Montagne du Goulet

Taking the shape of an eroded plateau approximately 20 km long in the west–east direction, and 5 to 6 km wide in the north–south direction, the Goulet forms a ridge strictly parallel to that of Mont Lozère (1,699 m) to the south and that of Moure de la Gardille (1,503 m) to the north.^[1]

Many rivers have their source (including the Lot) on the mountain.^[2] It is located on the watershed between the Atlantic and the Mediterranean.^[3]

The Montagne du Goulet is geologically linked to the southern Cévennes. It is formed of shale, and a large fault to the north, oriented east–west, separates it from Triassic and Jurassic transgressive sedimentary formations that overlay the crystalline basement, which extends further north into the Ardèche Cévennes.^[4]

Forming a barrier to the east of the Massif Central, in close proximity to the Ardèche, the Goulet receives abundant precipitation (approximately 1,100 to 1,500 mm per year) throughout the year.^[5]

The mountain has been heavily forested since the early 20th century, mainly with conifers (spruce and fir).