Difficult though it is to imagine today, this plateau was once covered by a thick forest of pine trees, hence its name (the black plateau). Although not the largest of the Grands Causses plateaux, it is striking on account of the impressive surrounding landscape - Jonte Gorges and Dourbie Valley - and the unequalled beauty of its rocky scenery, notably the extraordinary stone city of Montpellier-le-Vieux. The ridge is ideal for walking and the underground is riddled with caves of all kinds, such as the Dargilan grotto.