Discover Lanarce: Hiking, Nature and History
Accommodation in Lanarce
Lanarce combines nature, outdoor activities and local history to create a varied destination. The commune lies in the mid-mountains on the edge of the Monts d’Ardèche Regional Nature Park. You can tailor your stay in Lanarce to the themes that matter to you on your trip.
Le Ginestet is a challenging, 13-kilometre circular hike starting and ending in Lanarce. When choosing a route, you can consider its length, difficulty rating and circular layout. The route is accessible via the RN 102 or the D 108; parking in the village centre is recommended. The route, distance and access are therefore useful points of reference when planning your hike.
Another kind of route is the “La montagne Ardéchoise” horse-riding trail, which passes through Lanarce. You can consider the Le Ginestet hike and the horse-riding trail as different ways to include Lanarce in a tour. Each route has its own character: Le Ginestet is described as a challenging circular hike of a set length, while “La montagne Ardéchoise” includes Lanarce as a stop on a horse-riding route.
The Espezonnette is Lanarce’s main waterway and is rich in wild trout. The river flows through the village, and trout fishing is possible there. You can also swim in natural pools near Lanarce. Fishing and swimming are therefore two different ways to enjoy the Espezonnette. If you choose what to do on your trip based on nature, these activities offer a direct connection to the village’s waterway and landscape.
Another natural area is the Sagne Redonde peat bog, which lies at the bottom of the crater of an extinct volcano. It contributes to the preservation of water resources. Sundews and cotton grass grow in the bog; both plants are protected at national level. Its unusual setting in the former crater and its role in preserving water resources give the bog a different focus from activities by the river: the emphasis here is on landforms, plant life and the water cycle.
The Auberge de Peyrebeille is associated with a dark episode in local history. Crimes were committed there between 1807 and 1833. On 2 October 1833, Pierre Martin, his wife Marie Breysse and their servant Jean Rochette were executed. The Auberge is also a historic 19th-century building that welcomes visitors inside. Opening dates vary by season; check access before your trip.
The Moulin de Trespis also brings history to life through a visit. Guided tours explain how the watermill operated and was restored. A museum of old objects is also part of the visit. Check the seasonal opening details before your trip. This will help you fit the visit into your plans without conflating it with the history of the Auberge or the village’s natural attractions.
Lanarce has butcher shops and delicatessens known for their mountain charcuterie. The Ferme Sagne Rousseyre also offers products from local producers, including fruit juices, jams, tea and goat’s milk soaps. If these products are of interest, check what is available before your trip. Local produce thus adds a culinary dimension to the hiking, nature and history themes.
Discover more destinations: Désaignes, Labastide-De-Virac, Savas, Saint-Prix, Félines, Nozières, Saint-Maurice-d'Ibie, St-Remeze.
For the main travel overview: Ardèche.