This beautiful walk is a combination of nature and history. During the walk you can first enjoy a very varied landscape and second admire the beautiful Gallo-Roman site of Cars. The hamlet Variéras with its houses with thatched roofs and the Roman bridge of Variéras are the other eye-catchers of this route.
Distance: 12 km.
Time: 3h30.
Grade: Moderate.
Type: Circular.
Gps Track: Yes.
Route description: Yes.
Wheelchair: Not suitable.
Dog: Allowed.
Height gain: 275 meters.
Trail: Paved and unpaved.
Marking: Yellow dash.
Hiking shoes recommended.
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The hamlet of Variéras.
The walk leaves at the church of Pérols and heads towards a cross from the 15th century. Then it goes via a narrow hollow road, where you cross a nice bridge, in the direction of the hamlet Ars. From Ars it goes back and forth to the Gallo-Roman site of Cars. First you come at the mausoleum and the temple, a little further are the remnants of the Roman villa where the immense water bowl appeals to the imagination. Back then, there was already a heated swimming pool. Once back in Ars you follow a broad field road that turns into a forest road to end up in the fairytale hamlet Variéras. In this hamlet almost all houses have a thatched roof. You expect that every moment a gnome comes out! From the hamlet it goes to the Roman bridge over the Ars. The last part goes back to Pérols past the old Farm of Places.
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Respect the privacy of the residents of the hamlet Variéras.
POI 1 - Gallo-Roman site of Cars.
THere are the remnants of what must once have been a beautiful Gallo-Roman villa. The villa was built in the first half of the second century after Christ. Special is the large water tank of stone that was used for a heated pool and a fountain. The house was expanded further in the second half of the second century. In 275/276 AD, there were invasions of other peoples after which the villa was abandoned.
No additional information.
POI 2 - Hamlet of variéras.
The story begins in 1963 when Maurice Gorsse decides to restore the family bakery in Variéras and to cover the roof with reeds, like the original. The famous accordionist Jean Ségurel is so charmed that he has a house built. This is how the career of the craftsman Maurice Gorsse begins. Thirteen years later, he revitalizes the village by building three thatched farms. His efforts are successful because the thatched houses grow like mushrooms. Variéras regains the dynamics of the past. His son Denis is still continuing the family tradition.
No additional information.
POI 3 - Roman bridge of Variéras.
The bridge was probably built in the Carolingian era to connect Variéras with Pérols via a rural road. The bridge consists of a single arch and a nose piece made of granite blocks from the region.
No additional information.
