Tracks

The forest of Lagast and its pyramid

The national forest of Lagast covers 89 ha. This forest mainly made of beech and fir trees is close to the Auriac Lagast township.
A Sentier d'Interprétation du Hêtre (Interpretation path of the Beech tree) was created in the forest, as this variety represents more than the third of the forest. Discover the forest ecosystem, the beech tree development cycle, and the beech grove's wildlife and flora. Don't hesitate and wander in this 2,8 km path, or try the Sentier de la Pyramide du Lagast (Path of the Pyramid of Lagast) (1,7 km).

This other path leads you to the top of Lagast to discover its pyramid... No, Egyptians never invaded Lagast! This pyramid is actually the Signal de la Gaste and was built in 1739 on top of Lévézou. It originally consisted of a reference mark and a wooden pyramid. The geographers back then were interested in geodetic : the science that can measure land by a cut-out technique. Famous or anonymous cartographers have made many observations from this geodesic point. At first, their objective was to check the measures of the Méridienne de France in order to establish the first comprehensive map of France: the « Map of Cassini ». After that, their objectif was to define the meter benchmark.
The last mission there was in 1956. The Signal post currently belongs to the National Geographic Institute.

The wooden target was restored  identically to the original one built in 1769. An engraved board explains the steps of the triangulation measuring technique.