Chamborigaud is a town of Gard, in Occitan region, 30 km northwest of Ales, bordering the Lozere department west.
Its territory of about 18 km², which ranges from 259 to 887 m above sea level belongs to the natural region of Cevennes.
It is crossed by the course of Luech and several of its small tributaries, through valleys that give the landscape of the locality its picturesque appearance. Chamborigaud was long a simple village before being erected as a parish dependent on the bishop of Uzes in the eighteenth century. Meanwhile, like the entire region which was a Protestant lair Chamborigaud was marked by the revolt of the Camisards consecutive to the revocation of the Edict of Nantes. Refugees in the Cevennes, the wooded hills and rugged, the Camisards were the subject of a long and bloody repression by the royal troops.
But it was in the nineteenth century that the town is changing. To open up the region, and transport the coal product of the mining area of Ales, a railway linking Nîmes Auvergne is fitted. This involves the construction of a huge viaduct over Luech, at Chamborigaud, famous for its 41 arches and its curved shape.
Other legacies are maintained today: the culture of the chestnut and the way Régordane, connecting from the eleventh century Le Puy-en-Velay in the abbey of Saint-Gilles, axis popular movement of pilgrims in the Middle Ages and now hikers!
Its heritage, its traditions and leisure "nature" related to its exceptional environment make Chamborigaud, which has about 850 residents, a step or a pleasant holiday resort and authentic.
The Chamborigaud railway viaduct reveals the element of major heritage of the town.
Built from 1865 to 1867, this majestic work of art remains even though the line was abandoned. 384 m long, with a curve of 200 m radius, overlooking the river 46 meters high and took more than 18 000 m³ of masonry. Dotted with 41 arches, was built by 200 workers, part then remained living in the village.
Built to export the Cevennes coal, the viaduct that blends into the peaks echoed the old local mines, operated by "peasants minor" from the thirteenth century and industrially from 1810 including the hamlet of Jasses.
Still on the heritage, but on a more conventional level, castles and Crouzac Tagnac but also the parish church built with local stones worth a glance.
For culture, the library dedicated to Jean-Pierre Chabrol (1925-2001), storyteller and novelist emblematic of the Cevennes, born in the town, regular program in conjunction with the rural home of readings, conferences, meetings and exhibitions. Information +33 4 66 61 47 36.
Regarding finally sports and leisure "nature", besides tennis (booking a short +33 4 66 61 51 17), the hiking enthusiasts have no less than 90 km of marked trails, some routes is also accessible to mountain bikers and horse riders. There are courses dedicated to mining past, others borrow the old route of the path Régordane arranged for pilgrims in the Middle Ages. All allow to understand the tremendous Cevennes environment and its wealth in terms of flora and fauna (ferns, chestnut, falcons). Several protected areas cover in part the territory (Luech Valley, Mountain Bougès). Warning: some circuits have difficulties because of terrain. Maps and information +33 4 66 52 32 15 or +33 4 66 61 18 32.
It may be useful also to join the Cévennes National Park, which offers regular themed walks, events or workshops to better understand the peculiarities of the environment and rich heritage. Contacting at +33 4 66 61 19 97.
Finally, especially in summer, it is noted that it is possible to cool off in the waters of Luech (note: no lifeguard) and, turning to nearby locations based clubs, kayaking or canyoning. Inquire +33 4 66 52 32 15.
In mid-May, plant fair.
The second weekend of August, painting exhibition (local artists).
The 3rd Friday of the month, film show rural home.
On Sunday morning local market with local producers and artisans.
