A walk is a must to enter this mysterious world. You will have surprising encounters there. Children will be able to explore these chaos of limestone rocks damaged by erosion. The Bois de Païolive has been inhabited by strange rock sculptures since the dawn of time.
On the hiking trails that cross the forest, you will be like a guest. A walk in Païolive is a real invitation to both imagination and observation.
Open your eyes wide and observe the lush vegetation and the limestone shapes majestically rising towards the sky like a bear, a lion or an elephant.
By entering the Bois de Païolive, you will live a captivating and captivating experience.
A fragile environment
The Bois de Païolive with its Chassezac Gorges is a protected natural site (Natura 2000 site and Sensitive Natural Area). It is home to many rare animal and plant species. You can find the famous castor on the river bank or birds of prey such as the Peregrine Falcon ou Bonelli's eagle which nest in the cliffs.
Old wood is home to a multitude of beetles such as the Stag Beetle Kite or Blue Cetonia almost unique in France. At nightfall, you may be lucky enough to observe the Bats which come out of the many cavities. There are more than 20 different species in the wood!
FAQ
Can you access the Bois de Païolive by camper van?
Access to the road leading to Bois de Païolive is not permitted for motorhomes.
How to get to the Bois de Païolive?
You can access the Bois de Païolive by car and park in the car parks. See Where to park in the Bois de Païolive?
Access can be made by coach using line E13 – Consult the hours
Where is the Bois de Païolive located?
Le Bois de Païolive is located in the town of Berrias-et-Casteljau, 6 km from Les Vans and 16 km from Joyeuse.
Access can be made by coach using line E13 – Consult the hours
Where can you park in the Bois de Païolive?
There are three parking lots: Estong, Clairières, Ours, and Lion. Please note that during July and August, campervans are not permitted to use the road leading to Bois de Païolive.
Can we go hiking in the Bois de Païolive?
3 routes are offered. They follow marked paths.
Where can I get hiking maps?
You can obtain hiking information sheets from the Cévennes d'Ardèche tourist office in Joyeuse or Les Vans, or on the Rando Monts d'Ardèche application.
