The Cevennes Mountains date back a very long time. Some believe as far back as the Celtic era. However one thing is for sure, whenever you venture out along the magnificent trails, or simply breath the fresh, pine-scented air, you feel as if you've traveled back in time and history comes alive!
The Cevennes Mountains are part of the Massif Central in the Languedoc-Rousillon region in the south-central part of France. The highest point is Mont Lozere at 1702 meters, followed by Mont Aigoual at 1567 meters.
The famous history of these majestic mountains deals with the struggle between the Protestants, called Huguenots, and the Catholics. In 1598, Henry IV established the Edict of Nantes, a declaration proclaiming civil rights and liberties to the Protestants, who up until then, were persecuted and discriminated against. It called for the seperation of religious and civil unity and finally allowed the Protestants their freedom. But, in 1685, Louis XIV retracted the Edict of Nantes, basically declaring war against the Protestants. It was due to this heavy blow, that in 1702 many Protestants, called Camisards, rose up against the monarchy causing havok all along the Cevennes. It wasn't until 1715, that peace were finally declared and the mayhem ceased, but not without forever changing the aura of the regal Cevennes.
