Saumane is part of the Parc national des Cévennes and combines a circular hiking trail that starts and ends in the village with a layered local history. At L’Exil, there are panoramic views of Mont Lozère, the Cévennes and Mont Aigoual; one section follows a former royal road. Historical landmarks range from the church, recorded in the cartulary since 1079, to two silk mills that operated in the 18th and 19th centuries. If you are looking for accommodation in Saumane, it is best to first decide what matters most to you: hiking, heritage or a summer swimming spot.
Hiking from Saumane and between the villages
The easy L’Exil circular hiking trail is 13 kilometres long and starts and ends in Saumane. Its panoramic views take in Mont Lozère, the Cévennes and Mont Aigoual. One section follows a former royal road, with original retaining walls, aqueducts and milestones. The same route therefore combines mountain views with structural remnants of the former road. The trail is rated easy; check road sections and mountain conditions before setting out.
The Pont des Chèvres hike runs between Saumane and L’Estréchure, following a loop around the Gardon and its historic flood zone. A public transport stop is less than 500 metres from the starting point. Check current transport connections before travelling. The Le Soult trail offers a different route: it passes through the villages of L’Estréchure, Saumane and Les Plantiers, but starts and ends in L’Estréchure. Saumane is therefore one of the villages along this route, not its stated starting or finishing point.
When choosing a route, then, the name is not the only thing that matters: L’Exil starts and ends in Saumane, Le Soult in L’Estréchure, and Pont des Chèvres is a hike between Saumane and L’Estréchure. If you are considering Saumane as a base for your stay, the starting and finishing points offer a practical point of comparison.
Church history, conflict and silk production
The Church of Sainte Marie de Saumane, under the historical name Cella Sancte-Marie de Saumanna, has been recorded in the cartulary of Saint-Victor de Marseille since 1079. The Temple of Saumane was built in 1875. The village’s history therefore has two distinct religious architectural and historical milestones: the early cartulary entry and the year the temple was built.
The history of conflict and the local economy also form part of the picture. Saumane was severely affected in 1703 by the fighting between the Camisards and the royal troops. During the golden age of silkworm farming in the 18th and 19th centuries, two silk mills operated here. These subjects offer different perspectives on the village’s history: religious tradition, a specific year of historical conflict and past silk production. Together with the former royal road on L’Exil, they connect local history with hiking.
A seasonal addition
In summer, there is a designated, supervised swimming spot in the village. It is a seasonal swimming option; check current operating arrangements before travelling.
Discover more destinations: Alès, Lédignan, Aubais, Saint-Félix-De-Pallières, Saint-Siffret, Rousson, Verfeuil, Courry.
For the broader travel guide: Gard.
