Jaujac showcases the volcanic character of the Vivarais in a specific location: the Coupe de Jaujac is the last extinct volcano in the Vivarais. Its lava flow extends 3.5 kilometres into the Lignon Valley. With the medieval Chastelas quarter, a mineral spring and markets selling local products, there is more to explore than geology alone.
Volcanic landscape and route options
Volcanic scoria can be found along the trail leading to the summit of the Coupe de Jaujac. At the La Turbine site, you can view basalt formations up close: true and false columns, as well as prisms. If you are interested in geology, you can compare the scoria along the trail with the column and prism formations at the La Turbine site.
The “Le sentier qui pétille” loop trail starts at the Maison du Parc and is about 1.2 kilometres long. The two figures describe different things: 3.5 kilometres is the extent of the lava flow into the Lignon Valley; about 1.2 kilometres is the length of the loop trail. The approximate loop distance therefore gives you a specific guide for planning your route; it should not be confused with the geographical extent of the lava flow.
Maison du Parc: grounds and visit planning
The Maison du Parc des Monts d’Ardèche is set in the centre of a 40-hectare site at the foot of the Coupe de Jaujac. The Maison has exhibitions, an information and book area, and a shop selling local products. The grounds can be explored year-round via the “la coulée vive” interpretation trail.
Visitors are welcomed at the Maison during school holidays and from mid-June to mid-September; these periods may change. Check them before your trip if you are planning a visit or hoping to use the facilities. When planning, distinguish between visitor reception and the interpretation trail: the year-round opening information applies to the trail, while visitor reception is available during the periods listed.
Lanes, spring and local products
The medieval Chastelas quarter can be reached via old cobbled lanes. This gives Jaujac a historical point of interest in addition to its geological attractions. The lanes offer a direct route into the quarter; here, the medieval character is the focus when choosing where to visit, rather than the volcanic landscape.
At the Peschier mineral spring, you can taste the clear, carbonated, iron-rich water on site. Markets selling local products are held on the Place du Champ de Mars all year round on Tuesday and Friday mornings. If you are planning to visit a market, use these mornings as a guide. The recurring dates may change, so check before your trip.
Discover more destinations: Alba-La-Romaine, Saint-Alban-En-Montagne, Saint-Laurent-Du-Pape, Payzac, Orgnac L'aven, Grospierres, Lemps, Soyons.
For the broader travel overview: Ardèche.
