The trumpet path

3 points of interest

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  History and heritage

  Everybody has a ticket

  The Tournemire-Le Vigan railway line was put into service on August 24th 1896. 2 hours were required to complete the journey, and it was then the only means used to transport Roquefort cheese. In 1897, the traffic was only 25 passengers per day and 15,000 tons of goods per year. In 1922 traffic peaked with 372 passengers per day and 33,000 tons of goods transported during the year. One still remembers these trains pulled by two steam locomotives that would transport cabanières (female staff working in the Roquefort caves), just as “migou” (sheep manure) intended, among others for the rice fields in Camargue. From 1920 onwards, road transport supplanted rail, and the line was finally closed on May 15th, 1939.

  Source : Le chemin de fer Le Vigan-Tournemire-Roquefort - ed° Cévennes Magazine

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  Geology

  Sotch de Balhol

  The cliff towering over our heads is really impressive with its steepness, the smooth appearance of the rock and the feeling of solidity it conveys. Actually, the huge screes we are walking on have been created by a rockslide. The bottom of this valley is called “sotch”, which is the local name for sinkholes 

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  History and heritage

  Saint-Pierre Rock and Chapel

  Saint-Pierre Chapel, dating from the 11th century, crowns the rock of the same name and was once the chapel of the now-vanished medieval castle. With its semi-dome choir, rounded arch, and narrow nave, this modest yet elegant building stands as a tribute to the craftsmanship of past builders. Steeped in history, the site invites contemplation and bears witness to the long-standing human presence in the area.