The weather station at Mont Aigoual recorded a wind speed of 360 km/h during a storm in 1951.
It is one of the wettest locations in France, with average annual precipitation exceeding 2,200 mm.
The mountain marks the watershed divide between the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea.
The stone observatory building was constructed as a strategic response to the reforestation efforts of the 19th century.
The station provides real-time data to Météo-France, essential for national forecasting models.
Snow cover on the summit can persist well into late spring due to the high elevation and exposed topography.
Mont Aigoual is the highest point in the Gard department of France, rising to an elevation of 1,567 meters in the Cévennes mountain range. The summit hosts the last inhabited mountain weather station in France, which has been in continuous operation since 1894. The site features the Climatolab, an educational exhibition space dedicated to meteorology, climate change, and the history of weather observation. Visitors can access a panoramic viewing terrace that offers clear-day sightlines extending to the Mediterranean Sea, the Alps, and the Pyrenees. The surrounding landscape is characterized by high-altitude heath and glacial Cirque de Bonheur formations. It serves as a primary hub for hikers traversing the GR7 and GR66 long-distance trails. The area is subject to extreme meteorological conditions, including some of the highest recorded rainfall and wind speeds in France.
The viewing platform terrace looking toward the south-facing valley during a clear sunset.
Bring layers regardless of the season, as temperatures at the summit can be 10-15 degrees Celsius lower than in the valleys.
Check local weather alerts before ascending, as the summit is frequently shrouded in 'le brouillard' (heavy fog).
Wear sturdy hiking boots, as the terrain around the observatory consists of loose volcanic rock and uneven paths.
Attempting the ascent during high-wind warnings or thunderstorm activity, which is common in the afternoons.
The exhibition center is closed during the winter months and typically operates from spring through autumn.
Maintain silence inside the exhibition areas and stay strictly on marked paths to protect the fragile alpine ecosystem.
