéjols also has a delightful 13thC & 15thC Romanesque church. In nearby Vitrolles (3km), the restored fountain once served to keep milk cool!

The Hundred Years War (1337-1453)~
and Cévennes Uprising (1702)

These two historic episodes link the histories of Britain and Lozère. Many battles of the Hundred Years War were fought in Lozère. The King of England, descendant of William the Conqueror, already ruled large swathes of France and wanted more. Edward III was son of Eleanor of Aquitaine and when the French King died without heir in 1328, Edward felt his claim to Aquitaine was justified.

It was in peaceful Lozère, believe it or not, that the Cévennes Uprising took place following the assassination of an anti-Protestant cleric by the Camisards (Calvinist Partisans). The Camisards had close links with the Scottish Covenanters. Huguenot and Protestant influences remain strong today.

Trekking and welfare in Lozère - France 7 days / 6 nights From 500€ /pers. Enjoy trekking in our famous natural regions and amazing landscapes: Mont Lozère, Cévennes, the Lot Valley. You will discover the treasures of our country and landscapes by walking at your own rhythm toward secured paths. Everyday, you will choose your itinerary, receive the free guide book and maps to follow your way and have an excellent picnic meal for your lunch break. Francis and Laurent will be pleased to assist you in your itinerary choice and selection. When you will return from your day-walk, you will enjoy welfare programs at the welfare centre of Bagnols-Les-Bains (indoor active pool, outdoor warmed pool, hammam, jaccuzzi, sauna). You will be accommodated in twin or triple rooms and will benefit of all the hotel Chemins Francis amenities (indoor swimming pool, sauna, relaxation room). The price includes the full board accommodation at the hotel Chemins Francis (with picnics for each or your treks), the free treks (easy to medium level), 3 access to the welfare centre (towel and bathrobe provided), guide books and maps. Please contact our central reservation office directly +33 466 48 48 48 or take a look at our website www.lozere-resa.com.