In the footsteps of the Camisards, at Pont-de-Montvert

Pont-de-Montvert and Mont-Lozère in the background. Midi Libre – Manon Baffie

An emblematic monument of the town, the Clock Tower dates from the 17th century. It was used as a prison. The clock that sits at its top is still functional. Midi Libre – Manon Baffie

A dozen felines live in small shelters on the square behind the church. Members of the association Les chats libres du Pont-de-Montvert take turns feeding them and giving them water. A kitty is on site to pay for the kibble. Midi Libre – Manon Baffie

The central structure of the town, the bridge is listed as a Historic Monument. Built in the second half of the 17th century, it served as a toll point for transhumant herds. Due to flooding, it has undergone several reconstructions. Midi Libre – Manon Baffie

It was at Pont-de-Montvers that the Camisard War began in 1702. After a century and a half of hiding, the Protestants had a temple built in 1828. Midi Libre – Manon Baffie

The Rûnes waterfall is one of the town's major attractions. It stretches over a height of almost sixty metres. A small path allows you to reach the foot of the waterfall in about half an hour. Although the path is not difficult, it is still steep and the large granite blocks that line it can be slippery after rain. Midi Libre – Manon Baffie

Located on the banks of the Rieumalet, the spinning mill used hydraulic energy to operate its machines. It was in service from 1888 to 1931. Locals came to bring wool there to be spun or carded. Midi Libre – Manon Baffie

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A popular swimming and hiking spot, Pont-de-Montvert empties out after the summer. However, the town of 600 inhabitants has assets to attract visitors in all seasons.

Located in the heart of the Cévennes National Park, at the confluence of the Rieumalet, the Martinet and the Tarn, Le Pont-de-Montvert attracts many tourists in the summer, seduced by the diversity of activities on offer. But in winter, the small Cévennes village made famous by the Stevenson trail regains its tranquility. The hotels that welcome hundreds of hikers from April to October are closed. The rare visitors can enjoy the splendid scenery that is offered to them, at the foot of the granite slopes of Mont Lozère.

Like Anne-Marie and Julien, who came from Tarbes and Aix-en-Provence to celebrate New Year's Eve with their family. “In the summer, people come to get away from it all and for the river. In winter, it's to be alone“, notes Évelyne Chamayou. At this time of year, the manager of the souvenir shop has long since put away the slush machines, buoys and other beach accessories. If it remains open, it is primarily for the locals. “It allows you to offer a small gift if you are invited or for birthdays.“

La Cambuse, local cuisine in an intimate setting

There are few restaurants in Pont-de-Montvert that remain open all year round. This is the case for La Cambuse, located in the hamlet of Fraissinet-de-Lozère. The small restaurant with twenty seats opened last May thanks to Christiane Charles and Clèment Lannuzel. Before La Cambuse, they ran LèEden, in Saint-Chèly-du-Tarn. An adventure that lasted fourteen years. “Here we only work in pairs, we don't have any employees.” We work mainly for local people. It's our little intimate project. »
The restaurant mainly sources its food from local producers. All the dishes on offer are homemade.
« The trout comes from the Florac fish farm, the lamb from a producer in the village and the « eggs from across the street,» smiles Christiane Charles. The clientele is also local, although the establishment also welcomes people passing through. « “It's the Rûnes waterfall that attracts most,” the waitress explains.
Christiane Charles and Clément Lannuzel are also wine merchants. They buy wine directly from the winegrowers, which allows them to offer a price that is “almost the owner's price.” The wine can be consumed on site or taken away. La Cambuse also organizes tasting evenings.

In addition to its breathtaking landscape, Pont-de-Montvert can boast a rich heritage, marked by the wars of religion. Visitors can discover this history through the Baludik application by downloading “In the footsteps of the Camisards”.