This is a small outline of all the things to see and do neat the Le Belos camp-site.
When you come, we can tell you about other things to explore.
Some Historical Villages
THUEYTS: 1200 m on foot
The inhabitants of Thueyts are called Athogiens and Athogiennes.
The village is entirely built on the basalt outflow from the Gravenne volcano in Thueyts.
The Giants Causeway is a basalt cliff the height of which is like a step a Giant might use to walk up and down, one of most beautiful of Europe. There are several view-points from which to admire it.
There are a host of footpaths, some of which leave from Le Belos camp-site. Every year, on the first weekend in June, three of these footpaths are used for the Giants Causeway Trail hike.
Thueyts also has a remarkable classified architectural heritage. Admire Blou Castle and its grounds. In July and August, free guided tours are organized to discover the old village and its history.
JAUJAC: 12 km
Jaujac is a village built on a lava flow from the youngest volcano.
Like Thueyts, it is famous for its basalt “organ pipes”.
ANTRAÏGUES SUR VOLANE: 36 km
Antraïgues sur Volane is a village perched on volcanic rock. Visit it both for its beauty and the traces left by singer Jean Ferrat.
One anecdote says that during a stay in the village, before he moved there, sitting on a terrace facing the splendid landscapes, he was inspired to write “La Montagne” one of his most famous songs (now a cult).
BALAZUC: 39 km
Balazuc is a very historic village overlooking the River Ardèche. Visit the village lanes on foot.
If you cross the bridge which spans the river and look back you will get splendid views of the village.
LABEAUME: 46 km
Labeaume nestles up to a rock. Its cobbled streets, stone-built houses and roofed passageways give the impression you are walking through a maze.
ALBA LA ROMAINE: 46 km
Alba la Romaine is a very pleasant village to visit. Its lanes take you to small squares while passing under vaults.
You reach the Castle via the Place de l’Horloge. A journey through time to the Gallo-Roman period.
And a “must” – the museum and archaeological site from which you can see the castle keep. A great stroll to relax and discovered the past!
Other Towns and Villages
NEYRAC LES BAINS: 8 km and VALS LES BAINS: 20 km
Neyrac les Bains and Vals les Bains are spa towns which attract many visitors to take the waters that treat rheumatism and diabetes. But not only! Everyone can benefit from these thermal baths in wellbeing spaces. And the towns are attractive too.
AUBENAS: 23 km
Aubenas stands above the Ardèche river valley perched on a rock.
Very lively street market on Saturday mornings on the square in front of the Castle. Interesting strolls through its narrow streets.
Some sites to explore in Ardèche
L’ÉCHELLE DU ROI: 3,20 km on foot, 4,80 km by car
Near the Pont du Diable this path will take you to the Via Ferrata.
You can get to it by the path to the Pont du Diable or via L’Échelle de la Reine.
L’ÉCHELLE DE LA REINE: 900 m on foot
Near the Le Belos camp-site it will take you to the village of Thueyts (1,200m on foot) over the Pont de la Vernède (the little brother of the Pont du Diable). If you don’t cross it and instead take the small steps on your right, you will go to the Pont du Diable via the village of Fargebelle.
LE PONT DU DIABLE: 3,20 km on foot, 4,80 km by car
A “must” visit during your stay at the Le Belos camp-site!
The Pont du Diable is at the bottom of the “Giants Causeway”, spanning the river Ardèche. A good walk from the camp-site with your family or friends via the village of Fargebelle.
Why not take a picnic and laze on the pebble beach facing the natural stone bridge.
Relax, bronze, bathe in the river and admire the splendid landscape.
Not far from here you should go to a small waterfall called the “Gueule d’enfer” and L’Echelle du Roi which is the starting point of the Via Ferrata. A great day out!
RAY PIC WATERFALL: 28 km
The Ray Pic is the best-known waterfall in the Ardèche.
You can admire it from the road by stopping at the special view-point.
To see it from closer up, go to the car park down the hill and walk along the path accessible to all ages and from which the views are splendid.
MONT GERBIER DE JONC and ISSARLÈS LAKE: 44 km
The Mont Gerbier de Jonc rises to an altitude of 1551m in the Ardèche mountains.
To discover breathtaking views, just walk up the path and contemplate…
Lake Issarlès is a natural lake in which you can swim, rent a pedalo or a canoe. You can walk around this former volcanic crater on a shaded path.
GROTTE CHAUVET 2 – ARDÈCHE: 54 km
The Grotte Chauvet 2 – Ardèche is the magnificent replica of the Chauvet Cave. Your visit will take you back 36,000 years in time to discover masterpieces painted by Aurignacian artists. A 3must3 – prior booking is essential!
THE VOLCANOES
The volcanoes in Ardèche are young and their basalt flows shaped the Ardèche Mountains.
You can see basalt flows (“organ pipes”) in many villages like Thueyts and Jaujac.
