What an extraordinary season! In autumn, nature puts on a truly beautiful display. Here, just for you, are 10 good reasons to visit Lozère this autumn.

The Tarn Gorges in autumn
The Tarn Gorges in autumn, © De Beaux Lents Demains

Colourful landscapes

High plateaus, wooded valleys, dizzying canyons, granite outcrops – all these landscapes in France’s least densely populated department? Yes indeed, in Lozère, a one-hour drive takes you to a world away. In autumn, it’s marvellous – the trees are decked out in shades of orange, red, yellow and gold; it’s a real feast for the eyes! You might even wonder if it’s really real – what a spectacle.

Cueillette de cèpes

Mushroom picking

It’s mushroom season! Porcini, chanterelles, morels, mousserons… we have a real treasure trove in our forests here in Lozère. It’s the perfect opportunity to get out of the house and go for a walk in search of this delicious autumnal delicacy. But be careful – there are a few rules to follow! For those who are curious and looking for an experience to share, guides are available to accompany you on nature walks. So, are you ready to whip up your best mushroom-based recipes?

A chestnut forest in the Cévennes
A chestnut forest in the Cévennes, © De beaux lents demains

Chestnuts

They’re the star of the Cévennes! Chestnuts are part of Lozère’s history; for a long time, they formed the staple of the rural diet. They’re everywhere and are an integral part of the Cévennes landscape, cuisine, architecture and economy. Jams, syrups, liqueurs, flours and chestnut honey – they’re an absolute treat! And when you roast them and eat them straight away, your taste buds go wild with delight – yum yum, it really makes your mouth water…

10 great reasons to love autumn in Lozère

The stag’s rut

From mid-September onwards, enjoy an unforgettable experience by coming to listen to the stag’s rut call. You may be wondering what this is. This behaviour, displayed by the stag, enables him to attract a mate and persuade her to mate. In the evening, as night falls, you’ll hear strange, guttural cries coming from the woods – the sound of their love calls. It’s quite a sight!

Peace and tranquillity

After the start of the new school term – which is just as hectic and stressful – we need to recharge our batteries and get into some good habits. It’s the perfect time to enjoy the peace and tranquillity of Lozère. Nature is changing, there are fewer and fewer people on the roads, and the fresh air is invigorating. So let’s take the time to enjoy some wonderful experiences at a leisurely pace.

Family hike with donkeys in the Cévennes
Family hike with donkeys in the Cévennes, © Benoit Colomb – Lozère Tourisme
Champ Castle
Champ Castle, © JADE_TRAVEELS

Heritage tour

September marks European Heritage Days. It’s a chance to visit places linked to our cultural heritage: castles, villages, museums, monuments and the lesser-known heritage sites of Lozère. People also take advantage of this time of year to plan weekends and holidays to come and explore all these heritage sites.

Promenade automnale sur le Causse de Sauveterre

Walks in the forest

What a joy it is to go for a walk in the forest in autumn! It awakens all our senses: we smell that damp, indescribable scent; we hear the crunch of our footsteps on the dry leaves and the sounds of animals going about their lives all around us; we feel nature in the midst of transformation, we take in the warm colours all around us, and then what a joy it is when we get home to cook our harvest of mushrooms and chestnuts.


Events not to be missed

The All Saints’ Day holidays

It’s the holidays! The perfect time to (re)discover the must-see attractions, villages and museums with family and friends. The weather is still mild enough to enjoy outdoor activities and recharge your batteries before the new term begins.

An autumn walk on the Causse de Sauveterre
An autumn walk on the Causse de Sauveterre, © Benoit Colomb – PACT GDT

The switch to winter time

In autumn, we switch to winter time! And the good news is that we gain an hour’s sleep compared to summer time. Just to remind you, we’ve been changing the clocks since the 1970s, mainly to save on electricity. Don’t forget to set the time on your watches, alarm clocks and so on to avoid being too early… That would be a shame.

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