Monts d'Ardèche Regional Natural Park
Humans and their activity Monts d'Ardèche Regional Natural Park
Agriculture suited to the terrain
The Ardèche is a difficult land to farm due to its steep terrain. However, farmers have been able to adapt to this verticality, by building terraces to plant chestnuts, olives, grapes, and by developing livestock farming on the plateaux.
There are many chestnut farmers throughout the Park, growing over 60 varieties of chestnuts. The chestnut has been awarded AOC recognition, in addition to the talent of the farmers, who know how to process the chestnut with refinement and, at times, with a lot of imagination. Four chestnut farmers have been authorised to use the "Park Product" mark.
Beekeepers are also recognised throughout the region with their chestnut, acacia and mountain flower honeys, among others. Four beekeepers are also authorised to use the "Park Product" mark.
Vine growing takes place mainly in the Cévennes piedmont plain. For several years, ancient varieties have been adapted to modern tastes, among which is the Chatus.
The new potatoes of the Eyrieux valley are a springtime treasure. In mid-April, market gardeners harvest around 40 tonnes of this small new potato cultivated on the "échamps" or terraces.
Finally, the livestock farmers of the Mézenc are quite proud of the 700 head of Mézenc fin gras which are sold every year. This meat with AOC marking is renowned for its delicacy and its unique flavour, specific of a product from the Ardèche mountains.
Creators from village to village
The villages of the Park are home to many artisans, cabinet makers, ironworkers, potters and so on, as well as to many artists. The small commune of Laboule is home to more than 20 creators, something unheard of for a small village in the southern Cévennes. A large number of these professionals participate in the Paths of Creation event organised by the Park. They open their workshops to the general public. Take the chance to discover their talents.
In the secret of bubbles
150 mineral water springs are listed throughout the territory of the Park. These waters are charged with many mineral elements and gas from the volcanoes. Today, several natural springs in the Ardèche are commercially exploited, such as Reine des Basaltes, Source des Volcans and the waters from Vals and Arcens, which are better known.
Festivals in the Monts d'Ardèche Park
The calendar of the Park is defined by its many events: guided hikes, Castagnades in autumn, Meetings with the land, Discovery Saturdays, Cinema in the village, Bourlatier Stops, etc. are privileged instants, sign of a region that is filled with life!
