 The Cévennes
Louis XIV's revocation of the edict of Nantes, which had attempted to establish religious tolerance, resulted in the savage persecution of many French Protestants from 1685 onwards. There had always been a large number of Protestant communities sheltering in the south and many were forced to flee to the lush, green hills of the Cévennes, north of Montpellier.
Many clandestine services were held under cover of darkness. This is an area of stunning natural beauty. The Protestants, however, still call it the "desert", in reference to their sense of spiritual isolation. To this day, Protestant enclaves and hamlets can still be found amongst the valleys and hills of the Cévennes. Many of the families have been there for generations, peacefully living off the land and farming dairy goats. This rural existence can be demanding but the Protestants living in the Cévennes are proud of their home. There is no greater example of this pride than their anthem, La Cévenole, which sings the virtues of the Cévennes.
Links
Franceway, tourist information
General information in English on various French regions, including those around Montpellier.
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