Spend an evening somewhere between dream and reality, gazing at the stars whilst listening to the legends of the Milky Way…
Discover Europe’s largest area of dark sky whilst listening to true stories and legends, be guided on a short walk through the magnificent wild landscapes of the Cévennes, and let the night and its warm, cosy atmosphere gently draw you in… An experience you won’t forget in a hurry!
- 25 €
- per person
- 7 years
- minimum
- 1
- day
On the hills above Villefort
It is 6.30 pm at the junction of the GR 44 and the Petite Route des Balmelles. It is still a bit warm despite the time of day, but the shadows are beginning to lengthen. Manuel, the mountain guide, outlines the evening’s programme and hands out the evening meal to be packed into the rucksacks. Once everyone is ready, the group sets off through the Bayard State Forest towards Chapelas Roc, the highest point in the Balmelles, whilst learning about the history of the area. Upon reaching the summit, we take in the views of Mont-Lozère to the east and the La Garde-Guérin plateau to the north.
A 100% local tasting session
The sun is still shining, but it’s starting to set behind Mont-Lozère and the colours are gradually changing. We try out the spotting scope and the binoculars. In the distance, a roe deer is bellowing – it’s the rutting season. Quickly, we look for it through the binoculars and adjust the spotting scope… We can see a pair in the distance, grazing on the last tufts of green grass.
Come to think of it, we’re hungry too! It’s time to settle down amongst the heather and enjoy some local specialities! Goat’s cheese from the Cévennes and other delicacies… All whilst taking in the sunset.
Stargazing
Sitting comfortably on a carpet of grass and heather, we can still hear a blackbird singing… but it, too, eventually falls silent. We begin to see some of the planets in the solar system, then the brightest stars, then the sky in its entirety and finally, the Milky Way, white and delicate, right above our heads. It’s a chance to learn to recognise a few constellations and to understand where we are in this vast universe…
The joys of a night-time stroll in the Cévennes
It’s time to set off again, head back to bed and carry on dreaming. We’ll be back at the car park at around 11 pm, walking at a leisurely pace.
With our heads still in the clouds, our eyes have adjusted to the darkness and our senses are on high alert. We set off to explore the nightlife – something we’re not used to encountering in the heart of the forest. We let ourselves be enveloped by this atmosphere and this very special silence. Our heads are full of dreams as we return from this night…
Plan your stay
Where to eat and where to stay?
4 stars Graded campsite
1 key Holiday cottage
Hotels – restaurant
How do I get there?
- This walk starts from the Col des Balmelles: from Villefort, take the road towards Les Vans and turn left towards Les Balmelles. Stop at a small pass where a number of dirt tracks meet and there is a water tank.
- Villefort can be reached by train via the ‘Le Cévenol’ railway line, which connects Clermont-Ferrand to Nîmes.
