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NEWSLETTER No. 31 - SEPTEMBER 19th 2006 The Mont Aigoual, at 1567m is the highest point within 40 miles of the city of Montpellier (as the crow flies) and one of the highest points in the Cévennes National Park that peak at the Mont Lozère (1699m). On its top is a 19th century observatory which stands, very dignified and overlooking a vast panorama. Aigoual can be climbed by car, bicycle, or on foot. Hikers will be keen to note that a number of GRs (Grande Randonnées - the network of hiking paths that cross the French territory) cross its peak. This newsletter summarises a climb of Aigoual from the Cévénol village of Vallerauge, way down in the valley below. Top properties are village houses north and west of Montpellier. Should you wish to be removed from this mailing list, please use the link provided at the bottom of the page. Otherwise, kindly read on. Theme of the fortnight: climbing the Mont Aigoual The well known climb, "les quatre mille marches" - literally, the four thousand steps - takes the hiker through forests, along mountain crests, across streams, onward and practically always upward to the summit. A vertical ascension of 1222 metres (4000 feet), in roughly 4 hours, with slopes as steep as 20%. Aigoual is best climbed over the long summer months, but consideration of weather will always be a necessity, not only to make it pleasant, but to make it worthwhile. The rewards of a good climb are considerable views, and while conditions may seem clear, mountains can be unpredictable, and low cloud cover a nuisance. Heat and heat haze can be inhibitors to a good ascension. That said, les quatre mille marches can be handled by all the family. My walking partner on the trip was an athletic friend with a good head for heights. It is possible to climb Aigoual in less than the requisite 4 hours given in the guide book, though our performance was mediocre in the light of the record set of 56 minutes during the annual race (see below).  The opening climb out of Vallerauge, at an altitude of 345m is very testing, with a steep rate of climb, over large rocks that resemble the steps in the name. Eventually the climb levels off a bit and the first rewards can be reaped with an outward view across the valley to the right. The path meanders upward through a forest of chestnuts and oaks which give appreciable shade from the summer sun before opening out onto a crest, giving views across valleys both left and right. Here the goat bells, the thriving green summer grass and fauna put the walker in new geography. Fractionally further on we meet and awkwardly negotiate a flourish of rocks and then cross ravines created by the heavy downward flow of rainwater. In the shade of trees, this is an ideal place for refreshment before continuing the upward haul through more pine forests. Eventually the observatory comes into view on the left.  On the summit the views are breathtaking. The difference between north and south faces of the mountain is striking. The southern side - where the rock is more crumbly than the granite to the north is heavily eroded and subject to violent Mediterranean rainfall - is steeply sloped. The north and west faces show much gentler inclines. Mont Aigoual, meaning the 'water mountain', carries well its name, with rain coming from west and south. In autumn, torrential rain is common. In September 1910, records indicate nearly 1 metre of rainfall in 12 hours.  (view south)  (view north) A 'refuge - gite d'étape' - not a traditional gite, but generally accommodation offering a dormitary for the overnight stay and communal area to cook and chat - offering warm meals and a bed is available to hikers on prior reservation. Failing this, the nearby village of l'Esperou with its heightened ski resort feel offers multiple options for an overnight stay.  AIGOUAL and its races A cross-country race in July runs a distance of 37km along paths and through forests around the Aigoual. A shorter version (15km) is also organised. "La course des quatre mille marches" is run early June, and is equally frequented by top athletes and amateurs. Exhibitions Météo-France and the Association des Amis de l'Aigoual run a exhibition in the Observatory buildings. Part presents the activities of Météo France in weather observation, forecasts and climate science. Specialists are on hand to explain their work. Cloud movement can be followed on satellite images and demonstrations of weather instruments maps and climate statistics and different meteorological phenomonen are made. Another part is dedicated to Aigoual through the seasons and climate. They also have a substantial collection of photographs in all seasons, and films relating to life and work in the observatory.  De- and Re-forestation of Aigoual Centuries of animal migration between high and low lying grounds, the glassmaking industry, numerous foundries and an intense use of wood for heating lead Aigoual to become treeless. The widespread reforestation is the result of intense ecological interest at the end of the 19th century. The two men instrumental in the process were Emile Deuxdeniers, on the northern face and Georges Fabre, to the south. The 111 hectares in 1874 now represent 16,000 hectares. Ski on Mont Aigoual Facilities include 15 downhill pistes, 60 km of cross country pistes, 13 ski lifts and schools. Nearby Esperou offers accommodation and ski material facilities. How to get there >From Montpellier take the D986 to Ganges. Alternatively, from Nimes take the D999 to Ganges. In Ganges take the D999 in the direction of Le Vigan. Follow directions to Vallerauge and park in the village centre beside the church to start the walk. Alternatively follow directions upward through the hairpin bends to the Aigoual. Other information http://www.aigoual.asso.fr/ gives useful information on the observatory and the local climate. Top Properties Of The Fortnight: In the market village of St. Hippolyte-du Fort at the southern extremity of the Cévennes, this stone house is in very good state of repair. It has a surface area of 190m² shared over three storeys. There is a a fitted kitchen, a living room, 4 bedrooms, a bathroom. For outdoor space there are terraces, an pretty enclosed garden of 100m² and a summer use kitchen. Functional aspects include a garage (approximately 40m²) and gas fired central heating. Property reference: 400 Asking price: 247,000€ Web page: http://www.jamespropertiesfrance.com/viewpropNP.php?id=400     Painstakingly restored village house in Octon, close to the lac du Salagou and the market town of Clermont l'Hérault. The house has an interior surface area of 200m², with a living room of 70m² and five bedrooms. There are two terraces and a small garden of approximately 70m². Property reference: 401 Asking price: 295,000€ Web page: http://www.jamespropertiesfrance.com/viewpropNP.php?id=401     Further details can be found on the following page: http://www.jamespropertiesfrance.com/viewprop2.php?id=331   +33 467 297 068 +33 626 581 415 Enquiries can be made through the following page: http://www.jamespropertiesfrance.com/contact.php www.jamespropertiesfrance.com About James Properties France: Based in Montpellier in the south of France, bringing to you a carefully picked selection of properties within a 70 mile radius - with the occasional more distant exception - that are chosen for their combinations of attributes, most notably: - Setting of outstanding natural beauty - Distinct character or unusual features - Quality of renovation or authenticity - Value for money James Properties France (JPF) serves primarily an English speaking, though often highly Francophile clientele looking to move or own a second home in the south of France around such places as Uzes, Nîmes, Montpellier, Anduze, St. Hippolyte du Fort, the Southern Cevennes, Gignac and Clermont l'Herault and the Hauts Cantons. The property selection proposed by JPF is targeted to fit buyers from abroad in terms of types of location, accessibility, environment / landscapes, and types and formats of construction. Besides bringing you a wide array of properties, JPF helps by running specific searches in the Gard and Hérault. JPF acts as an intermediary between you and a number of regional estate agencies, at no extra charge. Selections of properties that meet your criteria can be established prior to your visits, any linguistic issues totally alleviated, questions about French procedures and legislation addressed quickly, and information on prices and property details addressed plainly by all parties. JPF helps you with your purchase from the beginning to the end of the process, often communicating with the assigned notary to make sure that content and conditions of sale are correctly documented, ensuring all is in order for completion, and keeping you informed of progress. Insurance and utilities can also be arranged. In addition, should you wish to have assistance in maintaining or making alterations to your house, or any formalities associated with property ownership or financing in France, JPF can give assistance on an hourly basis. Should you wish to sell your property in the south of France, JPF can also help. If you would like to unsubscribe from this newsletter, please click on the following link: www.jamespropertiesfrance.com/unsubscribe.php |