Born out of a desire to recognise the exceptional nature of the Ardèche region, thanks to its way of life, rich heritage and beautiful natural surroundings, the Monts d’Ardèche Regional Nature Park (PNR) was created at the beginning of the century.
Monts d’Ardèche Regional Nature Park
Officially inaugurated in 2001, the Monts d’Ardèche Regional Nature Park is one of 51 regional nature parks in France.
It originated as an initiative by chestnut producers in the department who wanted to create a strong regional identity around chestnut cultivation.
Which territory?
It initially covered the western part of the department, but its boundaries have changed over time to include a few municipalities in the Haute-Loire. The region is defined by its distinctive lifestyle, landscapes and rural expertise.
Calling all nature lovers: real treasures await you!
If you enjoy hiking, 4,300 kilometres of trails are open to you…
Nothing is missing either for a comprehensive approach to geology: all eras of history are represented, dating back 550 million years.
- Maps of the Monts d’Ardèche Regional Nature Park, general and geosites:
Which face? Between diversity and unity
The park is home to a variety of landscapes: the Boutières, the volcanic Sucs of the Mézenc massif, the Vernoux plateau, the Haute Cévenne, and the southern Cévenne in the south.
It is an area of 228,000 hectares with approximately 77,000 inhabitants in nearly 150 municipalities.
In terms of flora and fauna, which flourishes from the southern valleys to the windiest ridges, many varieties and species are represented. Spring
daffodils, rare and fragile orchids: even on the walls of old houses, diversity makes its appearance throughout the villages and landscapes.
A distinctive character
The man’s mark is obvious: he had to, and he knew how to, come to terms with a harsh but generous natural environment. This is evident in the quality of the landscapes.
Everywhere you look, you’ll find terraces, small hamlets clustered on the slopes, and an abundance of chestnut trees that give rise to a variety of chestnut specialities and traditional festivals such as the famous castagnades in autumn (more than a dozen are organised in the region after each harvest).
There are also ingenious systems invented for water management, not to mention mills and silk mills, and the breeding of Fin gras du Mézenc, the name given to beef that is highly prized by gourmets thanks to specific breeding conditions that respect both the animals and nature.
What activities?
With 4,300 hiking trails, 16 interpretive trails, 28 themed houses and museums, numerous swimming spots and river activities, and a wide range of outdoor activities, the Ardèche Mountains Regional Nature Park (PNR) seems like the ideal place for nature-loving holidaymakers to explore.
Official website
The official website of the nature park allows you to discover the Ardèche mountains, life in the region, and the initiatives undertaken, depending on whether you are a resident, elected representative, professional or visitor:
