Thines

Thines

Thines, a small medieval village perched high up in the Ardèche, is enchanting with its cobbled streets and authentic atmosphere. Dominated by a 12th-century castle, it offers panoramic views over the surrounding valleys. Ideal for lovers of history and tranquillity.

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A small village in the Vivarais cévenol region, Thines dominates a promontory above a torrent. The Romanesque church and old houses of this astonishing town with its narrow streets cling tightly to the rock, giving the village all its charm.

Getting to the village of Thines is well worth the effort; the road is narrow and winding, but it’s an uninterrupted spectacle. The river of the same name, La Thines, flows below. Its transparent waters are home to some precious species… in fact, it’s not unusual to see a trout splashing about at sunset or a beaver splashing in the current in the early hours of the morning.

Notre Dame de Thines

Listed as a Historic Monument in 1848 by Prosper Mérimée. Built in the last quarter of the 12th century as part of the Monastier Saint Chaffre abbey, it is close to the main pilgrimage routes to Le Puy en Velay and Santiago de Compostela. Built of grey granite ashlar, its layout is characterised by a triple tier of two-bay choir-apse vaults and a south side porch.

Its decoration is particularly rich in the apse, with a sober two-tone colour scheme of red and grey sandstone, pilasters supporting arcatures grouped 3 by 3 in “Lombard bands”, lozenges, gear teeth; realistic and naive sculptures inspired by local life, orchards and fields (seeds and leaves, decorative coloquintes, bees, fish or cows, tools, etc.).

A monumental staircase leads to the chiselled limestone sculptures: to the west, Saint Peter and Saint James, to the east, Saint John and Christ; the frieze on the lintel recounts the entry into Jerusalem, the Last Supper and the arrest of Jesus. Inside, the apse’s cul-de-sac and the capitals of the apostles on the triumphal arch are richly decorated in an exceptional two-colour scheme.

Notre Dame de Thines occupies an important place in the rich flowering of Romanesque architecture in the southern Mediterranean.

Hiking

Numerous footpaths pass through the village. Everything is in place to welcome walkers. It’s just a short step from inns to stopover gites. The Maison du Gerboul provides tourist information and showcases the local craftsmen.

Itinerary Mas de la Fontenette – Thines

Thines is one of the many tourist destinations less than an hour’s drive from Mas de la Fontenette. This Mas is a 4-star holiday rental in the Ardèche gorges. It has a heated swimming pool, a wellness area and the option of teleworking (wifi fibre-optic internet).

Itinerary - Thines (Ardèche)