Trail N°26 Roquefort - Combalou

8 points of interest

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  Flora

  Conteynes Wood and Fitness Trail

  Conteynes Wood is a dense forest where oaks stand proudly. Nature thrives here, hosting a variety of plants and animals. This area also helps protect the soil and regulate water. To enjoy it fully, a 600-meter fitness trail, which takes about an hour to complete, allows visitors to stroll, relax, and discover the wildlife and plants that make this forest so vibrant.

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  Archeology

  Soulzon Menhir

  The Soulzon menhir is a large stone over three meters high, locally called a "menhir," even though it does not display all the usual characteristics of a traditional menhir. This type of standing stone dates back to the Bronze Age, and its exact role in the ancient landscape remains a subject of debate. Some believe it is simply a natural remnant of the Combalou, on which a cross may have been engraved during the Middle Ages, possibly to mark a territorial boundary. Others suggest it could be a prehistoric menhir that was Christianized, a common practice in the region. The two deeply carved crosses on its faces support this latter interpretation.

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  Agropastoralism

  Dry Grasslands

  An iconic feature of the Grands Causses landscape, the dry grasslands are the result of centuries of interaction between people and nature. Originating from ancient forests gradually transformed by clearing, grazing, and cultivation, they now support an exceptional biodiversity, including many rare plant and animal species. These open spaces also provide hunting grounds for birds nesting in the surrounding cliffs and gorges.

  In late spring, the causses are covered with feather grass whose long stems sway in the wind like a silvery mane. The landscape also bears witness to a long pastoral tradition, with stone clearance heaps (clapas), shepherds’ shelters (jasses), and, a little further on, a traditional livestock watering pond known as a lavogne.

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  Geology

  Tournemire Cirque

  Designated as a Natura 2000 site, the Tournemire Cirque is one of the most remarkable geological landmarks on the western edge of the Larzac plateau. Its dark marl slopes contrast strikingly with the towering limestone and dolomitic cliffs above. Shaped by erosion over thousands of years, this spectacular landscape features dramatic rock formations that attract both geology enthusiasts and hikers seeking breathtaking scenery.

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  Flora

  The Montpellier Aphyllanthes

  The Montpellier Aphyllanthes, also known as the “blue carnation of Montpellier,” is an emblematic plant of the Mediterranean garrigue. Perfectly adapted to dry soils, it blooms from April to June, brightening the landscape with its delicate light-blue flowers, which are highly appreciated by bees. Without leaves to limit water loss, it stands out with its long green stems, well suited to arid climates. In the past, its roots were used to make brushes, highlighting its place in local heritage.
   

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  Agropastoralism

  Jasse du Combalou

  Jasses were buildings designed to shelter sheep during the summer season. Fairly well preserved, the Jasse du Combalou is organized over two levels. On the ground floor, two sheep pens, one of which is vaulted, housed the animals. Upstairs, a large barn was used to store hay for feeding the flocks during the winter months. Perfectly adapted to life in the highlands and the needs of pastoralism, this type of building provides an important testimony to rural life on the Causses.
   
   

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  Geology

  The Combalou Plateau

  The Combalou Plateau is a spectacular geological site located in the heart of the Roquefort region. Formed around 150 million years ago, when a shallow sea covered the area, this vast limestone landscape was shaped over time by layers of sediment.

  Today, the Combalou is best known for its natural caves, which are essential to the production of Roquefort cheese. Crossed by natural fissures called “fleurines,” the plateau benefits from constant natural ventilation that maintains stable temperature and humidity levels. These unique conditions create the perfect environment for the aging of the famous Roquefort cheese.

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  Geology

  The Combalou scree

  The Combalou scree is an impressive rock formation, created by the many tectonic movements that shaped the limestone plateau. These piles of stones are the result of successive collapses and landslides that have shaped the landscape over the centuries. The rocks in this area reflect the region’s geological activity, where erosion has sculpted unique landscapes.