Montchamp lies in the north of the Lozère département, between Margeride and Aubrac. The Gîte de Montchamp is accommodation awarded the Gîtes de France label, located on Rue de la Deveze. The accommodation is in Montchamp; the cultural sites, three routes and Les Cabris du Bès featured here are in the area of the host commune of Arzenc-d’Apcher. For planning purposes, you can keep these locations separate. Check the gîte’s availability before your trip.
Castle history and church
In the area of the host commune of Arzenc-d’Apcher, the Château d’Arzenc-d’Apcher was a fief of the barons of Apcher and one of the eight baronies of Gévaudan. The surviving ruins include the Tour d’Arzenc and the remains of two cylindrical towers. This brings both the castle’s historical status and the named structural remains of the site into focus. Another connection is to the present-day church of Notre-Dame: the former castle chapel formed the basis for its construction. The castle thus brings together the history of its seigneury and surviving tower remains, while Notre-Dame is notable for its architectural connection to the former chapel.
Circular walks and landscapes
Le Raissadou and Chabriès are circular walking routes in the area of Arzenc-d’Apcher. Their stated durations differ considerably: 50 minutes for Le Raissadou and 1 hour 40 minutes for Chabriès. This provides a straightforward comparison for planning your walk; the stated duration for Chabriès is twice as long. The views also have similarities and differences. Le Raissadou offers views of the hill of Termes with its church, as well as Mont Alhérac and the ruins of a seigneurial tower. Chabriès offers views of Termes, Mont-Alhérac and the Monts du Cantal. Termes and Mont-Alhérac feature on both routes; Chabriès additionally mentions the Monts du Cantal, while Le Raissadou highlights the church and tower at Mont Alhérac.
A third route is the Sentier des Espagnols, which passes through Arzenc-d’Apcher. There it highlights the church, the remains of a tower and a viewpoint over the Bès gorges. In the gorges, the route also points out viewpoints and climbing routes. Another landscape vista is the panorama of the Gorges du Bès, which overlooks the Bès gorges. The routes therefore feature both specific buildings and viewpoints, as well as different panoramic views.
Farm visit and local produce
Les Cabris du Bès offers farm tours in the area of the host commune of Arzenc-d’Apcher, with insights into agriculture and a tasting of local products. Artisanal goat’s cheese is also produced there. The farm visit therefore offers a different focus from the castle and walking routes, combining an insight into agriculture with a tasting and cheese-making. Visiting information and booking conditions vary by season. If you plan to visit the farm, check both before your trip.
Discover more destinations: Le Collet-De-Dèze, Prades, Mas-Saint-Chély, La Chaze-de-Peyre, Sainte-Croix-Vallée-Française, Saint-Laurent-De-Trèves, Mas-D'orcières, Bédouès.
For the broader travel overview: Lozère.
