article_snippet: Tiny villages are scattered along the gorge, which rises from the apple and pear orchards and the gray stone riverbed of the valley floor to heights of more than 2,000 meters (1.2 miles) above sea level.
article_snippet: Many of these villages, which were bustling communities in the 19th century, now lie abandoned or survive with just a handful of inhabitants.
article_snippet: One dead-end road, the D107, winds its way through Prads-Haute-Bleone, passing churches and a campsite that offers a peaceful retreat for summer hikers.
highlights_snippet: Single mountain road leads to area; police urge people to leave it clear .