5 Properties for sale in Lozère, Occitanie (formerly Midi-Pyrénées and Languedoc-Roussillon), France

Lozère

Located in the north of Languedoc- Roussillon, Lozère is one of the least populated departments of France. At the last census its largest town had no more than 13,000 inhabitants, the smallest less than 40. An outdoor playground, Lozère is filled with natural wonders such as the Aubrac Plateau, the wild Cévennes and the Tarn Gorges; almost half the department is covered by trees. Not surprisingly, it attracts intrepid travellers who come to walk, kayak, camp and spot wildlife. Sites of archaeological importance include the Cham des Bondons plateau. CAPITAL: MENDE Surrounded by the rich green countryside of the Pays du Gévaudan, Mende is an attractive town. The historic centre is bordered by boulevards where ramparts once stood. Highlights include the half-timbered medieval houses and the Flamboyant Gothic cathedral of Notre Dame and St-Privat.

Average property prices

Lozère: €94,500

Mende: €164,000

Access from UK

By air: There are no airports in Lozère, the nearest are in Clermont-Ferrand (seasonal), Montpellier and Nîmes (year-round flights)

By train: Eurostar to Paris, then train to Clermont-Ferrand, then bus to Mende

By road: Mende is 878km from Calais

Climate

Average annual temperature: (Mont-Aigoual): 2.7°C/8.0°C

Average annual rainfall: 1,931.7mm

Average annual sunshine hours: approximately 2,400 across the region

Highlights

Adventurers should head to the high Aubrac plateau with its network of rivers and lakes; the area is also rich in Romanesque churches. In May and October Aubrac’s transhumance festivities see the farmers decorate their herds with flowers as they move to new pastures. Don’t miss the Plus Beau Village of La Garde-Guerin on the ancient trade route, the Régordane Way. Mont Lozère is the highest point in the Parc National des Cévennes, a magnet for nature and sports lovers and walkers as well as those interested in prehistory.