Banne, Naves, Thines, Joyeuse, Les Vans, villages with exceptional architectural heritage and incredible charm! That's also what the Cévennes d'Ardèche are all about: churches, goulajous, cobbled streets, viewpoints... heritage and gourmet visits.
01
Banne, an unmissable village of character
A small winding road through the rocky hills gives us time to imagine… and the spectacle on arrival is worth the detour! Niche on the foothills of the Cévennes National Park, Awning is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful villages of character in the south of Ardèche.
It is the witness of a thousand-year-old local history. The personality of this village was forged through its two districts. The district of theéglise, whose pointed bell tower catches the eye from the plain, echoes the district known as “ strong » perched on a rocky peak facing due south. Former town castral Medieval, we find there, after a maze of alleys, the remains of a castle built in the 16th century and destroyed during the counter-revolutionary gatherings of Jalès in 1792.
Only his stables have remained intact. Today they are the prestigious setting of cultural events summer : shows, concerts, exhibitions, festivals…
Three good reasons to visit Banne
- Un amazing panorama from the fort. It is from the orientation table that one can ideally take in the whole of the Païolive wood or the limestone plain that unfolds as far as the eye can see. In the distance, observe the Tanargue massif and the Alps.
- The ruins of the fort which invite you to imagine what the castle.
- The sweetness of life and the timeless atmosphere of the village square around the fountain and in the shade of the plane trees.
02
Naves smells of the South
Hooked to the first reliefs of the Cévennes and nestled in his hills byolive, Ships is located at a crossroads geological that you can discover during a stroll in the heart of the Geosite, the Cirques of Naves.
Through its old town you will be charmed by the many remains houses of the Medium Age or time Modern : gable wall, mullioned window with or without chamfer.
Naves is having a circus!
The Naves cirques are classified Geosite du Regional Natural Park of the Monts d'Ardèche, itself classified Geopark Unesco
You can see one by taking the road towards Naves just before the cemetery.
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.
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).
03
Thines “The Superb”
Get to Thines is an adventure in itself. The winding road leading there crosses a wild valley, offering breathtaking panoramas between Centuries-old chestnut groves, hilltop hamlets and a river with clear watersEach bend reveals an authentic landscape, where nature reigns supreme and invites you to let go.
A preserved green setting
At the foot of the village winds the thines river, a true haven of biodiversity. Its pure waters are a refuge for many emblematic species: brown trout leaping at dusk, discreet beavers enjoying the morning calm… This idyllic setting makes Thines an ideal place for a parenthesis out of time, where stress gives way to serenity.
An exceptional architectural heritage
Perched on its rocky spur, Thines overlooks the valley and is home to a remarkable heritage. Its Romanesque church of 12th century, built in schist, gray granite and red sandstone, is a true masterpiece whose unique polychromy attracts the eye. To reach it, you have to climb an imposing stone staircase, which rewards the effort with a breathtaking view of the surrounding terrain.
A village marked by history
Thines also carries the memory of the dark hours of the Second World War. A monumental fresco of almost 8 meters, created by the Ardèche artist Marcel Bacconier, pays tribute to the events that have marked this place and its inhabitants. This artistic testimony fits harmoniously into the soul of the village, where past and present coexist with emotion.
A place for meetings and discoveries
In the heart of the village, The Gerboul House, managed by the Friends of Thines association, is an unmissable stopover. A true showcase of the Regional Natural Park of the Monts d'Ardèche, it offers both a shop selling local products and an information area. At snack time, visitors can enjoy Ardèche specialties while chatting with the locals, who are committed to preserving and sharing the authenticity of their village.
Instead of poetry, heritage and nature, Thines is an invitation to slow down and marvel.
04
Joyeuse, ducal city
Joyeuse ducal city, medieval city… the cultural and historical heritage of the city is abundantRamparts were erected in 1381 (feudal period) and certain parts of the enclosure are still visible at the Place de la Brèche. Mansion, square, castle, Recluse Tower are still visible witnesses of a rich past.
Joyeuse is located in Ardèche on the banks of the river Beaume, at the crossroads, between Cévennes et Ardèche gorges, cradle of the Chauvet Cave 2, between plateaus and plains limestone and the foothills of the Massif du Tanargue. The Beaume offers the pleasures of water: swimming, relaxation, sunbathing on the rocks or massage in the torrents upstream from Joyeuse.
Meet the 12 characters who have marked the history of Joyeuse: Charlemagne, François Boissel, General Chabert, Duke Anne de Joyeuse…
05
Vans and its effervescence!
Founded there 1 000 years, the city of Vans gradually develops around its early church, then within the limits of a " Barri " which surrounded the old town, finally beyond beyond this enclosure from the 18th century. Thearchitecture buildings, street orientation, layout of fountains form as many Keywords to understand theevolution of this lively town with a Cévennes and southern character.
Its legendary market
Les Vans is also known and recognized for its the market ! It was even awarded by the inhabitants of the Auvergne Rhône Alpes region as their favorite market! And this is not a legend!!
Saturday morning is full of excitement for the weekly market around the fountain square, and in the adjacent streets where the local produce me on stalls are real treasures : cheeses, seasonal fruits and vegetables, wines, honey… The producers are there and will be happy to let you taste their production execution. Products that can be distinguished in particular, thanks to a color-coded product labeling system which guarantees a local and seasonal product.
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