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The charm of l'Ardèche (South)

The charm of l'Ardèche (South)

Day 4 .-

After breakfast we go to the D -120 to go to St. Clement. Although it is somewhat cloudy, and we will end up making sun. First we address Agrève. Upon arriving at La Chapelle, take the D-247. We are going through inside the Regional Natural Park of the Monts d'Ardèche. The road is narrow and winding but the scenery is fantastic. Do not be hurry, it is worth savoring every bend in this beautiful route. We only have to travel a distance of 10 kilometers.

St. Clement is a village situated at 1,200 meters. altitude, on the edge of the Massif Central. Has the property that around, the winds blow. It has only 107 inhabitants. Before it was a very populous but young people started to leave to find work elsewhere. After a consultation with residents, decided to install 2 windmills and, with the profits they produced these mills, enabling an abandoned farm and a forge to make a museum different from the conventional and to attract tourism. With more tourists, there were also more work and this motivated young people to stay in town. This space was so unique and Windward School opened in 2007.

L'École du Vent .-

is a fun and interactive tour through the wind, its formation and the correlation between wind and landscape. A projection of five minutes recounts the attempts of man since ancient times, to get to fly. From John Childs who in 1757 attempt to fly from the belfry of Boston, to Louis Bleriot, in 1909 made the first crossing of the Channel. With this video you realize that man's imagination had no limits for flying ....!

can feel the thrill of flying wings horizontally leaning and feeling the ground moves at your feet .... Helmets can interpret different sounds that come to you through the wind. Several interactive games show you the ideal place to build houses according to the prevailing wind in the area. You can see and touch the different kinds of stone used to build wind-proof houses. The ideal stone in this place is the "lauze." These tiles can have 1 m. long and weigh between 150 and 200 kilos.

can also try to blow hard on the blades of a small mill to make rotate. They transmit enough energy to light more than three light bulbs.
few panels with photographs teach you the intricate anatomy that birds have to fly. Nature has endowed with hollow bones and lungs receive a continuous supply of oxygen in order to promote the flight.
Finally, it is a place worth visiting. You learn a lot and enjoyed both by young and old. When leaving, take some time to do a little tour of the village and, above all, to admire the spectacular views from this place are covered.
During July and August open every day from 10am to 12.30pm and from 14 to 18.30. Good news is
that, from 2010, the visit may take place in English.

St. Clement Leaving the D-247 until you reach a flag that says: Mont Jerbi of Jonc D-410. It is a narrow road with superb views. There is a junction that leads to Mezenc Mont. Continue until you find the diversion Jonc Gerbier of the D-378. A few meters before arriving at your destination you can see, left, a shop in a large stone house, typical of the Ardèche. It's actually a store here marmalades made by the same owner.

is called "Les Confitures Nicole." There is an exhibition and sale of confectionery hand made with fruit from the region.
As the season changes jams. Only be made with the fruit ripened on the tree and the highest quality. It is also a small restaurant serving drinks, breakfast and lunch. Is as close to the station where we can almost walk. We wrapped
overwhelming nature. Breathe the fresh air. When we get back "home" everything will be different.

Mont Gerbier de Jonc .-

We are in the mythical place of Mont Gerbier de Jonc. Culminating at 1551 m. altitude and with a length 7 million years, this volcano is the most famous of the Ardèche, marks the line between the Atlantic and the Mediterranean at his feet was born the Loire. Its name means "rocky hill."

12 million years ago Ardèche was a place with many volcanoes erupt. The Mont Gerbier is one of the most perfect illustrations of this wilderness. It was a volcano with the lava solidified up to the land. This lava was also the architect of Mont Mézenc , with its pyramidal shape that reaches 1754m. altitude and the rocks were around. These rocks, conveniently cut became the "Louzes" which today are used to construct the roofs of houses.

To raise the Gerbier de Jonc, you have to be fitted with proper shoes and a jacket because the temperature change with height. If you go with children will see a sign that advised not to leave them together. Can be dangerous because this kind of stone sliding a lot. To reach the summit, it takes about half an hour and once on top, you can see the Alps, the Rhone Valley and the Cevennes. It is an unforgettable sight.

And now we're going to Pont del Diable. Easy to take this road is a beautiful place with a boundless nature. Aúnque no hay demasiados lugares habilitados para parar el coche y poder contemplar el paisaje, siempre vais a encontrar un lugar para disfrutar unos segundos de lo que vuestros ojos están viendo. Continuaís un poquito por la D-378 hasta llegar a la D-122. Al llegar a Sta. Eulalie, tomar la D-116. En Le Roux, la D-536 hasta llegar a Mayras. Allí encontrareia un desvío para ir a la carretera general N-102. Enseguida encontrareis Thueyts. Allí está el Pont del Diable.

El Pont del Diable.-

El Pont del Diable es un arco de piedra, hecho por el hombre que, saltándose las leyes de la gravedad, atraviesa l'Ardèche a la altura of Thueyts. Is 10 meters high and is dotted with legends. Is spectacular and must-see for anyone visiting this region.

If you have time and it is hot, a swim in the river under the bridge, is like a dream. We will
Vals-les-Bains. The weather continues to be great: sunny and hot during the day and cooling at night. Leaving
Thueyts
the N-102 until you reach Meyras. Here we take the d-253 until you reach:


Vals-les-Bains .-
Vals-les-Bains is a spa town with 150 springs, surrounded by mountains, situated in a green lush valley, whose waters are used in the spa, bath, shower, massage. They are great for avoiding drinking, possibly, some diseases and improving health as they have many healing qualities. There are people over 40 who come each year to the city for "tom ar waters."

This city is full of hotels, spas, parks and gardens. In a beautiful park is a fountain with a "Geisser" called "Marie" that every 6 hours, casts its waters more than 30 m. high. Strolling along the promenade along the river Volane is very relaxing, especially near sunset. Leaving
Vals-les-Bains for the D-578, address Aubenas, only 5 km. Aubenas

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This medieval town located in the center of the main tourist attractions, enjoys a mild Mediterranean influence. It is the capital of southern Ardèche. It is located in the heart of the Ardèche, on top of a cliff, with a sixteenth century castle overlooking the river Ardèche and the nearby city of Val-les-Bains.

Its rich heritage and elegance of the mansions of the sixteenth century makes, stroll through its streets and squares is a marvel for the eyes and senses.

Today is Saturday, market day. All Downtown is filled with stalls of vegetable and fruit farmers in the region. This fruit, ripened on the tree, it tastes so delicious that it has nothing to do with what we buy in our supermarkets. Artisans also pork products have their "paraditas." You can find all kinds of clothes, shoes, bags, kitchen utensils, etc. It is a colorful market and assisting the entire region, some to sell, others to buy.
Leaving Aubenas, we will visit 4 villages "in nature", some of them also labeled "the most beautiful in France
Leaving the D-104, Vogue address. In St. Etienne, changing road and take the D-579. We just have to drive 10 km. Vogue

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We have reached this beautiful town that seems to be embedded in the same mountain, just above the river Ardèche. The castle, with four imposing towers, belongs to the family Vogue since its construction in the fifteenth century. It is classified as historical monuments private. In the seventeenth century it was rebuilt and added windows shaped porthole, balconies and hanging gardens. The front door of the north facade opens onto a park. In 1629 the castle was a tenant of Louis XIII.

Walking through its narrow streets and admire their homes and stone arches, is a unique experience. The Bridge on the River deserves a good souvenir photo. We
the D-579 and headed back to Balazuc. Less than 10 km.

Balazuc .-

Balazuc is other people "of a" classified also as one of the "most beautiful villages in France." Perched on the Ardèche, can only be visited on foot. However, this is not a problem: all the people of the Ardèche have free parking in order to leave the car.
Its streets very steep and shaded arcades seem to be suspended on the cliff.
The first characters that lived in this beautiful town and Pons were Balazuc Gerad (the latter participated in the First Crusade of 1906 as a reporter).
Its rich heritage, carefully preserved, can now admire the ancient Roman church, with stone arches in the bell tower and some walls of 1.35 m. thick. The ancient walls surrounding the castle with a tower of the XII century, and many old buildings and town houses are well preserved. The castle dates from the tenth century It is a tower called the prisoners, who is also the tenth century

For up to the castle is a small stone staircase leading to the tower from which you can see the huge beach of the river with the beautiful bridge and the river dotted with canoes. This beautiful view for long remain etched in your memory.

For sports fans, the yacht club Balazuc proposed visit to the medieval villages with canoe-kayaking along the River. Leaving
Balazuc Labeaume address. Take the D-579 to Ruoms. If you have time, stay a few minutes to admire this beautiful village.

Ruoms .-

At the dawn of prehistory had already formed a community here. About 1,000 years ago was a wealthy landowner grant from the place called "Ruoms" to the Abbey of Cluny as an offering to atone for their sins. This small chapel can still be seen (Notre-Dame des Pommiers). At the end of the twelfth century was built the Church of St. Pierre. All the people, delimited by the walls with houses built on its very walls, exudes a fascinating medieval air.
Now, just across the river, you will pass Labeaume.

Labeaume .-

This town, also listed "character" is different from the others. Located on the banks of the river and surrounded by cliffs Beaume that were of old troglodyte caves. Its narrow streets, all stone arch, is a labyrinth and its ancient ruins, collapsing on the side of river. Its castle, built on the rock, appears to be the watchdog that protects against any invasion. And if you look closely, you can still see ruins of two ancient castles. The village, with its arid landscape, almost lunar, is immersed in an oasis of peace and tranquility. Further down the beach overlooking the river away from the cliffs, provides a framework for the music festivals held each summer.

And now we're going to Joyeuse to see the Musée de la Chataigneraie.

Musée de la Châtaigneraie .-

not miss this museum. It is installed right next to the Church of Joyeuse, in a beautiful building that was the old school of the speakers and XVII century. This museum pays homage to the tree that has been the foundation of the family economy of the farmers de l'Ardèche: El Castaño.

Through a large collection of old tools you can follow the evolution of the procedures used for the cultivation and collection of chestnuts from traditional techniques to reach this day. Before chestnuts are gathered by hand and soil where they were to fall from the tree. Today runs a network, make them fall over the net and then gathered. It is much faster and convenient. The chestnut crop is harvested from late September until mid December. The chestnut is developed on land with an altitude of between 350 and 750 m. on sea level.

also tells you what life is like a chestnut. It blooms in June-July. The chestnut tree is barren tree pollen can only fertilize the flowers of another tree. Pollination is done by bees and wind. At one time the hives are ins in the same tree felling chestnut. Apart

much more information explained with graphics, you can see a presentation made with chestnut wood throughout. Besides, you can see the number of objects that can get to draw from the wood of this tree. We can see furniture, clogs, drums, figurines, sculptures, wall, etc.

This museum is a charming place. You learn a lot and everything is very interesting.

continue Leaving the D-104 to Le Vans. Near here is the Forest Paîolive. You just have to go through D-90 a very few miles

Le Bois de Pâiolive .-

Forest of Pâiolive is one of the rarest natural wonders of Southern Ardèche. In an area of \u200b\u200b16 km. you will see a maze of green and white oaks, scrub and, especially, petrified rock cut and eroded by wind, sun and rain as if they were sculptures delighted. Your imagination will see a bird in its nest, a bear or perhaps a lion. Perhaps you will see a large turtle.
There are three different paths to visit the park. The one on the "Corniche" which is marked in orange and is about an hour. That of the "Vierge", marked in green, who is also an hour and the last, for the more adventurous, it takes 2 hours and is great extension of the park. It is called St. Eugene and is marked in blue.

Our final destination today is Ships and thither we went running through the D-901. Les Vans but spent no time to contemplate this beautiful medieval village ... Next time! Ships

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This village is built in a unique box: In the midst of olive trees and a rocky outcrop in the mountains of the Cevennes. Ships in the Middle Ages was a noble constituency where there was a Court of Justice. Its castle personified its real power.

Ships met their moments of glory in the fourteenth century with the development of silkworm breeding. The transformation of the worm cocoon raised the mulberry tree to the rank of indispensable. The cultivation of mulberry silkworm fat was so important that was to leave aside the chestnut tree for many years. The silk thread is sold expensive and allowed to buy grain for food quality daily. The silk was net profit. Large silkworm breeders came to amass great fortunes.

in ships, many of the houses that were built at that time, traders were engaged the production of silk thread. Both cultures, from brown silk and always walked together. L'Ardèche in 1720 was the main center of silk production in the Midi of France. In 1850, l'Ardèche produced 3,500 tons of cocoons. This production was suddenly interrupted by the arrival of a disease that attacked cocoons.

few years before World War 2, this town was practically abandoned. The "hippies" living in l'Ardèche around 1960 were the ones who have been rebuilding this jewel of the Middle Ages. Ships

has preserved an austere beauty, with its narrow streets stone porches and elevated small particular passages allowing feudal houses, at the height of the first floor, moving from one street to another without having to go outside. The ruins of the XII century castle can still be visited. The Roman church, built in the XII century and restored in the XVII century is a real gem. Its tower is beautiful, especially early in the morning when the sun rises behind the walls of earthenware.

Ships is a very small town and people who live there today is extremely varied. There are Germans, Americans, some have come from Eastern Europe but all live together, happy, wanting to give to this beautiful corner of a new life emerging from his youth and his zest for life.

not let this town without visiting the Gallery of Contemporary Art that Mme. Montel has Fanou Ships The Seigneurie.

You can admire an important work with a very own style and a unique setting. I'm sure you'll like it. The Gallery is almost at the entrance of the village on the road up to the right. Admission is free.

Day 6 .- We left soon of ships through the D-901, to St. Paul-le-jeune. Here take the direction of Barjac. In Barjac start indications that will lead us al'Aven d'Orgnac in 10 km.

L'aven d'Orgnac .-

L'Aven d'Orgnac is one of the largest caves can be visited in Europe. Possesses an exceptional wealth of crystals over 3 hectares. Is classified as World Heritage by UNESCO since 2004. L'Aven d'Orgnac
is not a cave, is an adventure. The difference is that, a cave entrance is horizontal and served to shelter and practically live in it.
An adventure is a place with a vertical entry. In other words, it must descend in order to enter the site.
The visit can be seen a chimney on the roof, the only natural entrance of the cavity, through which was discovered by a team of cavers led by Robert de Joly, the August 19, 1935. The villagers, who knew the place from time immemorial but never dared to go down, led him to the entrance. The vertical input of 50 m. gave rise to the name of "adventure" (sima) and prevented the cave was occupied during prehistory.
The mound is formed by natural debris that fell at one time from the outside. We found numerous bones of animals, dumped long ago by farmers. Other animals corresponded who died accidentally.

The tour lasts an hour (we were within an hour and twenty minutes).
must bring warm clothing because the temperature inside is 11 ° C. Is lowered to a depth of 121 m. by stairs with 7 stops enabled platforms to listen to the guide's explanations. At each stop the guide illuminates the visit and, really, you're ecstatic. When we reached the 7 th stop, which is the lowest point of the tourist, we are at the level of the original excavation of this adventure. The guide will focus a golden vase is between new and strange forms of crystals. In this jar are the ashes Robert de Joly. So great was the love for this place that his dying wish was that his ashes be placed between his beloved stalactites and stalagmites.

Then, apart from the guide's explanation, a person who explains with great knowledge and a good dose of humor, turn off the lights and starts a light show and sound that excites you to leave you speechless. The ascent to the surface is via a lift in a few seconds.
With the same entry you can visit the Regional Museum of Prehistory, allowing you to continue this journey into the heart of prehistory. This museum is located before the exit. Now we

towards the Gorges de l'Ardèche. We take the D-979 to change, a few miles to the D-579 until you reach:

Vallon Pont d'Arc .-

The impressive nature and the impetuosity of l 'Ardèche has carved magnificent landscapes in the limestone. This force culminating in this wonderful natural arc of 36 m. wide and 66. that stands tall, proud, embracing the 2 banks of the Ardèche. It is a perfect geological our Paleolithic ancestors and admired.

100 million years ago, this region was a deep sea around of an island that was the Massif Central. 2 million years ago that water infiltrated and formed underground cavities. Gorges de l'Ardèche is one of the richest in Europe "avens" and caves. Gorges de l'Ardèche and Vallon Pont d'Arc is declared a nature reserve since 1980. Here the canoe and kayak enthusiasts have their paradise. There are many schools along the River. People who like to camp, no better place. The campsites are happening one after another along the River.

continue through the gorges, stopping often to admire the wonderful landscape. We get:

St-Martin-d'Ardèche .- This is also a beautiful medieval town. The most representative is this wonderful suspension bridge that crosses l'Ardèche. Here there are also monitors school canoe-kayak. In 2009, exactly on the 7th of November, celebrated the 25th Marathon International des Gorges de l'Ardèche. It will be a legend down through 35 km. Lovers of this sport not to be missed!

only cross the river and met the last town we visit

Aiguèze .-

Before the bridge, if you lift the light you will see, on top of a huge rock Silhouette of a medieval castle surrounded by flags and banners. It is the beautiful village of Aiguèze. This town seems to defy the laws of gravity and hangs over the river like a jewel set in stone. It is of medieval origin.

can see perfectly preserved houses and a beautiful church. Behind the church, next to the castle, a path runs along the river offering a unique panoramic. Here we parted

de l'Ardèche. As you can see through this blog, the North is an ideal place for hikers, lovers of open spaces ... South, full of iconic people, is ideal for sightseeing and enjoy coming back, if only for a few days to the Middle Ages. Les Gorges, a paradise for camping enthusiasts and, especially, to sail canoe-kayak.

L'Ardèche is a mythical place, spectacular, wild, grand, magical, different ... You'll love!

My thanks to Ardèche Tourisme, Service de Presse of private, for her invaluable collaboration in carrying out this blog.

To all of you stalwart friends who read me a big hug y. .. very soon! Magda