Vivarais Mountains

The mountains of Vivarais rise between the valleys of the Rhône and the Loire. Volcanic domes and high plateaux give the range its distinctive outline; among them are Mont Mézenc and the steep Gerbier de Jonc, where the Loire begins. Forests cover the slopes below the exposed heights, and streams descend towards opposite river basins. The high country forms a watershed as well as a barrier between the lands on either side.