2nd highest peak in the Ardèche Mont gerbier de jonc is the 2nd highest peak in the Ardèche (1551m), just after Mezenc (1753m). This 90-metre-high prominence offers a magnificent panorama of the Ardèche mountains and the Alps. It borders on the commune of Saint-Martial. The commune of Sainte
Overlooking the medieval village and the abbey below, the Château de Cruas is a veritable fortress, a refuge for monks in troubled times. A medieval site Cruas Castle The Château de Cruas in the Ardèche is a historic jewel from the medieval era. Nestling on the banks of the Rhône, this fortified
Lake Issarlès is of volcanic origin Lake Issarlès is a volcanic lake, formed around 8,000 years ago. It occupies the crater of an ancient extinct volcano. It measures around 97 hectares and reaches a maximum depth of 138 metres, making it one of the deepest natural lakes in France. A footpath leads
Near the small town of Les Vans, the Bois de Païolive is one of the strangest natural curiosities in the southern Ardèche. Covering an area of 16km2, it is an incredible labyrinth of holm and white oaks, arbutus trees and, above all, rocks carved by the wind, rain and sun. The result is some superb
Notre-Dame de Veyrines, the church of a Benedictine priory in the commune of St Symphorien de Mahun in the Ardèche. St Symphorien de Mahun, a village well worth a visit, in a superb mountain setting. A staging post in the Middle Ages between the Rhône Valley and the Velay. A 12th century church The
The marmot was introduced to the Ardèche 1/2 century ago. Historically, there were no marmots in the Massif Central; their introduction dates back to the 1980s in the Mézenc massif. The introduction of marmots was justified by a number of objectives. A) to diversify the biological diversity of an
Saint Clément in the Ardèche is a peaceful little mountain village, ideal for nature walks. The old village Situated in the Ardèche mountains in a sparsely populated region, this tiny village is built entirely of natural stone. Hiking trails An ideal, windy spot to recharge your batteries in a
Tournon is located in the heart of the Rhône Valley, just fifteen minutes from Valence, at the mouth of the Doux river. Tournon is located in the heart of the Rhône Valley, around fifteen minutes from Valence, just at the mouth of the Doux river. This small town of 10,000 inhabitants is set in an
Rochemaure lies in the eastern part of the Ardèche, on the banks of the Rhône, 5km from Montélimar. At the foot of the Coirons mountains and an ancient volcano: the Chenavari. The inhabitants are called rupismauriens. The name Rochemaure comes from the Low Latin roca maura and means “Black
The Cirque de Gaud is one of the countless meanders of the Ardèche Gorges. You can access it from the right bank (south side), which is the quietest and most interesting, in the commune of Labastide de Virac. From the Mas de la Fontenette(a 4-star holiday rentalgite with heated swimming pool), take
Semi-wild goats in the Ardèche gorges Goats have been roaming the gorges of the Ardèche for almost 50 years. Formerly domesticated, they now live in a semi-wild state, or at least in complete freedom. From a herd abandoned to its fate, they roam not far from the Pont d’Arc. They can even be
This short hike or mountain bike ride on the GR4 through Labastide-de-Virac (2.8 km) starts from the Mas de la Fontenette. Mas de la Fontenette is a 4-star gite with a heated infinity pool and wellness area. The return journey is just as leisurely, via a shortcut. Route GR4 Labastide-de-Virac with
Did you know that there are beavers in the Ardèche? Their numbers are increasing significantly. They are even colonising certain torrential rivers. Beavers can be found in the Ardèche and Ibie gorges, as well as in the Beaume and Bésorgue gorges. They can even be seen on the Rieu Grand, not far
The cicada, a mythical insect of the Mediterranean region A mythical insect of the Mediterranean region, the cicada feeds on the sap of trees and shrubs, which it collects with its proboscis under its head. In July and August, their singing livens up Mas de la Fontenette. This 4-star holiday rental
Beekeeping in the Ardèche Julien de la Rocca, mountain leader and beekeeper, member of Ardèche Randonnées, takes us on a hike in the Ardèche to discover his beehives. He lives at the foot of the Ardèche mountains, aboveAubenas, not far from Mas de la Fontenette, a 4-star holiday cottage with
Griffon vultures in the Ardèche The griffon vulture has been making a comeback in the Ardèche over the last few decades. Like all birds of prey, it is a protected species. It uses updrafts to fly without even flapping its wings, even when taking off, often launching itself from the edge of a cliff
A mythical insect Originally native to Africa, the praying mantis is a well-represented insect in the Mediterranean region. It is called “religious” because of its front legs, which it folds up as if to pray when it is on the lookout for prey. Characteristics of the praying mantis
The little owl, a tiny owl The little owl is a tiny owl about the size of a large blackbird. This one, an Ardéchois, is a young bird that has just fledged. Its egrets are not visible when it flattens them and its plumage looks like bark. This is a camouflage technique. The Petit Duc at Mas de la
The green lizard in the Ardèche Smaller than the ocellated lizard, the green lizard is very shy. However, it is quite common in the Ardèche. You’re likely to see it at Mas de la Fontenette in the Gorges de l’Ardèche, hunting insects next to the infinity pool. It can also be seen at the
A living tableau of fantastic colours The colours of autumn in the southern Ardèche transform this region into a living tableau of fantastic colours. This is particularly the case at Mas de la Fontenette in Labastide de Virac, on the edge of the Ardèche Gorges. The forests and vineyards are bathed
