43 584 views

Geography
Lieu	Prat Peyrot Alti Aigoual - Occitanie - France
Latitude	44.1164954
Longitude	3.5410633
Altitude	1420 mètres
Orientation

To know
Owner	Prat Peyrot Alti Aigoual
Camera	Hikvision
Visitors	43 584 visits

Specificity
Format	3K 6 Million Pixels
Category	Mountain

Informations

The Prat Peyrot - Alti Aigoual ski resort is located in the Gard department (30), in the Occitanie region, at the heart of the Cévennes National Park. Nestled on the slopes of Mont Aigoual, it reaches an altitude of 1,560 meters, with a ski area that starts at 1,290 meters. The resort is approximately 1.5 hours from Nîmes and Montpellier, and 2 hours from Béziers and Alès, making it an ideal destination for a winter getaway.

The Ski Area:
The Prat Peyrot ski area spans 13 hectares and offers 10 alpine ski slopes suitable for all levels:

- 4 green slopes: Sources 1 and 2, Ermitage 2 and 3.
- 3 blue slopes: Ermitage 1, Cougourles, Tindelles.
- 3 red slopes: Tindelles, Cougourles.

The resort also has 11 ski lifts (t-bar lifts, conveyor belts, and snow wires) serving 14 slopes, covering a total of 8.5 km of runs. The longest slope is 1.2 km.

Slope Distribution:
- 29% green slopes (beginner level).
- 43% blue slopes (intermediate level).
- 29% red slopes (advanced level).

The resort is equipped with 7 hectares of snow cannons, ensuring optimal sliding conditions throughout the season.

Nordic Skiing and Hiking:
For cross-country skiing enthusiasts, Prat Peyrot offers over 50 km of marked and groomed trails, some of which are approved for national competitions. About 20 km of these trails are regularly maintained to ensure the best possible experience.

Snowshoeing and hiking enthusiasts have access to three marked loops:
- Green trail "Sapinière": Ideal for families with children.
- Blue trail "Point Sublime": Offering exceptional panoramic views.
- Red trail "Observatoire": Exclusively for snowshoes.

Additional Activities:
The resort features two secured toboggan runs: one directly at the resort and the other at the Espérou village.

Services and Dining:
A restaurant, "Le Chalet", offers a self-service with daily specials and menus.
⚠ There is no equipment rental on-site. All equipment (skis, snowboards, snowshoes, toboggans) must be rented at the Espérou village, the last stop before reaching the resort.

Conclusion:
The Prat Peyrot - Alti Aigoual resort is the perfect destination for an authentic and friendly experience. Located in the heart of the Cévennes, it offers a preserved natural setting, ideal for families and those passionate about skiing, snowshoeing, or hiking.

Parc National des Cévènnes

The Cévennes National Park is located in the southern part of France, in the Occitanie region, spanning parts of the Gard, Lozère, and Ardèche departments. This park covers an area of over 300,000 hectares and is a protected UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognized for its outstanding biodiversity and cultural significance. The park is famous for its rugged mountain landscapes, deep valleys, and traditional villages that showcase the heritage of the region.

Natural Beauty and Geographical Features:
The Cévennes National Park is home to a diverse range of ecosystems, from dense forests to rocky cliffs, gorges, and river valleys. The Mont Lozère, which reaches an altitude of 1,699 meters, is the highest point in the park, offering breathtaking panoramic views. The park’s varied landscape provides habitats for a range of wildlife, including wild boars, deer, and numerous species of birds. The Tarn Gorges are particularly famous for their dramatic cliffs and crystal-clear waters, drawing visitors for hiking, kayaking, and exploring.

Flora and Fauna:
The Cévennes National Park is a haven for biodiversity, with over 2,000 species of plants and 250 species of birds recorded within its borders. The park is home to protected species, such as the Golden Eagle, Griffon Vulture, and the European Otter. The flora includes Mediterranean species like lavender and thyme, and Alpine species that thrive in higher altitudes. It’s also known for its chestnut trees, which were historically a staple food for the region’s inhabitants.

Activities and Outdoor Pursuits:
The Cévennes National Park offers a wide variety of activities for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts:

- Hiking: The park has an extensive network of marked trails, including the famous GR7 and GR6 routes, offering access to stunning views and remote villages.
- Canoeing and kayaking: The Tarn River and its gorges are ideal for canoeing, offering scenic views of cliffs and valleys.
- Mountain biking: There are numerous trails for cycling and mountain biking, ranging from easy paths to more challenging routes for experienced riders.
- Wildlife watching: The park is an excellent destination for birdwatching, especially for those hoping to see the rare Griffon Vultures and Golden Eagles.

Cultural Heritage:
In addition to its natural beauty, the Cévennes National Park is rich in cultural heritage. The region has a long history of agriculture, particularly in the cultivation of chestnuts, which were once the region’s primary food source. Visitors can explore the traditional stone-built villages, including Le Pont de Montvert and Meyrueis, and see the remains of the silk industry, which flourished in the region in the 18th century. The Protestant history of the area is also notable, particularly during the Religious Wars, and the park is home to several Protestant temples and historical sites related to the Camisard rebellions.

Conservation and Protection:
As a National Park, the Cévennes is committed to preserving its natural and cultural heritage. Sustainable tourism is promoted, and visitors are encouraged to respect the environment while exploring the park. The park is managed by the Cévennes National Park Authority, which works to protect its biodiversity, support local communities, and promote responsible outdoor recreation.

Conclusion:
The Cévennes National Park is a remarkable destination for those looking to experience both the natural beauty and the cultural history of southern France. With its diverse landscapes, rich biodiversity, and charming villages, it offers a unique opportunity for outdoor activities, historical exploration, and environmental education. Whether you're hiking in the mountains, kayaking in the gorges, or exploring the region’s cultural sites, the Cévennes National Park provides an unforgettable experience.

Val d'Aigoual

Presentation

Le Val-d'Aigoual is a commune located in the Gard department, in the Occitanie region, at the heart of the Cévennes National Park.
Created in 2019 by the merger of the villages of Valleraugue and Notre-Dame-de-la-Rouvière, it covers an area of 113 km² and has around 1,000 inhabitants.
Nestled in an exceptional natural setting, the commune is dominated by Mont Aigoual, which reaches an altitude of 1,567 meters and serves as a major geographical landmark of the Cévennes.

Climate of Val-d'Aigoual:
The climate of Val-d'Aigoual is typically mountainous, influenced by the proximity to the Mediterranean.
This climate leads to harsh winters, with temperatures often dropping well below zero and regular snowfall, especially on the heights where the Prat Peyrot ski resort is located.
In summer, temperatures remain pleasant, usually ranging between 20 and 30°C, while the nights maintain a certain freshness, characteristic of high-altitude areas.
The region is also known for its heavy rainfall, reaching up to 2,000 mm per year, making Mont Aigoual one of the wettest places in France.
These rainfall levels are particularly notable during Cévenol episodes, intense weather phenomena that can lead to significant flooding.
The summit of Aigoual is also one of the most windy locations in the country, with gusts occasionally exceeding 150 km/h.

Natural Territory:
Val-d'Aigoual is a territory where nature reigns supreme.
Its varied landscapes, alternating between chestnut and fir forests, wild rivers, and high-altitude meadows, make it a favored destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
Hiking holds a central place here, with iconic trails such as the 4,000 steps path, connecting the village of Valleraugue to the summit of Mont Aigoual, offering an exceptional panorama of the Cévennes and, on clear days, extending all the way to the Mediterranean.
Cycling enthusiasts also find their happiness with the ascent to Aigoual, a legendary route of the Tour de France.
In winter, the Prat Peyrot resort allows for the practice of alpine and cross-country skiing, as well as snowshoe hiking.

Historical and Cultural Heritage:
Beyond its preserved natural setting, Val-d'Aigoual boasts a rich historical and cultural heritage.
The village's history is marked by the cultivation of the chestnut tree, known as the "bread tree" because it was once the staple food for the Cévennes population.
The remains of mills and old spinning factories also recall the region's textile past.
The Saint-Martin Church of Valleraugue and the Protestant temple testify to the religious heritage and the Wars of Religion that shaped the identity of the Cévennes.

Ecotourism and Astronomy:
The commune is also focused on ecotourism and promoting local craftsmanship.
Producer markets, held throughout the year, highlight regional specialties such as honey, mountain cheeses, and artisanal charcuterie.
Val-d'Aigoual also benefits from a very clear sky, as part of the Cévennes International Dark Sky Reserve, making it an ideal place for astronomical observation.

Conclusion:
Combining mountain climate, wild landscapes, and local traditions, Val-d'Aigoual is an authentic territory where preserved nature and Cévennes culture blend together.
Whether for hiking, skiing, stargazing, or simply enjoying the peace and fresh air, this village offers a complete immersion in one of France's most beautiful natural spaces.