Nestled in the heart of the Cévennes d'Ardèche, the village of Naves is a true heritage gem, classified among the Villages de Caractère®. This medieval hamlet seduces with its authenticity and timeless charm, offering visitors an immersion in the history and culture of Ardèche.
Naves, smells of the South
Clinging to the first reliefs of the Cévennes and nestled in its olive-tree hills, Ships is located at a geological crossroads that you can discover during a stroll in the heart of the Geosite, the Cirque de Naves.
A remarkable architectural heritage
Strolling through the cobbled streets of Naves, you will discover a preserved architectural heritage, witness to a rich past. stone houses, reflect the ancestral know-how of local builders. Among the emblematic buildings, theRomanesque church of Saint-Jacques-le-Majeur (listed in the inventory of Historical Monuments), dating from the 12th and 13th centuries, is distinguished by its bell tower made of sandstone ashlars and its furniture dedicated to Saint-Jacques.
The old village of Ships has retained all its character due to its position geographical which kept it away from commercial and industrial development. One can still see therenarrow alleys to the constructions nested and vaulted ground floors from the Middle Ages.
A natural geological wealth
Naves is distinguished by its rich geological heritage, shaped by 500 million years of history. I placed between Cévennes schists and limestones of the south-east, the village offers contrasting landscapes between Cévennes slopes and Mediterranean scrubland.
Le Cirques de Naves geopath, a 4 km educational trail, allows you to discover this geological diversity and its influence on the fauna, flora and surrounding landscapes. An ideal destination for nature and hiking lovers. The Naves circus is ranked Geosite of the Monts d'Ardèche Regional Natural Park, itself classified Unesco Geopark.
Access Naves from Les Vans
From Les Vans, you can easily to access à pied to the village by taking the path of “chemin old” (Yellow and red markings at the corner of the bar, opposite the post office – 30 min walk).
