Cévennes National Park promotes rural development through heritage and tourism

The Cévennes National Park, spanning 2,700 km² across the Lozère, Gard, and Ardèche departments in France, serves as a unique model for balancing environmental protection with rural development. Established in 1970, the park aims to prevent rural exodus by integrating regulated core zones with larger adhesion zones where municipalities receive investment in exchange for adhering to specific charters.

Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site for its Mediterranean agropastoral landscapes, the region's economy is deeply tied to traditional pastoralism. Tourism also plays a significant role, with the GR 70 hiking trail—following the historic route of Robert Louis Stevenson—attracting approximately 15,000 hikers annually.

Key attractions include Mont Lozère, which holds an International Dark Sky Reserve label, the Gorges du Tarn for water activities, and various geological sites like the Aven Armand caves. The area is also noted for its cultural heritage, including stone villages such as Florac and Anduze, and local specialties like pélardon goat cheese.