Preserved natural spaces
Considered the father of ecotourism, Hector Ceballos-Lascurain, a Mexican environmentalist, proposed one of the first definitions of this form of tourism in the early 1980s, which he described as "visiting relatively undisturbed or undisturbed natural areas, with the aim of studying and admiring the landscape and the wild plants and animals it shelters, as well as any cultural manifestations (past and present) observable in these areas". Lozère, where forests cover 45% of the territory, fits this description almost word for word.
In terms of preserved natural areas, the département boasts two nature parks. The Cévennes National Park, created in 1970, extends into the Gard and Ardèche regions. Comprising five geographical entities - the Aigoual massif, the Causse Méjean with the Tarn and Jonte gorges, Mont Lozère, the Cévennes valleys and the Cévennes piedmont - it covers 2,700 km2. Within its terrestrial perimeter, the Cévennes National Park has implemented numerous actions aimed at preserving biodiversity and conserving and enhancing heritage, helped in this by all those who live and work here. Since 2018, the area has also been designated an International Dark Sky Reserve (RICE): the Milky Way and constellations are visible to the naked eye from the ground. An immense privilege when you consider that a third of the world's population has no access to this simple pleasure due to exaggerated artificial lighting.
Along with the Causses, the Cévennes were also awarded World Heritage status by UNESCO in 2011. A rare title that celebrates the stone, but also the men, the shepherds and the flocks who have shaped the land in their own image. Today, this substantial and ever-present agro-pastoral activity is a source of endless discoveries for tourists.
More recently, it's the Aubrac territory, straddling the departments of Lozère, Cantal and Aveyron, that has been consecrated, with the title of Regional Nature Park - the decree was signed by the Prime Minister on May 23, 2018. A volcanic and granite high plateau, it combines a high-quality architectural and cultural heritage with preserved landscapes and numerous skills, which deserve to be shared with as many people as possible. Aligot, for example, bears witness to the region's strong gastronomic tradition.
In the words of Hector Ceballos-Lascurain, ecotourism is also characterized by its landscapes, flora and fauna. With five very different natural regions - Aubrac, Margeride, Vallée du Lot, Grands Causses, Gorges du Tarn et de la Jonte, Mont Lozère and Cévennes - Lozère boasts incredible biodiversity. Discovery areas are also dedicated to wildlife. The Parc des Loups du Gévaudan in Sainte-Lucie, to be redeveloped in 2020, gives visitors the chance to see the animals in a recreated natural environment. A stone's throw away, the Réserve des bisons d'Europe contributes to the protection of the species. The Takh Association is an international NGO whose mission is to save Przewalski's horse by breeding herds in semi-liberty on a mountain site at Le Villaret. Located in the heart of the Gorges de la Jonte, the Maison des Vautours is committed to the reintroduction of this majestic bird in an equally grandiose environment.
Outdoor activities
Lozère's natural riches can also be discovered on foot. In addition to the well-known Route de Saint-Jacques-de-Compostelle, the département is also the birthplace of the GR70, which follows in the footsteps of Scottish writer Stevenson. This trekking pioneer crossed the Cévennes in 1878, alongside his donkey Modestine, in 12 days, 9 of which were spent in Lozère. He recounted his journey in his book Voyage avec un âne dans les Cévennes, which inspires over 7,000 walkers every year to undertake the same route, or at least part of it. The Chemin de Régordane is another route appreciated by hikers of all stripes. Once used by merchants and shepherds, it hugs the relief of the Villefort fault and crosses the Cévennes, Mont Lozère and the Cévennes.
Cycle tourists are also particularly well catered for in Lozère, which was awarded the "Territoire vélo" label in the summer of 2020 for its efforts to promote cycling. In addition to the little-traveled roads and exceptional panoramas they offer, the département has promoted the marking of some fifteen mountain passes (including the famous Montée Jalabert), and published a brochure entitled "Randonnée vélo en Lozère, naturellement!" (Cycling in Lozère, naturally!).
Lakes and rivers are also incredible playgrounds for outdoor activities: fishing, swimming and canoeing can all be enjoyed in fine weather, in sometimes breathtaking scenery. The Gorges du Tarn are certainly one of the department's most beautiful sites.
Committed Lozerians
In addition to this natural setting, which is exceptional in many respects, there are the men and women who work in the department on a daily basis. Many of those involved in tourism have chosen a path that respects the environment. Some act alone, with their own convictions, to develop accommodation with a low ecological footprint and activities in harmony with their surroundings; or to supply their restaurant or table d'hôtes with local produce, which is possible thanks to the omnipresent quality agriculture. Others have chosen to sign up to labels to promote their approach. The Esprit parc national label, awarded within the Cévennes National Park, reflects values such as commitment, authenticity, respect, sharing and vitality. It is awarded to tourist products as well as local produce. Many hotels, campsites and self-catering cottages carry the Clef Verte label, which requires them to control water and energy consumption, manage waste in an environmentally-friendly way and offer leisure activities that do not harm nature. L'Accueil Paysan is also a particularly active network in Lozère, bringing together farmers and rural players committed to peasant farming and sustainable, fair-trade tourism, which is the DNA of the department.
