For millions of years, the Ardèche has made its way through the limestone plateaus to form the so-called cirques. The Cirque de Gens is one of the most spectacular! This walk will take you to the heart of this beautiful natural site!
Distance: 8 km.
Time: 3h00.
Grade: Moderate.
Type: Circular.
Gps Track: Yes.
Route description: Yes.
Wheelchair: Not suitable.
Dog: Allowed.
Height gain: 169 meters.
Trail: Paved and unpaved.
Marking: White-Yellow.
Hiking shoes recommended.
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View of the Cirque de Gens.
This beautiful walk starts in the village of Ruoms and leads you through an old railway bed to an abandoned quarry. Then you go through an oak forest to the hidden cave 'Baume Grenas' to end up on the bank of the Ardèche. You follow the banks of the river to the first meander of the famous Cirque de Gens. Here you climb again to enjoy a breathtaking view on the Cirque de Gens. Then you can cool off on one of the beaches on the river.
Download PDF for route description.
Check the water levels because a part of the route goes along the banks of the Ardèche river.
Route not recommended for people with vertigo!
POI 1 - Old quarry.
In a well-defensible place between the streams of the Ardèche, Beaume and Chassezac monks of the order of Cluny built a monastery. The town of Ruoms (2000 inhabitants) arose around this monastery. In order to better defend the town, a wall was built around it in the 12th century. The entrance gates of the city were guarded from seven defense towers. Parts of this wall and the towers are still standing. The walls and towers are built of limestone that is delft in the area. The limestone quarries of Ruoms are known throughout France and far beyond for the high quality of the rock. The statue of liberty in New York stands on a plinth of limestone from Ruoms!
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