
It flows in a stone trough inside an old renovated farmhouse with a Lauze roof. It is possible to drink water directly from the source.
Description
A long-cooled lava needle volcano, the Gerbier de Jonc, placed like a cone on the Ardèche plateau, is with the Gouléïou located in the Boutières cirque, the archetype of the phonolitic juices of this territory. Its lava, phonolite, is an acidic volcanic rock that emits a particular sound when struck.
From the Gerbier de Jonc and the surrounding phonolitic reliefs, rises the longest river in France: the Loire, whose sources they dominate by 150m.
Resulting from ancient volcanism (10 to 5 million years ago), Mont Gerbier-de-Jonc is a real watering can. From all sides the water escapes from it, southern slope (Sainte Eulalie) towards the Atlantic, northern slope (Saint Martial) towards the Mediterranean. By its relief, its climatic conditions and particular substrates, this site offers an exceptional faunal and floristic richness in addition to a grandiose landscape. Many remarkable and often threatened species have been recorded. (information provided to the triptych).
The 3 km Sources de La Loire trail will allow you to discover the other particularities of the site: from the “authentic” to the “true” source of the Loire, including the “geographical source”. – This classified site is also a stage of the Pradal Valley discovery trail.
The compact shape of the Gerbier is linked to the very pasty nature of the lava emitted at temperatures of 600°C to 800°C. It is a dome built slowly and gradually, about 7 million years ago, from the ascent of magma through faults and breaks in the basement (substratum). As this growth progresses, the surrounding lava cools, becomes brittle, resulting in the appearance of deep and wide cracks as well as the flow of the very massive slab domes around its perimeter. The fragmentation and the fall of these rocks are at the origin of the scree which coats the base of the relief.
The Gerbier de Jonc is also a classified geosite of the Monts d'Ardèche Geopark (UNESCO).
Opening
All year.
We also offer:
It flows in a stone trough inside an old renovated farmhouse with a Lauze roof. It is possible to drink water directly from the source.
The "authentic source" symbolizes, by the monument erected in 1938 by the Touring Club of France, the source of the Loire. Nearby, a triptych of information on the Gerbier-de-Jonc platform and the Maison de site.
This source corresponds to the official source indicated on the cadastral plan n° 87. It flows in a natural environment, it comes out of the ground in a meadow, under a stone which bears the inscription “here begins my road to the ocean”.
35 semi-shaded pitches for tents and caravans. Terraced land, uncovered terraces. Motorhome area with electrical terminals, emptying and filling points. Children's games, picnic tables. Rental of chalets for 2 to 6 people.
XNUMXth century farmhouse. which testifies to the architectural heritage. During the independent visit, discover the history of the region, the architecture in phase with the geology of the territory, the social life.
Temporary exhibitions.
The junction of the sources of the Loire, at the mill of Ligeret, is the place of all the postcards.
A Pelean volcano is of the extrusive type, that is to say that it involves a viscous magma, not very rich in gas, building domes. Depending on the viscosity of the lava, the domes can be built according to several shapes.
The five peaks are dome-shaped Pelean volcanoes from the same family as the famous Mont Gerbier de Jonc. Their names are: Montfol, Sépoux, Séponet, Taupernas and Lauzière.
"Les Coux", a toponym used by the IGN, is actually called the Suc de "Leckous", this volcano is also known under the name, of Celtic origin, of "Lech'ous". The Suc de Leckous is a plateau in the shape of a crescent moon.
Traditional cuisine from the real source of the Loire, local products. At Régine's, you will taste traditional Ardèche dishes and seasonal specialties (Maôche, Fin Gras du Mézenc, blueberry tarts).
Set of 6 lodgings fitted out below the village.
We are located 5 minutes from Mont Gerbier de Jonc, “Sources de la Loire”. Mid-mountain environment ideal for hiking, mountain biking, 1st category river fishing.
Set of 6 lodgings fitted out below the village.
We are located 5 minutes from Mont Gerbier de Jonc, “Sources de la Loire”. Mid-mountain environment ideal for hiking, mountain biking, 1st category river fishing.
Set of 6 lodgings fitted out below the village.
We are located 5 minutes from Mont Gerbier de Jonc, “Sources de la Loire”. Mid-mountain environment ideal for hiking, mountain biking, 1st category river fishing.
Set of 6 lodgings fitted out below the village.
We are located 5 minutes from Mont Gerbier de Jonc, “Sources de la Loire”. Mid-mountain environment ideal for hiking, mountain biking, 1st category river fishing.
In addition to the visit, enjoy a showcase of local products from the Ardèche Mountains.
Admission fees
Free access. |
Location