The Aubrac region, or plateau, is an area that spans over three French departments, Lozère, Aveyron, and Cantal. A fairly old volcanic massif is at the origin of this formation and is dated 6 to 9 million years ago. The Aubrac is a varied plant-covered environment. It includes large beech forests to the southwest and smaller woods of Scots pine and other conifers to the north and east. The flora is very diverse on the plateau thanks to pastoral practices that naturally maintain the pastures.