a mountain range in France that constitutes the southeastern edge of the Massif Central. The Cévennes extend approximately 150 km and rise to an elevation of 1,702 m at Mount Lozère. They are composed primarily of granites, gneisses, phyllites, and schists; in places, there are volcanic rocks. The peaks are plateau-like. The southern and eastern slopes fall steeply to the Rhône Valley, forming step faults, while the northern and western slopes are gentle. In the lower zone of the southern and eastern slopes there is Mediterranean shrub vegetation. Higher there are chestnut and beech forests, which give way to coniferous forests of pine, spruce, and fir. There are meadows on the high peaks. In the valleys there are vineyards and orchards. The Ales coal basin is on the southeastern slope, in the Gard River valley.