The Dolmen dit Peyre de Cabusso Ludo in Campestre-et-Luc is a Neolithic monument and has been listed as a historic monument since 1889. In the village of Campestre, the buildings are made up of limestone houses typical of the Causses. Hiking trails, heritage and traces of sheep farming offer different ways to explore Campestre-Et-Luc.
Hiking trails by theme and distance
Numerous hiking trails through Campestre-Et-Luc connect, among other places, the Cirque de Navacelles and La Couvertoirade. They pass through varied landscapes and offer beautiful viewpoints. Those who choose a trail by theme and stated distance will find several marked circuits: the Sentier d’interprétation de l’agropastoralisme de Campestre-et-Luc is seven kilometres long and starts in the village centre. Its focus is agro-pastoralism on the Causse de Campestre.
The Chemin des cardabelles is a yellow-marked circuit covering 7.3 kilometres from the village square. The similar distances of these two trails highlight their difference in theme: the Sentier focuses on agro-pastoralism, while the Chemin des cardabelles also explores the vegetation of the Causse. Another marked circuit, Le Mont Redon, covers 6.1 kilometres. It starts in the village of Homs and circles the 911-metre-high Mont Redon.
For mountain biking, the marked Parcours VTT C(h)ampestre Attitude is a good option: the circuit runs for 16.46 kilometres around Mont Redon. It starts and ends at the church square in Campestre; parking in the village is recommended. This route therefore differs from the shorter hiking circuits both in its activity and its stated distance.
The Causse as a cultural landscape
Boxwood and, in particular, the distinctive cardabelle shape the vegetation of the Causse de Campestre along the Chemin des cardabelles. Numerous dry-stone structures called Cazelles can be seen along the trail. They serve as sheepfolds, shelters or sheds. Lavognes are also typical of the pastoral landscapes. These details make the trail not only a hiking route, but also a way to read a landscape shaped by pastoral farming.
The Espace Ceven’Trail N°19 also offers a chance to discover the Causse de Campestre, which forms the southern extension of the Larzac. The Le Mont Redon route, in turn, passes through a natural jumble of dolomitic rocks, with rare flora and fauna. By considering different trails, visitors will find different highlights: the length of a circuit, a thematic approach to agro-pastoralism, or distinctive landforms and vegetation.
Traces of sheep farming and history
Sheep farming is also part of local food production. Sheep farmers in Campestre-Et-Luc supply milk from Lacaune sheep, which is needed to produce Roquefort. This describes a connection between livestock farming and a regional product, not a visitor activity. The Cazelle de Candet near Campestre also reflects the history of the landscape: it can be visited and is an example of a shepherd’s hut used intermittently.
The church in Campestre is very old, though no more precise date is given. Along with the Neolithic dolmen and the limestone houses, it offers a broader view of the village’s architectural and cultural history. Between these historic landmarks and the circuits, visitors can get to know Campestre-Et-Luc through both its buildings and the Causse landscape and its agricultural heritage.
Discover more destinations: Sauveterre, Liouc, Cruviers-Lascours, Belvezet, Langlade, Saint-André-De-Valborgne, Sardan, Mons
For the wider travel overview: Gard.
