LAVENDER FIELD

The continuous presence of Man in the Lavagnes has left many legacies. Even today, a small hamlet occupied by a few inhabitants gives life to the place. The lavognes, or lavagnes, or "lavanhas", are small, gently sloping ponds maintained by the shepherds to water their herds. Not far from the Mas Aubert (gîte d'étape), a dirt track leads to the Lacan menhir, one of the largest in the South of France. Lacan comes from the Occitan "la calm" which means "the calm" which means "plateau of rocky moorland", the name given to the grazed plain around you. From the height of its 4.5 metres, it bears witness to the prehistoric occupation of the Lavagnes area for about 5,000 years. The menhirs have still undetermined functions: place of gathering, belief, marker of territory? In any case, they were of great importance to those who erected them. Who would lift such a mass for no reason?! To the south of the Lacan plain (outside the departmental property), you can also observe the most beautiful departmental massif of Salzmann pines, classified as a biological nature reserve. The forest of Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert is the main station in France of this Mediterranean tree.

How to get there? From Montpeyroux follow the RD 9 in the direction of Le Caylar. After 2 km turn right onto the RD 122E for 13 km, parking on the left side of the road, opposite the hamlet of Les Lavagnes.