Hikes in Ispagnac

This region is home to gorges that have shaped the landscapes over time and water. Between the junctions of these rivers, these reliefs offer incredible viewpoints.

A beautiful, not too strenuous walk from Ispagnac via Quézac back again. Over the old bridge to the other side, through the chestnut forests and over the mountain. Especially towards the end of the walk, beautiful views. Varied nature. Quite a bit of shade, so also doable in warm weather. Original route comes from https://www.lozere-tourisme.com/sentier-les-deux-ponts/ispagnac/itilar048v50c2yu

We hike from bridge to bridge among tall chestnut trees. Ispagnac lies on the Tarn River, between the Causse de Sauveterre and the Causse Méjean, and is known as “the garden of Lozère.” This lively riverside village boasts extremely fertile fields of strawberries, cherries, and grapevines. The excellent fruits and vegetables can be purchased at the weekly market on Tuesdays and Saturdays.> We start at the parking lot in Ispagnac01. An information sign provides details about two hiking trails in the region. We choose the “Les deux ponts” trail and follow the signs toward Pont d’Ispagnac on the road to Florac. After 150 meters, we turn right and cross the bridge over the Tarn. We walk along the paved road to the left, past a campground, into a beautiful forest of chestnut and pine trees. We ignore the smaller side paths until we come to the “Riesette”02 signpost. There, we follow the “Les deux ponts” signs to the right onto a forest trail. We pass through a cattle gate, which we close behind us. We head uphill alongside horse pastures until we reach a forest track. We take the path to the right, walk under a power line03, and pass through another gate. A few meters later, we turn onto a path heading slightly to the left, and shortly after that, we turn left again. The trail winds its way high above Ispagnac through young woodland. After a good distance, the trail widens, and we’re treated to a magnificent view of the Tarn River. We reach a paved road, which we follow to the right, downhill. After a short distance, we turn right at a signpost onto a rocky path. Behind a stone wall, we merge onto a narrow path to the right. Descending steeply, we reach the small road again and arrive in Quézac at the medieval bridge04 over the Tarn. After the bridge, we head right, following the river. Several picnic tables invite us to take a break. Passing campsites, we return to Ispanac. Just before the main road, at a stone cross, we turn slightly to the right. Walking over cobblestones, we reach the beautiful town center with its bars and restaurants. We continue straight ahead, passing the tourist information office05 and the church. At the end of the alley, we cross a square with a fountain, heading slightly to the left, and reach our starting point01.

Viewpoint at the entrance to the Tarn GorgeIspagnac is picturesquely nestled in a bend of the Tarn River. The town is overlooked by a tall cliff, Le Single, which forms part of the northern escarpment of the Causse Méjean. Here, the Tarn Gorge separates the two limestone plateaus of the Causse Méjean to the south from the Causse de Sauveterre to the north. The hike first takes us along the Tarn Valley to the cliff edge at the Le Single viewpoint and then back down into the valley through a vast forested area.

The most important collection of menhirs in southern FranceThe southwestern slope of Mont Lozère is home to a mysterious collection of 154 menhirs dating back to the megalithic culture. On the vast plateau of the Cham des Bondons, these stone witnesses to a once-great civilization stand in groups or, in prominent locations, as individual menhirs (Breton for “long stone”). Beginning around 4500 B.C., the megalithic culture spread across Europe. The stones of the Cham des Bondons are from a later period and can likely be dated to the late Neolithic era (2500 B.C.). They were hewn from the granite of Mont Lozère, and transporting the menhirs—which weigh up to 10 metric tons—alone required specialized techniques and careful organization of labor. The north-south orientation of this impressive field of menhirs is striking, leading some archaeologists to conclude that they may have served as tools for observing the planets and stars.

Ver diverse a d stunningly beautiful track of about 4-5 hours. Steep decents and acents at the beginning and end of the tracks. Rewarding views over the empty plains of the grand causses. Spectacular views down the gorges du Tarn from high above.