Peyre de Bard, Mountain summit in Saint-Julien-Chapteuil, France.
Peyre de Bard is a mountain summit rising to about 1200 meters in the Massif du Meygal region. Its distinctive dome shape comes from phonolite rock formations that give the peak its recognizable profile.
The summit was created through volcanic activity in an ancient geological period, resulting in the sugar loaf shape seen today. This volcanic event shaped the entire landscape of the region and established the rock types that still define its natural environment.
The mountain has served as a landmark for people living in the surrounding villages for generations. The local communities built their homes using volcanic stone and slate, practical materials drawn directly from the landscape around them.
The climb to the summit takes about 35 minutes and covers roughly 105 meters of elevation gain, with access starting from a parking area just past the hamlet of La Faye. The path is well marked with stone walls guiding the way, though sturdy footwear and weather protection are advisable.
From the summit, clear days reveal multiple mountain ranges and basins: Mont Rouge, the Massif du Meygal, and the Puy-en-Velay basin all fall within view. The network of marked trails and stone walls reflects centuries of people moving through these highlands, creating routes that remain useful today.
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