Key facts

Distance: 7.0 km
Ascent: +171 m
Descent: −152 m
Estimated time: 50 min; trail running
Difficulty: Very easy; official rating
Route: Loop; back to the start

Profile and gradient

under 10%
10 to 20%
over 20%

Surface and path types

Surface: Paved 4%
Dirt & gravel 96%
Path types: Trail 44%
Track 52%
Road 4%

Description

Treat yourself to the ascent of the summit of Finiels and a gambol on the heights of Mont Lozère. The first section is very calm, alternating between forest track and paths, ideal for enjoying the panoramic views. Then a short steep part on a path to reach the summit of Finiels (1,699 metres, the highest point in Lozère). Finally a pleasant descent on “the path less travelled” through forest and pastureland. Follow the waymarks for #17v. Signposts will guide you all along this route, as well as yellow painted waymarks. In the description below, the signposted place names and/or directions are given in bold italics between quotation marks: From "Col de Finiels", take : - "Bas du Col Plat", - "Col Plat" and "Font de Sénebébios". - At "Font de Sénebébios", head for "Sommet de Finiels" via - "Col de la Draille", - "Valat de la Mouline" and - "Route Forestière des Crêtes". - At "Sommet de Finiels", return to "Col de Finiels" via : - "Col de la draille" and - "Sous le col de Finiels". This hike is taken from the guidebook Mont Lozère, Pays des sources, published by the Pôle de pleine nature du mont Lozère.

Difficulty

Official rating: very easy, by Parc national des Cévennes.

Before you go

The summit is often windy, don’t forget your windcheater. Do not attempt this trail during strong fog or strong winds. Be particularly vigilant when there is snow and/or fog. Caution: livestock guard dogs (patous) in the Cassini area ! Seek advice on how to behave near these dogs from tourist offices and National Park information centres. Before committing yourself to a circuit, ensure that it is suitable for your activity level and ability. Remember that the weather changes quickly in the mountains. Please close all gates and barriers behind you. Stay on the marked path.

Getting there

Start: Col de Finiels, Mont Lozère et Goulet (48).

Sources

Track: Parc national des Cévennes, Licence Ouverte 1.0, Licence Ouverte 1.0 (Etalab) (destination.cevennes-parcnational.fr/trek/74864-Sommet-de-Finiels-et-Pelouse-(Variante-courte)---Trail-n17v). Time estimated by GPX Path with the Mac app rule, breaks not included.
Surface and path types: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL, extract of 28 October 2026, matched to the track every 10 m (openstreetmap.org/copyright)
Official elevation gain: 171 m, Parc national des Cévennes

Summit of Finiels and Pelouse, variant Trail #17v