In Lamelouze, hiking trails, nature and architectural history sit side by side. The Sentier du roc troué, the Galeizon Valley and the Sainte Cécile Chapel are specific points of interest for visitors with different travel interests. Lamelouze is part of the membership area of the Parc national des Cévennes.

Hiking Trails and Nature

The Sentier du roc troué is one of three walking trails in Lamelouze. This named trail can be viewed in the context of the municipality’s hiking options, without representing all of them. Several forest tracks also cross the well-preserved ZNIEFF area in the Galeizon Valley near Lamelouze, making it easier to access.

The Galeizon Valley has remained very close to nature and, in some places, even wild. The river itself has also received two distinctions: the Galeizon was the first river in Occitania to be awarded the “Rivière Sauvage” label; it also received the “Rivière en bon état” label. The valley is home to the South European barbel and the white-clawed crayfish.

The terrain of Lamelouze is also part of its natural character. Set on a bedrock of shale and limestone, the municipality has dry ground and a partly steeply sloping landscape. Its tree cover includes holm oaks, pines and chestnut trees. Together, these natural features range from the geological bedrock and terrain to tree species and animals found in the valley.

Hamlets, Chapel and Megalithic Structures

The hamlet of Appens has the typical architecture of the Cévennes mountain region. Its houses are arranged in tiers on cultivated terraces. This makes the layout of the houses, as well as the individual buildings, a defining feature of the hamlet. Fragments of tombstones from the cemetery of the abbots of Cendras are also built into some houses. Their origin and incorporation into the houses link a specific architectural detail to a historical reference.

The Sainte Cécile Chapel was built in the 12th century and is the only surviving remnant of a former priory. Its walls are made of shale and its roofs of lauze stone slabs. Standing in a secluded location, the chapel is at an altitude of 481 metres and overlooks the valley. Its construction date, former function, materials and location describe different aspects of this single building. The chapel was damaged during the Camisard War; this historical event adds to its 12th-century construction and connection to the former priory.

Megalithic structures of particular interest can be found near Peyraube. Lamelouze’s heritage is therefore not limited to the chapel: Appens is known for its terraced hamlet layout, Sainte Cécile for a former priory and Peyraube for its megalithic structures. Those weighing nature against culture when choosing a destination will find specific points of interest for both in Lamelouze.

Discover more destinations: Sumène, Sommières, Boucoiran-Et-Nozières, Saint-Gervasy, Générargues, Saint-Jean-De-Ceyrargues, Saint-Hyppolyte-Du-Fort, Baron.

For the wider travel overview: Gard.