On top of the world

We live at the edge of the coastal plain and the foothills of the Cevennes in a little wine growing village, between Nîmes and Montpellier. For entertainment, we have always tended to 'head south', either to the towns or the beach. However, yesterday's trip showed me how shortsighted this has been. We have always been impressed by the dramatic scenery as we headed north to Ganges, but this time we ventured beyond Ganges. Continue up the D999, and you follow the river Hérault through breathtaking 'alpine' countryside towards Le Vigan. After Le Vigan, you can drive up Mont Aigoual where the views are even more breathtaking and spectacular. At 1380 metres to the top of the mountain, it is not very high in the scheme of things, but the views make you feel 'on top of the world'. I think that this is the highest mountain in the Cevennes, and the journey from Le Vigan in the valley below to the summit, takes about an hour. Jan pointed out, as we passed some of the houses clinging to the hillside, "you wouldn't want to run out of milk too often up here." Anyway, this experience prompted us to visit the area again, so today we left the dogs in kennels and head off to see the Millau Bridge, which is not too far away and is a must see local spectacle. More about the trip tomorrow.