Lozère in winter (3/4): landing on the Méjean causse, this “island in the sky”

L’aérodrome de Florac/Sainte-Énimie, sur la plaine de Chanet, permet entre autres la pratique du planeur. Midi Libre – Célian Guignard

En cette fin d'année 2024, la période est idéale pour découvrir cet environnement préservé.

The inhabitants of the Causse Méjean, a limestone plateau of 33,000 ha, at an average altitude of 1,000 m, readily describe their living environment as an “island in the sky”. On this Saturday, December 28, while the tourist attractions that make it famous (Ferme caussenarde d'autrefois, moulin de la Borie, aven Armand, etc.) are all closed, the expression takes on its full meaning.

Far from the crowd

The roads are almost deserted. The various natural sites, particularly observation sites in the Jonte and Tarn gorges, are empty. The walking paths too.

It is difficult or even impossible to find a shelter to have a bite to eat or drink. At this time of year, it is therefore strongly recommended to go and explore the Causse Méjean with food and, for those who would like to spend the day there, with a picnic.

Panorama Le Saltadou

The Saltadou panorama and its view of Saint-Chély-du-Tarn. Midi Libre – Célian Guignard

 

The panorama Le Saltadou, one kilometer from the Col de Coperlac, offers a splendid view of Saint-Chély-du-Tarn and its cirque.

The Bouilhères rock

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The spectacular rock of Bouilhères. Midi Libre – Célian Guignard

 

The Bouilhères rock, this rocky group under which the RD986 passes is a real spectacle for any user of this departmental road that connects Hures-La Parade to Meyrueis.

Le Truel

A splendid but dangerous road between Le Truel and Saint-Pierre-des-Tripiers. Midi Libre – Célian Guignard

A splendid but dangerous road between Le Truel and Saint-Pierre-des-Tripiers. Midi Libre – Célian Guignard

 

It is a road as beautiful as it is dangerous: the municipal road that connects the village of Truel, on the banks of the Jonte, to Saint-Pierre-des-Tripiers, on the Causse Méjean. Its 4km are on a single lane, although it is a two-way road. It has six hairpin bends. Cold sweats guaranteed if you cross paths, but stars in your eyes guaranteed when you arrive.

Saint-Pierre Church

Saint-Pierre Church in Saint-Pierre-des-Tripiers. Midi Libre – Célian Guignard

 

The Saint-Pierre church in Saint-Pierre-des-Tripiers is located in the heart of this village of 93 souls (Insee 2021). It has been listed as a historical monument since 1987.

Moulin de la Borie

The Borie mill, in Hures-La Parade. Midi Libre – Célian Guignard

 

It is one of the symbols of the Causse Méjean, one of its standards. Motorists see it from afar. In all seasons, from the RD 986, it lets its wings be seen through the branches of the trees. The Moulin de la Borie, in Hures-La Parade, is a beacon in the middle of the Causse Méjean. It guides travelers. It also attracts them.

At the end of December, the beautiful building is not open to visitors. However, nothing prevents you from going to admire it from the outside. It stands out from the other mills, in particular, by its wings made of poplar planks. These allow it to withstand the violent winds that regularly sweep the Causse. In addition, the site offers a splendid panorama.

All year round, the Moulin de la Borie, which dates from the 17th century, is a production site. Since 2017, flour has been made there on a stone mill from cereals grown on the Causse Méjean. They are then sold under the brand name La Méjeanette.