Go on a 4-days trek amid breathtaking landscapes
The Causse Méjean is a vast plateau of 340 km2 located to the south of the central massif. Its altitude varies from 800 to 1247 meters.
It has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2011.
These landscapes, which resemble the Mongolian steppes, offer you a space of freedom where nature and calm allow you to recharge your batteries.
If three rivers mark the border of this Causse (Le Tarn, Le Tarnon and Jonte), do not be fooled, the Causse Méjean is devoid of water points. You will only find them in the villages or hamlets that you pass through.
I therefore suggest a journey through these desert plains which make you forget the tumults of urban life.
Where is Cause Méjean located?
How to get there ?
From Montpellier, 2 hours by car via the A75 then the D55
Accommodation in Meyrueis (starting point of the hike)
It's time to leave for this 4-day trek in the great outdoors
A small map to give you an overview of the circuit (GPX track)
1st stage: Meyrueis - La Viale: 21 kilometers and 684m of elevation gain
This first day brings us quickly, after a somewhat steep climb at the beginning, into the scenery of this desert plateau....Steppe and wild nature are there. We will be alone in the world until arriving at the Hyelzas sheepfold where we can enjoy good cheese with a craft beer (in moderation of course). It is possible to eat sheep's milk ice cream or visit the sheepfold. After this well-deserved break...It's hot at the end of October. We leave towards La Viale which will be our final destination for the day. Accompanied in the distance by griffon vultures in search of sheep carcasses, we finally arrive at the end of our journey at the end of the day. The Auberge de la Viale is located on the left of the village in relation to your route. We set up our tent near the hostel. it is possible to eat there, but also to sleep there in a dormitory.
2nd stage: La Viale - Les Vignes: 24 kilometers and 1130m difference in altitude
Here we go for the 2nd day...This one will really surprise us!! If the day before we walked on a desert plateau, today the landscape is completely different. We descend towards the bottom of the gorges through forests and rocks...long descents and climbs in the middle of the stones and narrow paths at the level of the cliffs wear out our bodies. But what a spectacle at the bend of a rock to discover these vast green valleys, not to mention these rocks which balance as if by magic on the edge of a precipice... Consider going to visit the house of the vultures that you will come across along the way The end of the day is approaching, this evening we will sleep at the village campsite, the owners there are very friendly. You will find good restaurants in the village...Just cross the bridge which spans the Tarn.
3rd stage: Les Vignes - Caussignac: 16 kilometers 670m elevation gain
This third day will take us along the Tarn from the ridges. If this is not the most exciting part, we will be treated to lovely views of the Tarn gorges.
We will also have a visit from some chickens and roosters from the village where we had lunch at noon...the only living beings we met during the day :).
In the afternoon the heat is intense, we decide to stop at Caussignac. There is an inn but they no longer serve meals in the evening at the end of the season, fortunately they have a grocery store, which will be enough for us.
We will bivouac in the center of the village in a large rest area indicated to us by the innkeeper....The village is calm, it will be fine! Sheltered from the sun by tall trees, we rest this late afternoon... tomorrow will be the last day of this journey. To end this day, we will be treated to a magnificent sunset!!
4th stage: Caussignac -Meyrueix: 24 kilometers and 630 m of elevation gain
For this fourth day after a nice climb to Mas Saint Chély, we find the Causse Méjean and these desert spaces.
A nice surprise for us as we left the village...a superb sunrise greeted us with the mist at the bottom of the valley!!
We walk all day between valleys where a few stunted trees emerge from time to time. Halfway there, due to lack of time, we leave the visit of Przewalski's horses. This horse of Mongolian origin was reintroduced into the Causse in 1993. They have adapted well to the conditions of the Causse and live in semi-freedom in the town of Hure la Parade.
In the middle of the afternoon we are back in Meyrueix.
End of the trip.
I hope I have made you want to discover the Causse Méjean....A beautiful hike that will give you a change of scenery.
I wish you a good trip on this extraordinary route and good souvenir photos.
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