DEPARTMENTAL DOMAIN OF THE VERNÈDE

A charming road, surrounded by vast lawns delimited by low walls or "murailhu", takes you progressively away from the urbanization. At the entrance to the site, a few ruins remain from the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries. Their architecture, massive, mineral and with few openings, testifies to the harshness of the climatic conditions and the scarcity of timber. The roofs are made of lauzes, superimposed limestone slabs, the widest of which are placed at the base. From the heights of the site, you can enjoy a beautiful panoramic view of the caussenard landscapes, whose lawns are one of the natural riches. In the summer, they are home to typical wildlife adapted to steppe environments. Dense grass and bushes are ideal hiding places or observation points for birds. Perched on their summit, the red-backed shrike can spot its prey from afar, while the ortolan sparrow is on the lookout for possible predators. These lawns are home to a very diverse flora with many species adapted to the rigour of the climate (very cold in winter and hot in summer), as well as to the aridity and poverty of the soil. Some are hairy to resist the cold, others have tough leaves to limit summer evaporation... You will even be surprised by the multitude of dwarf plants. Any economy is good to take! Only on the causses.

How do I get there? From Caylar take the direction of La Vacquerie (follow the RD 9). At the first crossroads, after Saint-Pierre-de-la-Fage, take the direction of Saint-Maurice-Navacelles (D25). After 2 km, turn left towards Vissec-Soulagets (RD152). 3 km further on, turn left towards La Vernède. Parking is on the estate at the foot of the hamlet.