The municipality of Altier includes 2,400 hectares within the core zone of the Cévennes National Park. The hamlets of Altier extend across the northern slope of Mont Lozère. Those choosing Altier as a destination may wish to rent a holiday apartment.
Nature
The natural setting includes the Type 1 ZNIEFF “Rivière de l'Altier entre les Rochettes Basses et le lac de Villefort”. It encompasses Altier and extends for approximately 11 kilometres along the Altier River upstream from Lac de Villefort. This ZNIEFF includes both the core zone and the membership zone of the Cévennes National Park. The white-clawed crayfish, known in French as Écrevisse à pieds blancs, is listed there.
Culture and History
The façades, roofs and garden of the Château du Champ were listed as a historic monument by decree of 14 April 1965. The Château du Champ has six towers and turrets; the keep includes a covered chemin de ronde. Its main construction phases date from the 15th, 16th and 17th centuries. The Château du Champ can only be visited on Heritage Days.
The Church of Saint-Privat in Altier is first mentioned in 1123. After suffering severe damage during the Wars of Religion in 1572, it was largely rebuilt in the 17th century. It has a single-nave body with a broken barrel vault and a semicircular apse with a domed vault. The church is permanently open for individual, unguided visits.
Hiking and Cycling
The Le Fossat route is a circular hike of approximately 10.8 kilometres and moderate difficulty. It takes about 3 hours and 30 minutes and starts and ends in Altier. Along the route, visitors can discover Altier and its hamlets, as well as the Château fort and the village church. It also offers an unobstructed view of the northern slope of Mont Lozère and leads through the Valat de La Rouvière on the descent.
The 91.3-kilometre Boucle du Goulet aux barrages circular cycling route passes through Altier.
Agriculture
The Ferme du Bergognon in Altier welcomes visitors who would like to learn about its goat herd and agricultural work. With prior information and reservation, the Ferme du Bergognon offers a farm visit with goûter, a snack.
Other linked places: Albaret-Sainte-Marie, Rimeize, La Bastide-Puylaurent, Saint-Laurent-De-Trèves, Rieutort-De-Randon, Naussac, La Canourgue, Florac
