The Cévennes d'Ardèche are distinguished by their remarkable geological heritage, the result of millions of years of evolution. A transition zone between the mountains and the low plains, they include, in addition to the granite and schist massifs, the limestone scrubland of the foothills. It is on this geological diversity that the identity of the Cévennes d'Ardèche has been built.
Extraordinary geological diversity
In the Cévennes d'Ardèche, nature is both the host and the guest of honor: a mosaic of landscapes and natural environments. The reasons? A unique geological crossroads which allowed the multiplication of soils and therefore the extraordinary diversity landscapes gathered in a handkerchief…
The varied terrain and vegetation offer breathtaking playgrounds in all seasons.
This geological feature influences not only the landscape, but also the architecture, agriculture, the variety of outdoor activities and the biodiversity of the region.
1 territory, 4 rocks
The iconic rocks – limestone, granite, sandstone and shale – each tell a part of the Earth's story and form a unique picture.
UNESCO Geosites: treasures to explore
Young volcanoes, waterfalls and basalt organs, granite chaos, sites with dinosaur footprints… With 61 geological sites of major interest – “geosites” – the Geopark of the Ardèche Mountains offers unique places to understand the history of the Earth. It is one of the rare 200 territories on five continents to be distinguished by the UNESCO label.
The Cirques de Naves geopath
This circuit, which forms a 4 km loop, crosses a limestone area compiling 18 million years of Earth's history. Superb and preserved landscapes, between the slopes of the Cévennes and the Mediterranean scrubland. All this geological history, which has major consequences on buildings, fauna, flora and agriculture, will be explained to you through 11 stops equipped with interpretation tables.
Granite chaos of Montselgues
The ridges (especially at the place called Petit Paris) are strewn with enormous rounded granite blocks. This is a granite chaos or ball relief. Other natural curiosities, three peat bogs are located on the Montselgues plateau. They are home to a unique flora and fauna (carnivorous plants, dragonflies, butterflies, etc.) that contrast with the neighboring mountain moorland.
The vineyard path in Rosières
This 6 km hike will take you to the heart of the Chatus terraces, trying to understand the mysterious alchemy between geology and wine. Punctuated with explanatory panels and crossing the terraced vineyards, this walk invites you to discover a landscape all in sandstone.
New: the interpretation trail of the hamlet of Thines and its rock
The last site to be labelled and developed, it bears extraordinary witness to the use of the riches of the earth by the ancient Cévennes to compose the remarkable architecture of the church and the village. Composed of ten thematic panels, the 2 km circuit (including the approach walk to the hamlet) guides you to explore the geological, architectural and historical wealth of the hamlet. You will find unique archive photos, including a rare one taken by the legendary Robert Doisneau. To extend the experience, a booklet is on sale at the Maison du Gerboul and at the tourist office.
A landscape shaped by man
La wealth of geomorphology of the territory has forced Man to adapt in order to survive. Cobbled paths, paved alleys, terraced landscapes, vaults... bear witness to the centuries-old mastery of the technique of the stone construction dry. The inhabitants of the territory have never ceased to invent and create for living in symbiosis with nature.
By highlighting real places for understanding the history of the earth, the Cévennes d'Ardèche invites you to better understand human history and the exceptionally varied land on which you find yourself.
Dive into the history of the Earth
The soft limestone rock, hollowed out by flowing water, shelters a multitude of underground cavities, some of which are still unexplored.
You dream of entering the bowels of the earth ? Follow the caving guides to discover the underground worlds. Family, discovery or adventure packages, you will experience unforgettable sensations in a totally unknown and unexpected underground universe!
Parcours spéléo et descente en rappel “Les Balcons du Vertige”
Spéléo la grotte du Derocs – 1/2 journée rando souterraine avec le BMAM
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