Mont Gerbier de Jonc

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-Eulalie lies at its foot to the south. The site was listed in 1933. The etymology of the name “Gerbier de Jonc” comes from neither “gerbier” nor “jonc”. It derives from a pre-Celtic root which was recomposed from Gar meaning “rock” (cf. Le Gers, le Gerbizon) and Jugum for “mountain” (cf. Beaujeu, Asperjoc). The summit can be climbed on a footpath at any time of year. It can also be climbed on snowshoes in winter.

A volcanic dome called a suc

Its shape corresponds to that of a piton (suc), the upper part of which is typical of Pelean volcanism. This dome is the result of the slow extrusion of lava that is too viscous to flow down the sides of the volcano. This lava accumulates at the top of the feeding chimney. All that remains today is the central cone of the volcano. Erosion has gradually removed everything that made up the outer part of the cone. It dates back 8 million years, a time when many volcanoes were still active in the Auvergne.

The 3 sources of the Loire

At the foot of the Gerbier de Jonc are the three sources of the Loire. The Loire is the longest river in France at 1,012 km. In fact, there is not one but three sources of the Loire at different locations on the Gerbier de Jonc.

Itinerary from Mas de la Fontenette

It takes less than 2 hours to reach Mont Gerbier de Jonc from the Mas de la Fontenette in Labastide de Virac in the Gorges de l’Ardèche. Le Mas de la Fontenette, our magnificent 4-star gite with heated swimming pool for holiday rental in the Ardèche.

Click on this link or on the image below for directions from Mas de la Fontenette to Mont Gerbier de Jonc.