Discover the wonders of Lozère, a treasure trove of nature and history. With its museums, fun-filled activities, caves, wildlife parks and picturesque villages, Lozère offers a wide range of activities for everyone, whether you’re travelling alone, with your family, as a couple or with friends. Every corner of the department reveals must-see sites that promise wonder and relaxation in an exceptional natural setting. Enjoy a unique experience in Lozère, where culture, cuisine and adventure come together to enrich your stay.

Underground explorations

A tour of the Aven Armand

The Aven Armand

Explore the Aven Armand, a hidden natural gem in the Causse Méjean. This exceptional site is home to the world’s largest stalagmite, a natural wonder rising to a height of 30 metres, rivalling nature’s masterpieces. But that’s not all: Aven Armand also invites you to discover its ‘great hall’, an underground space so vast that Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris could fit inside it.

Accessible via a modern funicular railway, your descent into the depths of the Earth will reveal a hidden world, a natural sanctuary where time seems to have stood still. Whether you’re looking for shelter from the rain or a cool spot on a summer’s day, the Aven Armand offers the perfect setting for an unforgettable family outing.

Young and old alike, get ready to be amazed and discover ancient secrets and spectacular limestone formations. For the more adventurous among you, why not try abseiling and enjoy a truly unique experience?

3,000 caves in Lozère

As a karst region, Lozère is home to numerous caves, some of which are world-renowned. The deepest is the Aven de la Chéminée (401 m), whilst the longest is the Grotte de Malaval (12,000 m).

Dargilan Cave

Just like a character from a Jules Verne novel, set off on an extraordinary adventure into the depths of the Earth.

Whether with family or friends, come and discover the mysteries of this exceptional underground site. Known as the ‘Pink Cave’, the Dargilan cave is situated on the Causse Noir. It invites you to admire limestone formations in warm colours and with enchanting shapes. Throughout its 1,200-metre-long passageway, you’ll be transported back in time to the heart of magnificent chambers.

The specially designed trail offers safe access to all visitors. A dried-up river, columns, petrified waterfalls, drapery formations, stalactites and limestone organ pipes await your amazed gaze! A non-stop spectacle all the way to the cave’s exit, which opens out onto the panoramic view of the Gorges de la Jonte.

A visit to Dargilan Cave
A visit to Dargilan Cave, © Aurélien Desmiers

Encounters with wildlife

Viewing platform at the Vulture Centre
Viewing platform at the Vulture Centre, © Aurélien Desmiers

The House of Vultures

Marvel at the majestic vultures – true giants of the skies with a wingspan that can exceed 2 metres – in their natural habitat in the heart of the Gorges de la Jonte. The Maison des Vautours offers you an exceptional vantage point from which to observe the four subspecies of these fascinating birds of prey as they soar overhead in a breathtaking aerial ballet.

Come and discover the fascinating world of vultures in a spectacular natural setting, where these guardians of the skies await you to share their world. Whether you’re a birdwatching enthusiast looking for a unique experience in the great outdoors, or simply curious to learn more about these impressive creatures, the Maison des Vautours is the place for you. Immerse yourself in the tranquillity of the Gorges de la Jonte and marvel at the grace and power of these remarkable birds.

Réserve des bisons d'Europe

The European Bison Reserve

Immerse yourself in the wild world of the European Bison Reserve, nestled at an altitude of 1,400 metres in Margeride. Come and admire these imposing ‘giants of nature’, with their thick coats and impressive stature, weighing up to 800 kilos and measuring up to 3 metres in length. Bison are the largest land mammals on our continent, offering a fascinating spectacle in their natural habitat.

The European Bison Reserve offers a unique immersive experience, allowing visitors to observe these majestic creatures up close, on foot, by horse-drawn carriage or on a magical sleigh ride during the winter. It is an exceptional opportunity to connect with nature and discover the European bison in its natural habitat – an unforgettable experience for all wildlife lovers.

Embark on an adventure in the heart of the wilderness and discover the beauty and majesty of the European bison, a treasure of our natural heritage that must be preserved.

The Gévaudan Wolf Park

Discover the famous Gévaudan wolves, true icons of the Margeride, living in semi-freedom in a natural setting. In the heart of this wild region, observe wolves from Siberia, Poland and Canada.

A visit to the Gévaudan Wolves Park is an opportunity to learn more about these fascinating animals, their history, their behaviour and the conservation efforts being made to protect them. It is an educational and entertaining outing, enjoyed by children and adults alike.

The reserve also offers a unique immersive experience, giving you the chance to sleep alongside the wolves in one of the park’s specially fitted dens. This overnight experience allows you to hear the legendary howl of the wolves, a sound that echoes like a wild and mysterious call.

The Gévaudan Wolves
The Gévaudan Wolves, © Aurélien Desmiers

Key figures

90 %
of the total area of the Lozère department has remained in its natural state!
2024 h
of sunshine a year – the same amount as in Toulouse!
19700 beehives
Welcome the pollinators that are essential to our biodiversity!
Przewalski's Horses

Przewalski’s Horses

On the wild Causse Méjean plateau, a unique conservation adventure is unfolding thanks to the commitment of the Takh charity. Here, the Przewalski’s horse – a rare and fascinating species rediscovered by Colonel Nikolai Przewalski in Mongolia in the late 19th century – finds refuge and hope for survival.

The Przewalski’s horse conservation project on the Causse Méjean offers visitors a unique opportunity to connect with this living heritage. Come and explore the Causse Méjean and witness the beauty of the Przewalski’s horse in its natural habitat.


Fun family adventures

The boatmen of the Gorges du Tarn

Discover the timeless charm of the Gorges du Tarn, a landscape of untamed beauty where sheer cliffs meet tranquil waters. Since the 14th century, the inhabitants of this spectacular region have adopted a unique means of transport: travelling by boat. This age-old tradition, which was in danger of being forgotten following the opening of the Gorges du Tarn road in 1905, still survives today thanks to the unwavering passion of the local boatmen.

The boatmen do more than just navigate; they are your storytellers, sharing anecdotes and expertise passed down from generation to generation. Your adventure through the Gorges du Tarn will be filled with discoveries and wonder, sparking your imagination at every turn. Are you ready to become a passenger and experience this sense of wonder for yourself? The Gorges du Tarn await you for an unforgettable experience, where history, nature and adventure come together.

Boatmen in the Gorges du Tarn
Boatmen in the Gorges du Tarn, © Thibaut Vergoz

There are thousands of ways to explore the Gorges du Tarn, but here’s a rather unusual one: by boat. And not just any old boat! Because here, it’s the boatmen who call the shots! They’ll take you on an 8-kilometre journey down the river through the heart of France’s most famous canyon.

A Traditional Caussenarde Farm in Spring

The Old-Fashioned Caussenarde Farm

Explore the rich heritage of the Causse Méjean at the Ferme Caussenarde d’Autrefois, a unique immersion in the ancestral traditions that have shaped life on this exceptional plateau. With a tour designed to be both informative and entertaining, our farm offers you a glimpse into the daily lives of past generations, taking you back 400 years into rural history.

Enjoy an authentic experience where every detail of the farm tells a story, keeping alive the memory of the men and women who cultivated this land. Discover how they worked, lived and contributed to the unique identity of the Causse Méjean, making this region not only a place of natural beauty but also a treasure trove of cultural heritage.

The Villaret Valley

Let your imagination run wild at the Vallon du Villaret, a place where the magic of nature and art come together to offer an unforgettable adventure off the beaten track. Situated in the heart of Lozère, this one-of-a-kind park invites you to rediscover your inner child through a range of activities and installations that spark creativity and a sense of wonder.

At Vallon du Villaret, walk on water, create a symphony with marbles, and cross the river with the ease of Tarzan. Let yourself be tempted by the thrill of a plane take-off, explore the mysteries of a world plunged into total darkness, and defy gravity by skipping against a jet of water. With every step, you’ll discover works of art hidden within the landscape, inviting you to be amazed by the artistic genius woven into the natural environment. A unique experience!

Villaret Valley with the family

A closer look at Lozère’s heritage

Aurélien Desmiers

The Gévaudan Museum

Immerse yourself in the fascinating history of Lozère at the Musée du Gévaudan, situated in the historic centre of Mende. This museum, housed in a building listed as a historic monument, offers you a journey into the hidden treasures of this region, from the distant past right up to the present day.

Discover the history of Lozère – and much more besides – through captivating exhibitions, both permanent and temporary. The museum offers a variety of enriching events throughout the year. Take part in interactive workshops, join a guided tour, or be enchanted by exceptional concerts, all in a friendly and welcoming atmosphere.

French Wanderers

La Filature des Calquières

Escape the daily grind of holiday workbooks and embark on a captivating journey to the spinning mill of calquieres, a heritage gem in Margeride. The museum promises fun and discovery for young and old alike.

Begin your adventure with an immersive film screening that will transport you through the ages. Then explore the depths of the spinning mill, where the machinery of yesteryear – silent witnesses to the industrial past – still seem to vibrate with the life of days gone by. Every corner of the mill tells a story; every machine holds a well-kept secret.

Mende Cathedral

Notre-Dame and Saint-Privat Cathedral

Stunning tapestries, exceptional wood panelling, a bell tower that once housed the “Non Pareille”, the largest bell in all Christendom… Welcome to Mende, to the masterpiece commissioned by Urban V: the Cathedral of Notre-Dame and Saint-Privat.

Construction began in 1369 on the initiative of the highly diplomatic Urban V (it is, in fact, he himself who is depicted in the statue beneath the cathedral), Pope in Avignon and a true historical figure for the Gévaudan region, Mende’s “Notre-Dame and Saint-Privat” Cathedral was consecrated for the first time a century later.

Partially destroyed during the Wars of Religion and subsequently rebuilt “identically but without embellishment or ornamentation” between 1598 and 1620, the building features two bell towers: the smaller one – 65 metres (!) – and the large one, standing 84 metres tall (that’s no laughing matter!) and built in the Flamboyant Gothic style.

Scénovision in Saint-Alban-en-Margeride
Scénovision in Saint-Alban-en-Margeride, © Benoit Colomb – PACT Margeride

Scénovision

Discover the Margeride like never before at Scénovision, where Auguste, the region’s iconic postman, invites you to an extraordinary immersive experience. As he approaches retirement, Auguste isn’t just looking for someone to take over his round; he wants to help you experience the beating heart of the Margeride through his eyes.

Get ready for a spectacular journey, starting right from your local post office, where the life and stories of the Margeride come to life before your very eyes. Auguste will entrust you with his prized motorbike, but before that, he wants to immerse you in ‘his’ Margeride, a land of legends, untamed nature and deeply rooted traditions.

The Javols Archaeological Museum

The small commune of Javols in Margeride, in the north of Lozère, stands on the site of the ancient Anderitum, the Gallo-Roman capital of the Gallic tribe of the Gabales. The site, which has been the subject of excavations since the 19th century, has been home to an archaeological museum since 1998, showcasing the finest artefacts unearthed there.

We’re still waiting for the time machine. But as for the magic headset, we’ve found it! It’s in Javols. Or rather, Anderitum. Thanks to virtual reality headsets, the whole town is coming back to life! Here, the forum rises from the ground… as if by magic. There, the theatre is reliving its glory days. All that’s missing are a few Gabales to complete the picture. But then again, where has the last of the Gabales gone? Who killed him? To find out, slip on your detective’s hat and join in a giant game of Cluedo with the whole family.

Exhibition room at the Javols Archaeological Museum
Exhibition room at the Javols Archaeological Museum, © Aurélien Desmiers

Sainte-Enimie

Nestled on the slopes of a canyon carved out by the Gorges du Tarn, Sainte-Enimie offers a fascinating visit, with its historic monuments, narrow streets, limestone houses and legends. Here, people still talk of a miraculous spring…

Whether you’re a walker, a history buff or simply a curious visitor passing through, you should know that Sainte-Enimie is listed among the “Most Beautiful Villages of France”. So, don’t miss a visit to the chapel, tucked away in the Grotte de l’Ermitage, and be sure to see the remains of the fortified monastery: all that remains of this abbey today are three rooms, the crypt and the chapter house.

A visit to the areaaround Prades Castle will delight lovers of medieval architecture, whilst archaeology enthusiasts will want to head to the Aire des Trois-Seigneurs, a megalithic site situated in Laval-du-Tarn and Sainte-Enimie.

La Garde-Guérin

Situated at an altitude of 900 metres on the hills above Villefort, La Garde-Guérin is a small medieval town overlooking the Chassezac Gorges and their dizzying canyons. Situated near the ancient Roman road known as ‘La Régordane’, La Garde-Guérin was established as a fortified town as early as the 12th century.

Listed as a historic monument and one of the “Most Beautiful Villages in France”, it was fully restored in the 1960s and 1970s. Thanks to the work of the G.A.R.D.E association, its collection of houses and narrow streets with a medieval feel are the focus of guided tours. And the town hosts a wide range of events during the summer.

Nearby, a viewing point with a scenic walkway offers breathtaking views of the Chassezac Gorges, where visitors can enjoy canyoning, rock climbing, via ferrata, mountain biking and hiking.

Hall at the Château de la Baume
Hall at the Château de la Baume, © Lez Broz

The Château de la Baume

The earliest document mentioning the Château de la Baume dates back to 1275. It was part of the seigneury of Peyre, whose barony took up permanent residence there in 1632, following the destruction of the Château de Peyre. The building was then altered: the north and east wings were constructed, flanked by large corner towers. These alterations did not affect the interiors. The château’s current appearance dates from the early 18th century.

In 1708, the château was extended and the long south façade was built to resemble Versailles. A tower similar to the three original ones was erected at the south-east corner to ensure symmetry. To the east, two single-storey pavilions were built to enclose the inner courtyard created by the new façade. The interior of the château was refurbished. In appearance, the château bears a closer resemblance to medieval buildings than to the late 17th-century structures of its own era.


A wellness break in Lozère

Outdoor hot tub at the Chaldette spa
Outdoor hot tub at the Chaldette spa, © Aurélien Desmiers

La Chaldette Spa Resort

Escape to La Chaldette, a spa resort set in lush green surroundings in the heart of the Aubrac, where nature, wellbeing and relaxation come together to create an unrivalled experience of relaxation. Situated in Brion, at an altitude of 1,000 metres, La Chaldette promises a wonderful escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, in an unspoilt setting.

Enjoy the benefits of La Chaldette’s thermal waters, renowned for their healing and relaxing properties. Combined with the benefits of the Aubrac’s pure climate, the spa resort offers a treatment programme for body, mind and soul in an authentic and unspoilt setting. Whether you’re looking for a moment of relaxation on your own or a wellness experience to share as a couple, La Chaldette offers a full range of treatments: hydrotherapy, body treatments, beauty programmes and much more…

Bagnols-les-Bains Spa

Immerse yourself in the history and revitalising benefits of natural mineral water at Bagnols-les-Bains, a wellness retreat nestled in the Lot Valley since Roman times. This spa resort, whose springs were rediscovered in 1764, invites you on a journey of relaxation and rejuvenation, where water at 41.5°C gushes directly from the mountain, enriched with beneficial minerals accumulated over millennia.

Whether you’re looking for a moment of peace on your own or a romantic getaway for two, immerse yourself in the warm waters of Bagnols-les-Bains. Leave the daily grind behind and treat yourself to some time out. Come and enjoy a unique experience and make the most of this natural treasure in the heart of the Lot Valley. Let the therapeutic properties of the natural mineral water revitalise your body and mind.

Outdoor swimming pool at the Bagnols-les-Bains spa
Outdoor swimming pool at the Bagnols-les-Bains spa, © Clémence Millet Lozère Tourisme

Exceptional waterfalls

Cascade de Rûnes à l'automne

The Runes Waterfall

The Runes Waterfall is impressive, as it is nearly 70 metres high in total! The stream rises from the granite rocks of Mont-Lozère and flows into the River Tarn.

At the base of the waterfall stands an engraved stone: it depicts a dragon biting its own tail. Inside the circle are the words: ‘From earth to heaven and from heaven to earth’. Local legend has it that some Vikings wandering the Mont-Lozère at the end of the first millennium inscribed this message. How mystical!

Aerial view of the Déroc waterfall

The Déroc Waterfall

In the middle of the Aubrac desert plateau lies a waterfall: the Déroc Waterfall. Its location is surprising, and it is just as surprising when you walk down to its base. Here you’ll discover a cavity that allows you to walk behind the waterfall, adorned with a ceiling of basalt prisms. We did tell you that the Déroc Waterfall was surprising!


All our must-haves


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