 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
General information in English on various French regions, including
those around Montpellier.
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