In the footsteps of the Beast of Gévaudan in Lozère

• Mende offers a superb starting point for your extended weekend. Because it is brimming with a magnificent historical heritage. Not least its splendid cathedral, or the pharmacy in the old hospital. But also because Mende hides references to the Beast of Gévaudan, which ravaged the region from 1764 onwards. Look closely as you stroll through the streets and you may come across statues bearing his effigy. This is also where you'll find the Musée du Gévaudan, where two rooms are devoted entirely to the Beast. 
   
• After your stroll through the streets of Mende, head for Saint-Léger-de-Peyre. Here, at the Parc des Loups du Gévaudan, you can observe wolves living in semi-liberty in several hectares of woodland. And in the evening, don't hesitate to sleep in the middle of the park, in the dens that have been perfectly laid out and designed for observing the fascinating canids.

• For this second day in the footsteps of the Beast of Gévaudan, we head for the Château de la Beaume, nicknamed the “Versailles of Gévaudan”. While the first mention of the estate dates back to the 13th century, the current version of the building dates from the early 18th century. In addition to its granite exterior, don't miss its richly decorated interior, with its Italian and Versailles influences. On display is a rifle donated by the King's wolf hunter, sent to hunt down the Beast, and a spear that a shepherd might have used to defend himself against the monster. 
   
• Continue north-west. After a stop at the oculus du roc des loups, and a lunch break at the Buron du Ché, you arrive in the charming village of Nasbinals. Admire its pretty granite and basalt houses, or the church of Sainte-Marie de Nasbinals, a stopping-off point for pilgrims on their way to Santiago de Compostela. Don't hesitate to explore the local hiking trails, particularly the GR65 and GR670, which offer magnificent panoramic views.
   
• After a short detour to admire the Cascade du Déroc, you're in the heart of Aubrac. Take time to admire the rolling, green plateaus. Drive along the Route des Lacs, look out for the burons, and head for Marvejols to sample the traditional cuisine of Le Carré restaurant. The Logis Hôtel de l'Europe, ideally located right in the heart of the town, can accommodate you for the night.

• Early in the morning, look out for other statues depicting the Beast of Gévaudan on roundabouts and fountains in Marjevols. Then head east this time, towards Margeride. On this granite plateau, the largest in Europe, between Cantal and Haute-Loire, you arrive where it all began: the Mercoire forest. It was here, near Langogne, that the Beast of Gévaudan claimed its first victim in 1764: a young shepherdess. 
   
• While the ghost of the monstrous canine still prowls around at night, the forest has plenty to offer the rest of the time: hiking, mountain biking or horse riding, climbing the 1503-metre Moure de la Gardille, or visiting the former monastic and Cistercian abbey of Mercoire, now a farm. From here, you can follow the GR70 and GR470 footpaths, or set off from Cheylard-l'Évêque for a pretty loop that takes in the Chemin de Stevenson, Lous Pourtaous, Espradels and Laubarnés. All of which will give you new memories of these places, far removed from the tales and legends that have long enveloped them.

See also:

• Werewolves: the (real) landscapes behind the tales and legends

Find out more :

• More information on the Beast of Gévaudan
• Discover the Lot, Aveyron and Lozère, in Occitanie