Borne: Hiking, Gorges and Heritage

Hiking trails, art along the GR7, gorges and historic buildings shape the themes of a stay in Borne. If you’re looking for a hotel for your trip, you can plan around the activities that interest you: hiking, winter sports, nature or heritage. The municipality includes the La Croix de Bauzon ski resort among its sports and outdoor tourism offerings.

Hiking Trails and Art at Col du Bez

The GR4 and GR7 meet at Col du Bez in Borne. One specific circular hike is the Phare de Borne route: it is rated as moderate, covers 9.9 kilometres and takes about three hours. This time estimate is approximate; route information may be updated. Check the latest description before planning. There is a car park for the route at Col du Bez, opposite the inn.

On the GR7, at Moure de l’Abéouradou, stands the contemporary artwork The Lighthouse by Gloria Friedman. It lies on the watershed between the Atlantic and Mediterranean. The work includes an observation platform offering a 360-degree panoramic view. The route thus combines a striking artwork with far-reaching views. The GR4 and GR7 meet at Col du Bez.

Gorges and Activities by the Water

Below Tour de Borne, the Gorges de la Borne offer natural pools, waterfalls and viewpoints. The renovated Tour de Borne hangs on a rock below the village, above the river gorges. It cannot be visited because of the risk of falling rocks; check before visiting whether this access restriction is still in effect. Canyoning trips in the gorges are organised with a specialist guide. A full-day canyoning trip on the Borne includes swimming, river trekking and several optional jumps of up to twelve metres. The offering may vary by season.

If you’re interested in a stay by the river, you should also take into account the swimming conditions: swimming in the Gorges de la Borne is unsupervised. Check local conditions before entering the water. Guided canyoning and unsupervised swimming are different options, each requiring its own planning.

Peat Bogs, Heathland and Heritage

The Taranis Arga interpretive trail passes through peat bogs, upland heathland and a forest associated with the Abbaye des Chambons. In the peat bogs along the trail, you can spot the carnivorous plant Drosera, also known as sundew. You can take in an individual plant alongside the broader landscape of the trail: wetlands, heathland and forest characterise different sections of its themed area. Observe the sundew without taking any plants.

The heritage also offers a range of historical points of interest. The Clocher de Tourmente du Mas de Truc once helped travellers find their way during snowstorms. The Église Saint-Sauveur is a 19th-century church. The heritage sites named in Borne also include the remains of the Cistercian Abbaye cistercienne des Chambons and a former medieval keep dating from the 12th century. The Chapelle Notre-Dame-des-Voyageurs is located at Col du Bez. Climbing is available at the natural site of Les Chambons.

Visit a Farm

La Ferme aux Saveurs de Borne offers visits to its sheepfolds by reservation. Confirm your visit in advance, as reservation arrangements may change. The farm offers chestnut cream, chestnut flour and natural chestnuts; the availability of individual products may vary. Alongside hiking, nature and history, this gives you another specific option to consider when planning your trip to Borne.

Discover more destinations: Arlebosc, Lentillères, La Rochette, Charmes-Sur-Rhône, Jaujac, Accons, Valvignères, Saint-Martin-Sur-Lavezon.

For the broader travel overview: Ardèche.