Causses, Les

Area of limestone plateaux in southern France, sloping westward from the Cévennes in the départements of Lozère, Aveyron, Gard, and Hérault. The plateaux are dry, sterile and cut by numerous rivers, including the Tarn, Jonte, and Dourbie. These form deep canyons which divide the main plateau into four large areas or causses – Sauveterre, Méjean (1,200 m/3,940 ft at its highest point), Noir, and Larzac – and several smaller areas. The chief activity is the rearing of sheep, from whose milk Roquefort cheese is made. Tourism is important here.