Trail running No. 26 Roquefort – Combalou

6 points of interest

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  Archeology

  Soulzon Menhir

  The Soulzon menhir is a large stone over three meters high, locally called a "menhir," even though it does not display all the usual characteristics of a traditional menhir. This type of standing stone dates back to the Bronze Age, and its exact role in the ancient landscape remains a subject of debate. Some believe it is simply a natural remnant of the Combalou, on which a cross may have been engraved during the Middle Ages, possibly to mark a territorial boundary. Others suggest it could be a prehistoric menhir that was Christianized, a common practice in the region. The two deeply carved crosses on its faces support this latter interpretation.

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  Agropastoralism

  Dry Grasslands

  Dry Grasslands which are iconic features of the caussenard landscape originate from pristine forests that have been transformed by human actions (land clearing, stubble-burning, farming and pasture). This ecosystem is a semi-natural environment with outstanding biological particularities: it provides a critical habitat for rare animal and plant species and is a perfect hunting ground for birds nesting in surrounding cliffs and gorges. Moreover, these traditional pastoral lands have been used for centuries. At the end of the spring season, the causses scenery is decked out with tall grass (feather grass) that forms the shape of a thick silver hair. (source PNR Grands Causses).

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  Geology

  Tournemire amphitheatre

  The great Tournemire amphitheatre is one of the most outstanding escarpments of the western edge of the Larzac and as such is classified "Zone Natura 2000". The lower slopes are the only part where Toarcian marls are visible in the SW erosion gullies, everywhere else these marls are hidden under rocky slopes and big rock slides. At the top of the slopes, the dolomitic limestone ruin-shaped cliffs frame the outline of this amphitheatre.

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  Fauna

  Birds

  The cliffs of the Tournemire amphitheatre are an important playground and nesting area for numerous birds. These cliffs are home to great variety of bird life, from the most expressive to the most secretive such as: the Rock Swallow; the Alpine Swift; the Red-billed Chough; the Wall creeper; Bats (Greater Horseshoe) and birds of prey nesting on cliffs among which is the Eurasian Eagle-Owl.

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  Agropastoralism

  Jasse du Combalou

  Jasses were buildings designed to shelter sheep during the summer season. Fairly well preserved, the Jasse du Combalou is organized over two levels. On the ground floor, two sheep pens, one of which is vaulted, housed the animals. Upstairs, a large barn was used to store hay for feeding the flocks during the winter months. Perfectly adapted to life in the highlands and the needs of pastoralism, this type of building provides an important testimony to rural life on the Causses.
   
   

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  Geology

  The Combalou scree

  The Combalou scree is an impressive rock formation, created by the many tectonic movements that shaped the limestone plateau. These piles of stones are the result of successive collapses and landslides that have shaped the landscape over the centuries. The rocks in this area reflect the region’s geological activity, where erosion has sculpted unique landscapes.