It is at the beginning of the night that Julien Tauran opens the doors to his passion for the stars. Let us be guided by celestial stories in Grand Pic Saint-Loup.
Who is behind Rando & Compagnie?
I juggle happily between many activities: primarily field-based naturalist activities and outdoor sports that satisfy my taste for wide open spaces, fauna and flora, as well as renovation projects.
I am lucky to share my passion for the contemplation and understanding of wildlife with artistic and naturalist parents, a biologist partner, and my two daughters who managed to say « snail » before « car »!
What is your connection with the territory of Grand Pic Saint-Loup and what makes it unique in your eyes?
I love these mineral landscapes sculpted by centuries of pastoralism and dotted with vineyard areas, in the midst of which the patient walker will discover oases of greenery. The most demanding botanists and ornithologists will not tire of the diversity of species and habitats present in this garrigue. And like many mountain lovers, I couldn’t live in a flat country, and even though the altitude is modest, the silhouette of Pic Saint-Loup facing Hortus amazes me every day.
Finally, our nights are beautiful, the villages almost all turn off their public lighting at night, and the celestial vault shines bright all year round!
A few words about the walks you lead around Pic Saint-Loup?
During a night hike, we walk in the coolness of dusk and take the time to watch the sunset, to listen to the last notes of daytime birds and to look up to discover the stars.
Stargazing is a simple pleasure from which one never emerges unscathed. You will learn to recognize the constellations (Great and Little Bear, North Star, Cassiopeia, Scorpion) and the legends associated with them, you will likely have the chance to spot shooting stars that are really no bigger than a grain of pepper, and if you are far enough from light pollution you will (re)discover our galaxy: the Milky Way, which city dwellers can no longer see for lack of sufficient darkness.
Your favorite spot in the territory.
My favorite spot is not a secret corner where I recharge, as there are several in the territory. No way to lift the veil, you will have to find them yourself, map in hand, and especially nose to the wind!
My favorite, then, is an exceptional hike that passes by Rocher du Causse, a viewpoint steeped in history that overlooks the east of the Hortus plateau, and the ancient mills of La Foux, in the commune of Lauret. A loop of a few hours will take you back in time to explore a plateau, springs, a ridge, all enhanced by some views of the southern Cévennes and the sea that seem so close.
