The goats of the Gorges de l’Ardèche

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 seen directly on the tourist route through the Ardèche gorges. While their presence amuses some tourists, their place in the gorges is highly contested. They pose a problem for the hoped-for reintroduction of ibex.

Itinerary from Mas de la Fontenette

Leaving from Mas de la Fontenette in Labastide de Virac, our guests will no doubt come across them. At the very least, they will find their tracks at the bottom of the Ardèche gorges. For example, at the Cirque de Gaud, where they often descend. Rated 4 stars by Gites de France, Mas de la Fontenette is a magnificent gite for 6 people with heated infinity pool and wellness area (spa, sauna, exercise bike, table football, pétanque). Our guests really appreciate this place. This holiday rental farmhouse with swimming pool has a very large wooded plot of 2.5 hectares. This rental property in the Ardèche immediately borders the Gorges de l’Ardèche nature reserve.

The GR4 long-distance hiking trail

Just take the GR4 (about 150 metres from Mas de la Fontenette) as far as the 1000-star campsite, then turn north and descend into the Ardèche gorges. For a detailed itinerary and GPX track, see our page on Hiking 2, belvédère de Gaud.

Download the Wikiloc application or other similar applications onto your mobile phone. They give you access to thousands of walks all over France, with “GPX tracks”. In particular, you’ll find lots of walks in the Ardèche.