Village of Saint-Gineys-en-Coiron
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Information
Description
Inside the crater of this ancient volcano the cave dwellers amazingly carved their homes using the lava rock, even constructing a chapel to St. Catherine. The site made up a real village (over 30 of the caves have 2 levels).
Poor peasants still continued to live in them just up to the end of the 19th century.
It is one of the best examples of medieval cave dwelling in the South of France.
From the top promontory of Des Balmes you can see the site of the Oppidum of Cheylard.
We also propose:
- Eglise de Saint-Gineys-en-Coiron
- Statue de Sainte-Raône
- Village de Saint-Pons
- Village de Saint-Germain
- Village de Berzème
- Village de Saint-Andéol-de-Berg
- Village de Darbres
- Village de Lussas
- Village de Saint-Maurice-d'Ibie
- Village de Sceautres
- Village de Mirabel
- Village de Saint-Jean-le-Centenier
- Ville de Villeneuve-de-Berg
- Aire de pique-nique à Saint Gineis en Coiron village
- Circuit Randoland pour les enfants à St Gineys en Coiron
- Circuit "De St Gineys en Coiron aux Balmes de Montbrun"
- Balmes de Montbrun
- Topo-guide "Monts de Berg et Massif du Coiron"
Coordinates
- Adress07580 Saint-Gineis-en-Coiron
- Contact04 75 36 72 67
04 75 94 89 28 - E-mailContact us by e-mail
- Web siteAccess to the site
- GPS coordinatesLatitude : 44.633234
Longitude : 4.533508
Interactive map
Collective accommodation
Au Monteillet
Group accommodation for a getaway surrounded by nature in the exceptional setting that Ardèche offers.
Cultural Heritage
Statue de Sainte Raöne
A very touching story: It has been said that since old times this statue (the Virgen Mary with the Child Jesus) was sculpted by a young shepherd of the Bas-Montbrun area in a cherry grove.
Church of Saint-Gineys-en-Coiron
The church is part of the National Registry of Historical monuments. Dédicate to Saint-Genest, the church is believed to date the 11th or 12th century. It has been built on an older place of worship.
Village of Saint-Gineys-en-Coiron
At the southern end of the village you will find an exceptional archeological and geological site, called Balmes de Montbrun. The name Balmes d’Montbrun or burned mountain, evokes its volcanic origins.
Balmes de Montbrun
Thirty caves, some of them consisting of 2 levels, have been carved into different places in the cliffs. You can still see how people once lived in the caves: beams, staircases, coves, skylights, gutters, grooving and seating.
Equipment
Circuit Randoland pour les enfants à St Gineys en Coiron
Fun walk for the whole family to discover the village and its secrets.
Free download on the website of the Tourist Office “Berg et Coiron”
or available at the office.
N.B: Only in French, no translation available at the present time.
Picnic area in Saint Gineis en Coiron village
At the earth of this picturesque village, you can found a table and a big green grass ground to picnic. The church of the village is classified as Historical Monument.
Picnic area of the « Balmes de Montbrun »
Picnic tables are located at the start of the troglodytic site ” Les Balmes de Montbrun ” (approximately a 45-minutes visit).
Parking – Tables and benches.
“From St Gineys en Coiron to Balmes de Montbrun” Path
Walking tour n°11 included in the topo guide “Monts de Berg & Massif du Coiron”.
Walk and return of 13 km, medium level
Lenght: 2h30 (+visit of the site)