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 The Aubrac |
Harsh basalt
landscape
The vast high plains of the Aubrac, to the west of the Lozère, have a strong personality. The basalt landscape, fashioned by volcanic eruptions since the end of the Tertiary period, stretches as far as the eye can see.  Here and there, huge time-worn rocky blocks lie on the undulating green and grey terrain like standing stones. The lakes sparkle and the streams babble.
The rounded hills are covered with pastures, prairies and heathlands, reminding us that the Aubrac has a long pastoral history. The land is known for its fine cattle, cheeses and aligot (delicious mashed potato with cheese)... and for the transhumance festivities in May.
Still dotted around the countryside are old "burons", slate-roofed huts in which shepherds made and stored their cheeses or simply sheltered from the fierce west wind known as the "burle". Unassuming villages and strong stone-walled houses litter the countryside from Nasbinals to Saint Germain du Teil.
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 Things to see... |
 Château de la Baume
Lakes and burons by road
The trail to Compostela
Déroc waterfall
La Chaldette spa resort |
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As winter draws to a close, the plants spring to life and paint the hillsides with a multicoloured tapestry. 
The numerous markets and fairs are a showcase for their age-old know-how and the perfect place to share a taste for the simple things in life with the local farmers and producers. 
