Trails in Lozère

With its 5,167 km² of preserved nature, Lozère is the only French department where you’ll find more Aubrac cows than voters. It’s a paradise for trail running divided into four distinct realms: Aubrac with its vast granite plateaus, Margeride with its mysterious coniferous forests, the Cévennes with their rugged valleys, and the arid Causses listed by UNESCO 🌍. You might run along the Gorges du Tarn, a spectacular canyon where the positive elevation is earned through sweat by climbing dizzying goat tracks 🐐. The climate here is mountainous, meaning you can experience all four seasons in one day, so don't forget your waterproof jacket ☔. As for wildlife, you’re more likely to encounter a griffon vulture or a European bison (yes, they really are here) than an ATM 🦅.

Running here also means learning between two lactic climbs. You can't mention Lozère without talking about the Beast of Gévaudan, that mysterious animal that terrorized the region in the 18th century with about a hundred victims, a story that will have you looking at bushes differently during your night outings 🔦. It’s also the chosen land of writer Robert Louis Stevenson, who crossed the Cévennes with his donkey Modestine, thus creating the first "hike-trail" narrative in history 🐴. Mende, the prefecture, is so small and charming it's called the "city in the countryside," dominated by its impressive Gothic cathedral ⛪. A little cinematic anecdote: did you know that the epic scene of the gliders and pumpkins from La Grande Vadrouille with Louis de Funès was filmed on the Mende Causse? That's cult 🎬. The locals, heirs to the proud Gabales, sometimes still speak Occitan and will welcome you with an apparent gruffness that hides a heart of gold 💛.

After wearing down your soles on the granite, you'll need to regain strength, and that's where Lozère doesn’t joke around. Forget energy gels and dip your fork into an authentic Aligot from Aubrac, this mash of potatoes with fresh tomme cheese that stretches endlessly and sits as heavily in the stomach as a weighted vest 🥔. You can also taste Coupétade or Pélardon, a small characterful goat cheese from the Cévennes 🧀.

If you’re looking for a race in Lozère, you're spoilt for choice among legendary events. The Lozère Trail is the flagship event that takes you through the most beautiful landscapes of the department over two days, a true epic 🚵. The Trail Margeride plays on local legend to offer you a lively and festive course 🎉.