Cévennes, Mountain range in southern Massif Central, France
The Cévennes are a mountain range in the southern Massif Central between the Languedoc plain and the central plateau of France. The terrain rises across several massifs to elevations of 1702 meters (5584 feet) and is cut by deep valleys and gorges.
These mountains served as refuge for Jewish refugees during World War II, hidden by Protestant ministers and farming families. The peaks also formed a boundary for centuries between Catholic and Reformed areas of France.
Shepherds follow centuries-old trails and move their herds between high pastures and valleys according to the rhythm of the seasons. This transhumance still shapes village life today and leaves narrow traces on the mountain slopes.
The national park area includes many campsites with pitches and lodgings that open year-round or run seasonally. Hiking trails are most accessible in summer, while winter can bring snow to higher peaks.
The mountains divide the water of France between Atlantic and Mediterranean through a visible ridgeline of granite and schist. Rivers flow from this divide in opposite directions and carve deep limestone gorges into the rock.
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