Saint Pons: Volcanic Hike and Basalt Landscape

Saint Pons faces south at the foot of a basalt barrier. In the village, narrow streets wind between the houses; many of them are typical of the traditional architecture of the Coiron. When looking for a hotel in Saint Pons, the hike, basalt landscape and local history can all serve as starting points for planning your trip.

Hiking the circular trail

The circular trail “Itinéraire de randonnée des volcans stromboliens” is rated as an easy hike. It is 11.1 kilometres long, includes 365 metres of elevation gain and is listed as taking four hours. This gives you an idea in advance of both the trail’s length and the time required. The starting point is the hiking information point at the entrance to Saint-Pons. The trail descends to Roche Chérie along a somewhat steep path. When planning, you can take both details into account: the circular trail as a whole is rated easy, but one section of the descent is somewhat steep.

Trail conditions and signposting may change. Check the signs when you arrive before following the route. The details on distance, elevation gain and duration give you a specific framework for the hike; they do not replace finding your way on site.

Basalt landscape and Roche Chérie

The Plaine du Regard is a protected area with a mosaic landscape of grasslands and meadows. It also features valuable temporary ponds and exceptional flora. The ponds are not permanent landscape features; ecological conditions also vary over the course of the seasons. So if you are interested in the area’s natural environment, it is worth bearing in mind that the landscape changes over time.

The Roche Chérie neck lies between two basalt outcrops. In the hamlet of Roche Chérie, at the foot of a neck, traces of an old keep can be found. Below the neck, a chapel built of basalt stones was erected in the 19th century, leaning against the neck. The geological formation and the buildings offer different ways to consider the landscape and its history.

The Roche Chérie neck can be reached by car as far as the local district, where parking is available. As local works may change access details to the Roche Chérie neck, check them on site before setting out.

Village character and history

The narrow streets between the houses shape the character of Saint Pons. Many of the houses are typical of the traditional architecture of the Coiron. In the historic centre, the church has medieval origins and has been remodelled several times. In considering its history, both its medieval origins and its later alterations are therefore relevant.

The village’s historical significance also reaches far back: Saint-Pons was one of the oldest and most important fiefs of the Barony of Aps. This detail adds another aspect of the village’s history to the view of its lanes and traditional architecture. Together, the streets, houses and church offer concrete points of interest if you would like to include the village itself in your plans as well as a hike.

Randoland activity sheets for different age groups

Randoland activity sheets for Saint-Pons are available for children aged 4 to 6, 7 to 9, and 10 and over. The age groups help you choose the right edition for the children taking part in advance. The sheets can be downloaded free of charge or obtained from the Office de Tourisme Berg et Coiron. If you are planning to use a particular edition, it is best to confirm its availability before your visit.

Discover more destinations: Issarlès, Orgnac L'aven, Planzolles, Nonières, Sampzon, Les Assions, Saint Basile, Vallon Pont D'arc

For the main travel overview: Ardèche.