The Cévennes Ardéchoises
The Cévennes Ardéchoises between ‘faïsses’ (terraces) and chestnut groves
The remote Cévennes Ardéchoises, prosperous and autonomous in days gone by, is an area in the south-west of Ardèche between the Lozère and Gard regions. It is a perfect destination for families and couples wanting a country holiday or for groups of sporting enthusiasts seeking thrills and adventure ! The area is steeped in history with character villages, architectural treasures and traditional arts and crafts. Ardèche is a region of amazingly diverse scenery and the Cévennes is no exception with villages, waterfalls, winding roads, hills and magnificent landscapes, you simply won’t know which way to look !
Take your time to explore this beautiful, unspoilt nature and slowly follow the winding roads in the steps of our ancestors, admiring the terraces known as « Faïsses », dry stone walls and chestnut groves which are a reminder of farming in bygone days in Ardèche. A tranquil setting, yet one which is teeming with life.
The most attractive features of the Cévennes Ardéchoises are without a doubt its flora and breathtaking scenery. If you arrive from Bas Vivarais in the south, you will be surprised by the change in vegetation. The south of Ardèche has the scents of the ‘garrigue’, vines, lavender and thyme, whereas the Cévennes Ardéchoises is dominated by chestnut trees which have provided food for generations of local inhabitants, extremely proud of their land. Intrepid visitors who take to the hills are rewarded by spectacular views of neighbouring regions. To the south-east Mont Ventoux stands like a sentry opposite Mont Gerbier de Jonc in the Rhone-Alpes. To the east, the Vercors range is easily identifiable thanks to its 3 Becs (the summits of Le Veyou, Le Sigal and Roche Courbe). Even further to the east and higher up, you will see the Barre des Écrins which features many large glaciers.
Finally, when the weather is fine, you can marvel at Mont Blanc, the snow-capped rooftop of Europe. To the north, the ‘Montagne Ardéchoise’ awaits in the form of Le Tanargue, its unmissable range of mountains, nicknamed « Montagne du Tonnerre (Thunder mountains) » ! They lie on the drainage divide between the waters of the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean. The views from the summits are spectacular, right across the Cévennes Ardéchoises. There are lots of footpaths and mountain bike tracks on Le Tanargue; you can even take to the air and go paragliding !
The Gorges de Chassezac and the Païolive Woods
Experience still more different sensations in the Gorges de Chassezac ! Have a refreshing swim in the river, canoe or paddle-board down it or go fishing ! The limestone cliffs which line the gorges are great for canyoning and form a superb backdrop for walkers.
Another absolute must to visit is the Païolive Woods, an enchanting natural attraction overlooking the River Chassezac. This ancient forest of limestone rocks and white oaks is classified as a « sensitive nature zone ». It’s a wonderful place for a walk with lots of unusual natural limestone block sculptures to amuse children. The area also features many quaint villages like Loubaresse, the smallest village in Ardèche. The castle in the village of Borne has superb views of the mysterious gorges and don’t forget to stop off at the character villages of Banne and Naves.
The diverse landscape is mirrored by the variety of local products. You can try them and buy them at the numerous bustling, local markets, steeped in tradition and conviviality. Markets and traditional festivals are essential parts of local everyday life at any time of year !
« For me, the village of Sainte-Marguerite-Lafigère is an absolute gem in a leafy setting. When we go walking, we always try to choose paths with picturesque, open views and this is definitely one of them. 13km further on, a track linking summer and winter pastures offers superb uninterrupted views of Mont Ventoux, the Monts du Vivarais and the Rhône Valley. Have a fun discovery time ! » (Catherine, employee at Gites de France, Ardèche)
Continue your tour of Ardèche by heading for the Vallée de l'Eyrieux
The Cévennes Ardéchoises can be reached by car or motorbike :
Marseille – Les Vans : 2¾ hours via autoroute A7
Lyon – Les Vans : 2¾ hours via autoroute A7
St-Etienne – Les Vans : 3 hours via N88
Valence – Les Vans : 2 hours via D104"
