The must-see summer walks in Lozère: behind the trees, the sumptuous Rûnes waterfall

The Rûnes waterfall impresses with its size and beauty. Midi Libre – LUCAS MANOUVRIER

Summer is well and truly here in Lozère! After showing you their favourite swimming spots, the editorial team at Midi Libre takes you on their favourite summer outings in the department. Head to the Rûnes waterfall, an iconic site in the Lozère Cévennes.

The Rûnes waterfall is one of the must-see sites in Lozère. As proof, it was engraved on the medal of the runners of the 51st Marvejols-Mende which was run this year.

Nature once again offers us a splendid wonder hidden in the woods, where an impressive 60-meter waterfall is revealed! It is divided into two parts. The first gush falls 46 meters lower, in a large basin, before the stream continues its steep descent for a dozen meters. In the photo, the Rûnes waterfall is striking in beauty with this curtain of water that forms on the rock, but you have to see it in real life to really measure its height. So Midi Libretakes you there as part of its series on walks to do in Lozère.

Walking shoes recommended

To reach this natural site classified since 1942, take the RN106 then, at the Montmirat pass, turn onto the RD35, direction Les Bondons. At this point, a sign already displays the waterfall, located 14 km away. After passing the hamlet of Rûnes, there is a car park on the right and, if it is full, other parking options can be found near the RD35.

The path is uneven and walking shoes are necessary. Midi Libre – Lucas Manouvrier

From now on, you must put on your walking shoes – strongly recommended – to walk the small rocky and uneven path that leads to the magnificent waterfall. This hike is accessible to all, the path is not long and, in ten minutes, you will overlook the waterfall. Here is an opportunity to look for an engraved rock on the right. A dragon biting its tail is said to be depicted there. Inside the circle, it is said to be written: "From the earth to the sky and from the sky to the earth". Local legend has it that some Vikings wandering on Mont Lozère, at the end of the first millennium, wrote this message. As you take the path again, in front of you stands a splendid landscape with a view of the Cévennes valleys. A moment out of time that allows you to recharge your batteries and take a deep breath before continuing the hike.

Swimming strongly discouraged

After this brief stop, the path goes around the waterfall and, between the trees, it is possible to see it. A hundred meters further, the path descends to arrive at the foot of the waterfall, with a succession of steps to be taken carefully. To help you, a handrail follows the route all the way down. At the very end, a small belvedere marks the end of the trail, with a breathtaking view of the Rûnes waterfall.

This one immediately surprises us with its dimensions. And tourists do not hesitate to take out their cameras to immortalize this wonder of nature. Then it is time to turn back. The return is done by the same path as on the way there. In total, the walk is 1.5 km for 72 meters of positive and negative elevation gain. It is fast but it can be combined with that of the Bondons menhirs (5 km; 2 hours; accessible to all), another must-see site.

While leaving the marked trail is not recommended, some people venture as close as possible to the waterfall to swim there. Midi Libre – Lucas Manouvrier

While this site is popular with tourists looking for beautiful landscapes, some people do not hesitate to take advantage of it to get into the water. But be careful, swimming is strongly discouraged and requires you to leave the marked trail. The signs along it remind you not to cross the barriers: “Beyond this, your safety is no longer assured”. Your responsibility is thus engaged and you must be extremely careful as the intervention of the emergency services proves delicate and perilous in the event of a problem. It would be regrettable to spoil a unique and exotic moment in this little corner of Lozère paradise…

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