When planning a stay in La Vernarède, two themes take centre stage: the history of coal mining and the hiking trails. When choosing accommodation, it may help to decide whether local history or time on the trails should be the main focus. The specific differences between the sights and routes provide guidance.
Landscape and local history
According to the consolidated version of the designation decree available on 16 July 2024, La Vernarède lies partly within the Hautes Vallées de la Cèze et du Luech Natura 2000 site. It is designated as a Special Area of Conservation (SAC) under reference FR 9101364. The designation applies to part of the municipality.
Coal mining is another defining theme. The Mines de Portes complex is located in La Vernarède and includes a mine, an engineering works and a railway line. The history of coal transport includes a double self-acting inclined plane: it was built in 1858 and 1859 to transport coal out of La Vernarède. Mining, engineering and transport thus offer different perspectives on the area’s industrial history.
The Eglise Saint Jean de La Vernarède also has a specific cultural and historical connection. Its black marble altar was listed as a historic monument on 5 June 2014. Alongside the mining heritage, local history therefore also includes a single religious artefact and its precisely dated historic monument status.
Hiking: village trail or circular hike
The Sentier des Gueules Noires starts at La Vernarède’s village square. The trail is marked in yellow, is 9.5 kilometres long and presents no particular difficulties. Along the way, it offers information about the history of coal as well as panoramic views. Those looking for a connection to mining history on a hike will find that this trail explicitly incorporates it.
The “Le long du Luech et de l’Homol” circular hike has a different focus. It is rated as moderate, covers 53.1 kilometres and has a stated duration of four hours. The route passes through La Vernarède and the valleys of the Luech and Homol; some sections run at higher elevations with panoramic views. Its focus is therefore on the valleys, higher elevations and circular-hike format.
Different details can therefore help you choose between the trails: for the Sentier des Gueules Noires, these include its starting point at the village square, yellow markings, information about the history of coal and panoramic views. The circular hike is characterised by its valleys, elevated sections, distance and duration. Check the latest route details before setting off; for the second route, you should also verify its passage through the named municipalities using current route information.
Getting there and planning your accommodation
La Vernarède can be reached via the CD 906 from Alès in the direction of Génolhac and Villefort. Chamborigaud station is listed as a rail connection. If you plan to travel by train, check the timetable in advance; the route information itself does not include journey times.
When looking for accommodation in La Vernarède, you can first decide whether hiking or local history should shape your stay. For a hiking-focused stay, the two trails differ in their described features; for a cultural and historical focus, the Mines de Portes complex, the inclined plane and the altar offer different points of interest.
Discover more destinations: Ribaute-Les-Tavernes, Saint-Maximin, Brignon, Saint-Gilles, Saint-Laurent-D'aigouze, Montfaucon, Vestric-Et-Candiac, Saint-Gervasy.
For the broader travel overview: Gard.
