The park is home to diverse wildlife, including several emblematic species such as the Griffon vulture, which was successfully reintroduced in the 1970s. Other notable species include the European mouflon, red deer, and wild boar. The park provides habitat for over 130 breeding bird species, including the short-toed eagle and black grouse. Wolves have naturally returned to the area in recent years, while the streams harbor otters and rare freshwater pearl mussels. The park also supports significant populations of butterflies and insects, with over 2,000 species recorded.
The park boasts exceptional botanical diversity with over 2,300 plant species, representing about 40% of France's flora. The vegetation varies dramatically with altitude and exposure, from Mediterranean species like holm oak and olive trees in the valleys to subalpine plants on the highest peaks. The park is famous for its chestnut forests, known locally as châtaigneraies, which have been cultivated for centuries. Rare and protected species include the Cévennes violet and various orchid species. The park's meadows burst with wildflowers in spring, while the autumn brings spectacular displays of golden chestnut and beech forests.
The park's geological foundation consists primarily of granite and schist formations in the higher regions, with limestone plateaus (causses) dominating the southern areas. This diverse geological makeup has created dramatic landscapes including deep gorges, sharp ridges, and vast plateaus. The famous Mont Lozère, the highest point at 1,699m, is composed of granite, while the Aigoual massif features metamorphic rock. The limestone areas are characterized by extensive cave systems, sinkholes, and underground rivers, forming a remarkable karst landscape. The collision of the Massif Central with ancient seabeds has resulted in the distinctive folded and faulted terrain visible today.
The Cévennes has been shaped by human activity for over 5,000 years, with a rich history of Protestant resistance during the religious wars of the 17th and 18th centuries. The region was a stronghold of Huguenot resistance, with many hidden temples and secret meeting places still visible today. Traditional agriculture, particularly silkworm breeding and chestnut cultivation, played a crucial role in the area's development. The landscape bears testament to centuries of agro-pastoral activity, with distinctive terraced fields and drywalls (bancels) dotting the hillsides. In 1970, the area was designated as a National Park, and in 2011, the Causses and Cévennes were recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site for their cultural landscape.
Key attractions include the spectacular Gorges du Tarn, one of Europe's deepest canyons, and the granite summit of Mont Lozère offering panoramic views. The Corniche des Cévennes provides dramatic vistas along its winding route. The park features numerous prehistoric sites, including megalithic monuments and cave paintings. Traditional architecture includes distinctive stone houses, silk mills, and Protestant temples. The extensive network of hiking trails includes the famous GR70 (Robert Louis Stevenson Trail) and GR7. The park is also known for its dark sky reserve status, offering exceptional stargazing opportunities, and its sustainable tourism initiatives, including eco-lodges and organic farms.
The Cévennes region experiences a unique climate influenced by Mediterranean, continental, and mountain weather patterns. Summers are generally warm and dry with temperatures ranging from 20-30°C (68-86°F), while winters can be cold and snowy, especially at higher elevations where temperatures can drop below freezing. The area is known for its dramatic weather events, including the Cévenol episodes - intense autumn rainfall that can cause sudden flooding. Spring and fall offer mild temperatures ideal for hiking, though weather can be unpredictable. The park's varying elevations (200-1,700m) create distinct microclimates, affecting both wildlife and vegetation patterns.
France
44.2830°, 3.7670°
1970
937
The Cévennes National Park is known for its diverse landscapes including mountains, forests, and plateaus. It is one of the few inhabited national parks in France, with traditional farming still practiced. The park is recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage site and Biosphere Reserve.