Courry: Dolmen Route and Heritage on the Edge of the Cévennes

Courry lies on the foothills of the Cévennes, among vineyards, chestnut groves and limestone cliffs. The landscape frames the area’s history and routes to dolmens and chapels. Those who choose Courry as a destination will find architectural traces in the village centre as well as opportunities to explore the surroundings on a hike or with a visit to the Grotte de la Cocalière.

Church and Rural Heritage

Courry’s church was probably built in the 12th century on the site of an older place of worship. Parts of its façades, roofs and apse have been listed as a Monument historique since 17 May 1982. The west façade features a rare architectural trompe-l’œil painting on the exterior. Old stone houses and mule tracks are also part of the rural heritage preserved in the village centre.

The area’s history can also be read in individual features beyond the centre. The lime kilns are part of the folk heritage and can be discovered on a walk through the hamlets. In Reboul, striking traditional paving defines the hamlet’s character. Together, the church, stone houses, paths, kilns and paving offer different insights into Courry’s rural heritage.

The “Les dolmens de l’Ismaël” Route

The “Les dolmens de l’Ismaël” route starts and ends in Courry and also passes through Gagnières and Saint-Paul-le-Jeune. It leads to the dolmens of Ismaël and combines a visit to a necropolis with the climb to the Chapelle Saint-Sébastien. From Les Usclades, the route also offers a short there-and-back detour to an educational dolmen. This means the same route features both a destination with dolmens and a short detour to another educational dolmen.

Cade juniper, typical of the garrigue, grows along the route. Its heartwood was once distilled to obtain oil. The hike is accessible by public transport via the Eglise stop in Courry. Check the current regional service before travelling and trail conditions before setting out.

Chapel and Viewpoint

The Chapelle Saint-Sébastien stands at an altitude of about 400 metres. After the climb, it offers a place to rest with views across Gard and Ardèche. According to tradition, it was built in gratitude for the protection of Courry’s residents from the so-called Marseille plague. A pilgrimage takes place at the chapel every year, including the climb up the hill.

Grotte de la Cocalière and Discovery Trail

The Grotte de la Cocalière is a living cave in Jurassic limestone; its geological history began 35 million years ago. The visit follows a secured route and takes about an hour. The temperature inside the cave is approximately 14 °C, and the return journey is by a small train through the natural surroundings. Take the temperature into account when planning your visit.

The grounds also feature a free, shaded discovery trail through a distinctive karst landscape. The trail is fully signposted, takes 35 minutes and is accessible with a pushchair in some sections. Check current conditions and access before your visit. The trail also leads to the Chapelle Saint-Bernard, a landmark associated with historical events. These include Protestant gatherings during the “Désert” period and counter-revolutionary opposition.

Discover more destinations: Sainte-Anastasie, Vestric-Et-Candiac, Lédignan, Rochegude, Laval-Saint-Roman, Bagnols-Sur-Cèze, Parignargues, Saint-André-De-Valborgne

Back to the regional travel overview: Gard.