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On the traces of the mouflon
Mouflons
Mouflons - © Régis Descamps
Val-d'Aigoual

On the traces of the mouflon

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The mouflon was introduced for hunting in the 1950s and yet remains little-known or unknown to visitors to the Aigoual mountain range.

“7 June 2005. Evening is falling on the Aigoual massif. The air is cooling down after this hot spring day. I'm sitting on a small rock overlooking the heath above the Taleyrac valley. I've been at my post for only a few minutes when a triangular head with two small horns emerges out of the broom a few metres away.  There can be no doubt: it's a young mouflon!”
Nicolas Pagès, Fédération des chasseurs du Gard

5 points of interest

  • Mouflon brebis
    Mouflon brebis - © Chantal Daquo
    Fauna

    What is a mouflon?

    Marker 1
    The mouflon is a ruminant mammal related to the domestic sheep. Its staple diet is herbaceous plants, which it finds in open spaces such as heaths. It also feeds on about a hundred other plants (ferns, mosses, mushrooms, etc.).The horns of the male (ram) are spiral-shaped and grow continuously, which makes it possible to estimate its age. The female (ewe) rarely has horns. The mouflon's life expectancy is around 14 years. Being an excellent climber, it can easily escape to steep areas in case of danger. These rocky zones also help limit the growth of its hooves through wear.

  • André Chamson (1900-1983)

    In his works, André Chamson constructed an imaginary Cévennes park. His writings bear witness to his love for the area and his attachment to his Huguenot ancestors. A nationally renowned writer, he was elected to the Académie française in 1956. His final works see time and death become more powerful than work or human faith.

  • Formation mouflon, Aigoual, juin 2015
    Formation mouflon, Aigoual, juin 2015 - © Michel Monnot

    The 4 seasons of the mouflon

    Marker 3
    A vantage point for mouflon spotting, which is equipped with an information panel on how to detect mouflons and how to get your bearings in this vast landscape.

  • Quelques indices pour les repérer (au printemps et en été)
    Quelques indices pour les repérer (au printemps et en été) - © Régis Descamps
    Fauna

    Pic de Barette

    Marker 4
    The Pic de Barette is a perfect viewpoint for spotting a great variety of animals, especially the golden eagle. Mouflons like to warm up in the sun and graze quietly on the slope opposite you, near the rocks that stick out of the forest. You will need patience and silence to spot mouflons. In spring and summer, their beige colour stands out against the rather green surroundings. In autumn and winter, it is easiest to make out the females' white 'face masks' and the males' saddles (white mark on the back).

  • Passage de la transhumance au col de l'Asclié
    Passage de la transhumance au col de l'Asclié - © Olivier Prohin

    The origins of the mouflon

    Marker 6
    L'Abeuradou is located on a draille, a drovers' road for shepherds and their flocks to move between the plains of Languedoc and summer pastures on the southern Massif Central. The name L'Abeuradou indicates that it is a spot where the flocks drink and rest before continuing their long hike. Today's domestic sheep is descended from the mouflon. Since being introduced to the slopes of Mont Aigoual, the mouflon has thus been rubbing shoulders with its cousin, which grazes here in summer. Their cohabitation does not seem to be a problem for the livestock farmers.

Forecast

Altimetric profile

Recommandations

In February 2020, a forest fire affected the path. Please respect the trail markings.
You are strongly advised to bring binoculars if you hope to spot mouflons.
Horse-riding or mountain-biking are not allowed on or adapted to discovery trails.

Is in the midst of the park
The national park is an unrestricted natural area but subjected to regulations which must be known by all visitors.

Information desks

Tourism & national parc'house

Col de la Serreyrède, 30570 Val d'Aigoual

https://www.sudcevennes.commaisondelaigoual@sudcevennes.com04 67 82 64 67

The Maison de l'Aigoual houses the tourism office Mont Aigoual Causses Cévennes and the Maison du Parc national. This visitor centre provides information on and raises awareness of the Cévennes National Park, its sites and events as well as the rules that must be observed in the National Park's central zone.

On site: changing exhibitions, video projections, Festival Nature events and shop Open year-round

Find out more
Accessibility :
Accessible aux personnes à mobilité réduite sur les trois niveaux du bâtiment (ascenseur)

Access and parking

On the D 548 and D 329 from L'Espérou via the Col de la Lusette pass, towards Mandagout
On the D 170 from Le Vigan towards Mandagout, then on the D 329 towards L'Espérou / Col de la Lusette

Parking :

Under the pine trees on the plateau, 2 km from the Col de la Lusette pass

Source

CC Causses Aigoual Cévennes Terres Solidaireshttp://www.caussesaigoualcevennes.fr/
Parc national des Cévenneshttp://www.cevennes-parcnational.fr/

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