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Explore Arcens, Ardèche, Rhône-Alpes and its wonders

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Nestled in the Ardèche department, at the heart of the Rhône-Alpes region, the charming town of Arcens invites you to engage in exceptional outdoor adventures. Surrounded by rural and mountainous landscapes, Arcens serves as an ideal base for exploring the treasures of the Eyrieux Valley and Mount Mézenc. A favorite hiking loop, climbing Mont Gerbier de Jonc promises an immersive experience in the...See more

Walking around Arcens

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Hiking routes in Arcens.
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Col du Buisson
27 km

Col du Buisson

A beautiful panoramic trail towards the river Daronne with short uphill and downhill slopes enabling a gentle warming-up phase. From the river a long uphill incline through woodland takes you to the Col de Fontfreyde then along the ridges to Col de Buisson with beautiful scenery all the way. The final technical and exciting descent through a rugged and wild valley will be the highlight of the trail. 1 - Pailharès Follow the concrete then tarmac lane. Go past the house then into a forest of chestnut trees on a dirt track. After the river, head uphill coming out of the woods on a pretty stone-paved path that leads to a road. Turn left and go as far as the following house (Fontay) and take the grass path adjacent to it. The path leads to a road where you turn right. 2 - Le Clos de Pierre Martin Turn right onto the path plunging down towards the river Daronne valley. After the hamlet with its stone houses turn right onto a grass track. Cross the main road and onto the small lane below. 3 - La Croze de Marron Go left onto the path down into the dale below the road. Follow the road heading into the hamlet then just before the bridge turn left onto the path leading to the stone-built houses. Go across the lovely wooden bridge and along the river over the other side on the forest track. You come out on a country lane that you follow down to a house. Facing you the lane will take you to the main road where you turn right towards Saint Félicien. 4 - Pont de Maillotière On the right take the small road heading to Nozières and go over the bridge. Turn left at la Billardière. Turn left towards le Verger. Further up bear right onto the steep path between fields and go over the hilltop to the other side. Take the path facing you below the barn then up the quite steep slope into the chestnut trees. 5 - Le Grand Pré Turn right onto the forest track. When you reach a barn you will come out onto a small road. Turn left and go along the road for a few metres. Take the path going uphill past the farm then down between fields to the old fortified farmhouse le Pleynet. Go down the road leading to the farm then turn first left. The road becomes a path when you get to Ségnoché. It goes along hedgerows before emerging into woodland and onto a forest track. Turn right and carry on along the smooth track. Cross through fields onto another pretty steep forest track finishing off the uphill climb. When you come out onto the forest route continue until you reach the aerial mast at Col de Fontfreyde. 6 - Col de Fontfreyde Turn left onto the road towards Nozières. 7 - Croix de Junique Take the path on the right between fields going down into woodland then onto an overhead path going past a farm in stonework. After the farm, the path goes back up into a wood of chestnut trees coming out onto a small lane. Turn left here and go along for a few metres before turning right onto a country lane. 8 - Serre de Pailher Turn right into the dense forest of various species of pine trees then come out of the woods into animal pastures and onto the main road. Turn immediately right onto the path leading up into woodland then onto a plateau. When you reach the plateau bear right at the farm la Chaux. Go along the plateau taking you to a rough path on the right. 9- Le Fouillas Go along the main road until you get to Col du Buisson. 10 - Col du Buisson Turn onto the narrow grass track starting below the platform between the two roads leading to the village of Pailharès. The track crosses a small road and goes down a pretty steep incline to a rather rugged dale. On the small road continue to go down on the right then onto the road below facing you. From here you can see the village of Pailharès in front of you. Turn right onto the bushy path and go back towards the village along the hillside.

3 h
25 km
Medium
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What to do in Arcens

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Activities for all tastes await you in Arcens, book them today.
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Lalouvesc - Ville Sanctuaire en France
29 km

Lalouvesc - Ville Sanctuaire en France

Lalouvesc joined the network of Sanctuary Cities in France on 1 January 2020. The application was submitted by the Sanctuary of Lalouvesc and the Val d'Ay tourist office. The Neo-Byzantine-style basilica at Lalouvesc is well worth a visit: the stained-glass windows recounting the life of Saint Jean-François Régis, the reliquary containing the saint’s relics, the reliquary of Saint Thérèse Couderc, the paintings in the chancel depicting the history of the pilgrimage, Our Lady of Peace, and Oudin’s Virgin and Child… . The architect was Pierre Bossan (Fourvière and Ars). Don’t miss the crypt at the ‘Montagne des Pardons’ (with its monuments and ex-votos), located on the site of the very first church dedicated to the saint. Behind the basilica, the Félix and Esther Oudin Centre houses a magnificent collection of modern sacred art (Maison Saint Régis). The Saint Régis Chapel and Museum offer an insight into the history of the ‘Walker of God’ and his era; the museum is interactive and very accessible, particularly for children, who are fascinated by Georges Serraz’s diorama. For lovers of nature and cultural heritage, there are numerous walking routes allowing you to follow in the footsteps of Saint Régis, from the miraculous fountain to the wayside crosses offering breathtaking panoramic views. Lalouvesc is sure to charm you with its rich history and diverse range of activities.

Rue St Régis 07520 Lalouvesc
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What to visit in Arcens

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Learn the history of Arcens through its museums.
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Désaignes : a village with outstanding character
18 km

Désaignes : a village with outstanding character

Désaignes is over 2000 years old and was in its prime in the Middle Ages. The village is still teeming with relics: the remnants of a 12th century fortress, a 14th century château, ramparts and 3 of the 4 gateways to the village. A walk through the medieval village centre allows visitors to discover several old houses, as shown by their ancient doors and windows. The origins of the village are very ancient. It was located on a Ligurians’ trail, known as the “merchants’ route”, which connected the Rhône Valley to the Ardèche mountains. Around 600 BC, the Greeks reached Désaignes, followed later by the Romans, whose presence is confirmed by the discovery of remains such as coins, thermal baths and villas. The village flourished during the Middle Ages thanks to the development of trade, crafts and the local bourgeoisie. It became one of the largest towns in Ardèche, with nearly 4,000 inhabitants at the time of the French Revolution. The history of the commune is closely linked to the Huguenots of Vivarais. As evidence of its Protestant heritage, a temple was built in 1608 and later destroyed in 1684. A second Protestant temple was partially funded and authorised by Louis XVIII in 1822. Listed since 1972, the old village forms a remarkable medieval ensemble surrounded by fortified walls pierced by three gates. A fourth gate was destroyed in 1841 during the construction of the current road outside the ramparts. The Bourg de l’Holme gate still preserves its machicolations and a small watchtower where the lookout once stood. The Janot gate is located near a tower considered to have been an old prison, still featuring arrow slits. The third gate, to the south, is called the Four Gate (or Fornate Gate) and is decorated with the coat of arms of the Retourtour family. The castle dates from the 14th century. Its keep already existed in 1319, when Lord Odon de Retourtour wrote his will there. The tower has preserved its defensive features, including battlements, crenellations and arrow slits. A 15th-century wrought iron gate, made without welding, is listed as a historic monument. Another building, known as the “Temple of Diana”, against which the Protestant temple was later built, is probably the first fortress dating back to the 12th century. This hilly area, with a strong rural tradition, offers an ideal setting for hiking, horse riding, botanical walks and nature discovery.

Place de la Mairie 07570 Désaignes
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Lalouvesc - Ville Sanctuaire en France
29 km

Lalouvesc - Ville Sanctuaire en France

Lalouvesc joined the network of Sanctuary Cities in France on 1 January 2020. The application was submitted by the Sanctuary of Lalouvesc and the Val d'Ay tourist office. The Neo-Byzantine-style basilica at Lalouvesc is well worth a visit: the stained-glass windows recounting the life of Saint Jean-François Régis, the reliquary containing the saint’s relics, the reliquary of Saint Thérèse Couderc, the paintings in the chancel depicting the history of the pilgrimage, Our Lady of Peace, and Oudin’s Virgin and Child… . The architect was Pierre Bossan (Fourvière and Ars). Don’t miss the crypt at the ‘Montagne des Pardons’ (with its monuments and ex-votos), located on the site of the very first church dedicated to the saint. Behind the basilica, the Félix and Esther Oudin Centre houses a magnificent collection of modern sacred art (Maison Saint Régis). The Saint Régis Chapel and Museum offer an insight into the history of the ‘Walker of God’ and his era; the museum is interactive and very accessible, particularly for children, who are fascinated by Georges Serraz’s diorama. For lovers of nature and cultural heritage, there are numerous walking routes allowing you to follow in the footsteps of Saint Régis, from the miraculous fountain to the wayside crosses offering breathtaking panoramic views. Lalouvesc is sure to charm you with its rich history and diverse range of activities.

Rue St Régis 07520 Lalouvesc
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Where to eat in Arcens

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Discover the local flavors of Arcens.
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Where to sleep in Arcens

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Enjoy our accommodation recommendations in Arcens.
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Caution!
We have no information on the difficulty of this circuit. You may encounter some surprises along the way. Before you go, please feel free to inquire more and take all necessary precautions. Have a good trip! 🌳🥾