The
rather harsh climate and geography of this region with its legend of
the Beast of Gévaudan have enabled the re-implantation and acclimatisation of
wild animals in a beautiful natural setting.
Buffalo
of La Margeride
At over
1250 metres, European buffalo, which appeared 10,000 years ago
and went extinct in France 1500 years ago, have found a
habitat fully adapted to them.
Thirty-five
specimens of this mammal, a gift from the Polish national park
of Bialowecza, live in semi-liberty on 200 hectares of forest
and moorland. The nature reserve can be visited in a
horse-drawn carriage, or by sleigh in winter.
The Maison du
Bison recalls the history of this animal since its origins and
there is a little reconstituted prehistoric cave. A comparison
with its American cousin points up their differences.
There is a
hands-on section with an interactive kiosk, puzz-les and
entertainment for children.
Tel: 04 66 31
40 40
The wolves of
Gévaudan
In the
typical hamlet of Sainte Lucie, and in a superb setting,
Gérard Ménatory the wolf man has created an animal park
solely for the wolf.
You can
approach them and observe the births in May and June in an
exceptional natural environment.
In the
heart of the old Gévaudan, the reputation of the wolf,
whether it comes from Europe, Canada or Mongolia,
is fully re-established. Gérard Ménatory has put all his
passion into proving that the Beast of Gévaudan which caused
such havoc in the 18th century was not a wolf!
Tel: 04 66
32 09 22
Website: www.loupsdugevaudan.com
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The beast of Gévaudan
In
1764, a beast which slaughtered mainly women and
children made its appearance in the part of the
Gévaudan which is now La Margeride.
In
three years, nearly a hundred people fell victim
to this creature whose ferocity gave rise to many
beliefs where legend combined with marvel.
As
slaughter followed slaughter, beats were organised
but failed to come to grips with the terrible
beast.
A
certain Jean Chastel succeeded in killing it
during a hunt in 1767; it turned out to be a wolf.
Yet still today the famous beast retains its
mystery. |
Credits
: www.lozere-tourisme.com
