Discovery trail: "The Arboretum of the Hort de Dieu"

This trail is part of a network of forest paths and sites that allow visitors to discover the forest and wildlife of the Aigoual massif. It is one of the seven arboretums in the massif.

At the crossroads of Mediterranean, mountain, and oceanic influences, this interpretive trail offers the opportunity to discover this exceptional site: panoramic views of the Cévennes mountains and the upper Hérault valley, tree species, and the acclimatization of plant species. The trail is of moderate difficulty and steep in places.

A major reforestation program was undertaken on the Aigoual massif at the end of the 19th century, under the direction of forester Georges Fabre. He was among the first to recognize the importance of exotic species for reforestation. It was in this context, and to study the behavior of these species under different ecological conditions (altitude, rainfall patterns, soil types, etc.), that a network of ten arboretums was created between 1885 and 1903. Botanist Charles Flahault provided scientific support for the creation of the Hort de Dieu arboretum.

Starting point: Arboretum car park
Duration: 2 hrs
Distance: 3 km
Elevation: 110 m

Departure: Mont Aigoual Observatory
Duration: 3 hour 30 minutes
Distance: 4,7 km
Elevation: 285 m
Difficulty: moderate - steep trail, good shoes essential
Markings: yellow

The trail map can be downloaded or obtained from our Mont Aigoual Causses Cévennes Tourist Offices. Find the route on the Cévennes National Park destination website.

Find information about the Aigoual state forest on the ONF website. The "Aigoual Massif 4 Seasons Nature Hub" project is co-financed by the European Union. Europe is investing in the Massif Central through the European Regional Development Fund.