Largentière

Mas de la Fontenette 20/01/2025 Activities and leisure in Southern Ardèche, Activities in the Ardèche, Old villages in the Ardèche

Largentière is a superb little town of 1,800 inhabitants located around 10 km south of Aubenas in the Ardèche. Originally named Ségualières until the 13th century, the town owes its current name to the silver-lead mines that were exploited from the 10th to 15th centuries, and then partially in the 20th century.

Largentière Castle

The castle was built in the 13th century and the part that can be seen today dates from the 15th century. It dominates the town and includes an enormous keep known as the Bonnegarde tower, where the silver extracted from the mines was minted. From 1481 to 1497, architects built the new castle of Largentière, to the north and east of the old castle.

Time of Knights” medieval festival

Don’t miss the medieval festival “Le Temps des Chevaliers”.

The Gothic church of Notre-Dame-des-Pommiers

The Gothic church of Notre-Dame-des-Pommiers, located near the ramparts, dates back to the 13th century but has undergone many alterations. With its high, 3-sided apse and a number of beautiful altarpieces inside, the church is a treasure trove. An inscription in Occitan dated 1490 is engraved on the stone pulpit.

Fortifications

Heir to a long and brilliant history, the medieval town has preserved much of its fortifications, including the Porte des Récollets dating from 1507 and the Clock Tower and Tauriers Tower. The tourist office organises guided tours of the old town, showing you the façades of some sumptuous residences. You can also get lost in the maze of narrow streets. Largentière was a much-coveted town, which explains why defensive castles and old fortified villages surround it.

Accommodation in Largentière

As Largentière is only 3/4 of an hour from Labastide de Virac, we suggest the Mas de la Fontenette and its heated swimming pool. This is a magnificent gite in the Ardèche, set in a very quiet location yet close to all the activities.