Travellers are treated to a stunning display of nature in the Ardèche, with its extinct volcanoes, lush valleys and cascading waterfalls meandering their way down the cliffs. One of the most noteworthy sights among the region’s many wonders is Mont Gerbier de Jonc, with its unmistakeable silhouette. A holiday at a campsite in the Ardèche near Mont Gerbier de Jonc is the perfect opportunity to take a closer look at this geological curiosity.
The extraordinary natural beauty of Mont Gerbier de Jonc
Embark on a visit to Mont Gerbier de Jonc, set in the Monts d’Ardèche Natural Regional Park, for an astonishing and exhilarating excursion through some of the region’s most beautiful scenery. In a nutshell, Mont Gerbier rises to an altitude of 1,551 metres and is instantly recognisable thanks to its almost perfect conical shape. With nothing to obstruct your view, you can enjoy superb sweeping vistas across the Ardèche in the area around the mount’s foot and in the immediate surroundings.
Another reason why Mont Gerbier de Jonc is so revered by the locals is that it has a very special claim to fame as the source of the Loire. It is here, at the foot of the mount, that France’s longest river begins its epic journey of over a thousand kilometres towards the Atlantic Ocean. Visit Mont Gerbier de Jonc during your holiday at a luxury campsite in the Ardèche for a unique opportunity to delve into the geological and hydrographic history of the Ardèche and, more broadly, of France.
Hikes and excursions around Mont Gerbier de Jonc
Mont Gerbier de Jonc is well worth a visit in its own right, but the surrounding countryside also has a lot to offer. Here are our three favourite excursions to undertake on foot or mountain bike to explore the region around Mont Gerbier de Jonc:
The three mountains loop: from Mont Gerbier to Mont D’Alambre, via Mont Mézenc, a hike over ten or so kilometres to marvel at the magnificence of these three Ardèche peaks.
Source of the Loire loop: a hike that is suited to beginners and takes you via a series of well-marked paths from the foot of Mont Gerbier de Jonc to the source of the Loire.
Mountain bike circuit around Mont Gerbier: for cyclists, a foray into the heart of nature that combines forest trails and mountainside tracks. As an added bonus, it offers magnificent views of the region.
Outdoor activities around Mont Gerbier de Jonc
In addition to the lovely trails around Mont Gerbier, the surrounding area is teeming with outdoor activities. A brief overview of the adventures that await you:
Canoeing-kayaking on the Eyrieux: admire the distinctive outline of Mont Gerbier de Jonc from the River Eyrieux. The area is criss-crossed by waterways so this is also a great way to take in the Ardèche’s other tourist attractions.
Climbing at Mézenc: scale the heights of rock faces in the Mézenc Massif. There are several clubs offering introductory sessions, even if you’re a beginner.
Horse-riding: for nature lovers, this is a calm and soothing way to discover the area around Mont Gerbier de Jonc. A number of riding schools offer outings to suit all levels.
The best campsites around Mont Gerbier de Jonc
To discover the breathtaking landscapes of the Ardèche, book your next holiday at one of our campsites near Mont Gerbier de Jonc:
Les Jardins de Privas 4 star campsite: come and soak up the benefits of this gorgeous green setting offering direct access to the river for your holidays in the Ardèche. We have hand-picked the very best services and amenities for you: a heated swimming pool, aquatic playground, paddling pool, sauna, trampoline, pétanque pitch, multisports ground… And when the day draws to a close, everyone gets together for the evening entertainment put on by the teams at our top-of-the-range campsite in the Ardèche.
Le Soleil Vivarais 5 star campsite: set in the very heart of the splendid Gorges de l’Ardèche, this is the perfect place to come and unwind as you take advantage of our high-end campsite services and the many activities on offer in the area. Water parks, waterslides, multilane slides, whirlpools, spa, sauna, children’s and teens’ clubs, aquagym, dance classes… that’s just a small sample of what you can expect!
