Causses, Limestone plateaus in southern central France
The Causses is a region of limestone plateaus cut by deep gorges and bordered by dry stone walls built over centuries. The area spans multiple French departments and contains varied plant and animal habitats.
People lived on these plateaus in prehistoric times, and from the Bronze Age onwards, forests were cleared to create pastures. This agricultural use has continued for thousands of years.
Sheep herds move seasonally across the plateaus, and local farmers still produce cheese using traditional methods passed down through generations. This pastoral way of life shapes how the landscape looks and functions.
Marked hiking trails connect different parts of the plateaus, and you can walk them on your own or hire local guides for deeper knowledge. Spring and autumn are the best seasons to visit, when weather is pleasant and crowds are smaller.
Ancient cattle drives once moved livestock through the region, and these medieval routes are still used by shepherds today to move sheep between seasonal pastures. Walking these old paths, you can see marks of centuries of use worn into the ground.
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