Mariac: Hiking, Mountain Biking and Tile-Making History

Mariac can be explored through its specific trails and places: the Sentier des Tuiliers tells the story of tile-making, while two mountain biking loops differ in length, elevation gain and route. There is also the village of Girond, a Romanesque church, a climbing crag and an art gallery. These different highlights give you several ways to plan your stay around your own interests.

Hiking linked to tile-making history

The Sentier des Tuiliers leads from Girond to a former clay-extraction site, where the clay was used to make Roman tiles. The round trip is 3 kilometres long and takes about 45 minutes. Information panels explain the history of tile-making. Together, the trail, former extraction site and panels connect the raw material with the local history of tile production.

In the Vallée des Tuiliers, between Cornuscle and Pont de Fromentières, numerous tileworks grew up around the clay deposit at Cornuscle. This gives tile-making a regional scope that extends beyond the individual extraction site.

The hamlet of Girond is characterised by houses made of wood and stone, a renovated bread oven, paved lanes and a Jardin des Simples. Hike Le Serre de Jusclas to make a detour to the Romanesque church of Saint-Etienne at point 4. For those interested in architecture and heritage, this offers two distinct points of interest alongside the history of tile-making: Girond's houses and lanes, and the Romanesque church.

Comparing two mountain biking loops

The Circuit du serre de Jusclas VTT FFC N°15 starts in Pont-de-Fromentières in Mariac. It is 14.5 kilometres long, has 500 metres of elevation gain and leads to the panoramic ridges of the GR 420.

The second loop, VTT-FFC N°14 « Entre crêtes et vallées », is 23 kilometres long and has 600 metres of elevation gain. Halfway along, it passes through Girond and its narrow lanes; on the return, it follows the Dorne River to Mariac. By comparison, N°14 is 8.5 kilometres longer and has 100 metres more elevation gain. This makes it possible to distinguish between the two routes based on their length, elevation gain and described sections.

Climbing and art in Mariac

The Le Pont de Fromentières climbing crag is in Mariac, 150 metres east of the village. Check local access and route conditions before climbing.

The Galerie d'art: Au cœur des hautes vallées de l'Ardèche in Mariac displays paintings of the high valleys of the Ardèche. It also shows older works on this subject, as well as pieces depicting other subjects such as flowers and portraits. The selection of works may change.

In 2026, you can visit the gallery free of charge by appointment; free parking is also available. Confirm your appointment before you travel.

Discover more destinations: Meyras, Saint-Clément, Silhac, Pourchères, Saint-Martial, Bessas, Berzème, Empurany

For the main travel overview: Ardèche.