The Mastrou follows the Doux Valley over bridges and viaducts and through tunnels; in Lamastre, railway history, castle ruins, hiking and a long-standing market come together. When planning your trip, it is worth sorting these offerings by what you would most like to focus on: the railway covers a specific route, while trails and historic sites reveal different sides of the town.
Through the Doux Valley on the Mastrou
The Mastrou runs between T. St Jean de Muzols station and Lamastre. Its 28-kilometre railway line follows the Doux Valley, crossing bridges and viaducts and passing through tunnels. The journey itself is therefore a key part of the experience: it connects the two named endpoints and makes the line’s engineering features part of the trip. Since operating days and timetables vary by season and may change, check the latest information before planning your journey.
Lamastre’s tourist office welcomes visitors in the town’s former railway station. If you would like to get information there, check the current visitor reception arrangements before your visit. The Train de l’Ardèche station is also a place to explore the railway in another way: the Tag&Play app offers a fun activity about how railways work and their history. If you plan to take part in this digital activity, check whether it is currently available.
Castle ruins and local history
The ruins of Château de Peychelard were built in the 10th century on a fortified rocky outcrop. They were the original residence of the lords of Lamastre. Nearby, an information board traces Lamastre’s development from the past to the present. Here, the castle’s architectural history and an overview of the town’s development offer two distinct ways to explore the past.
An orienteering course also explores the area’s heritage. The permanent course in Lamastre has three routes featuring heritage-themed puzzles and quizzes. Accompanying materials are available from the tourist office; if you have specific plans, check whether they are currently available. Combining movement and activities, this is a different way to explore local heritage than visiting the castle ruins or taking a train journey.
Hikes with different points of focus
The Circuit des Châteaux leads from Lamastre through the Doux Valley to the medieval village of Désaignes. Its theme is four castles that are significant to local history. The hike at Col de Montreynaud passes through the extensive wooded areas of the Lamastre commune. A route at the pass offers views of Lamastre, Saint-Basile and Saint-Barthélemy-Grozon. You can choose a hike based on the focus described: historic destinations and castles, or wooded areas and viewpoints. No information about duration or difficulty is provided.
Swimming, the market and chestnut products
The Retourtour water area in Lamastre is specially designed for swimming and is supervised seasonally. If you plan to swim, take the season into account and check the current supervision arrangements in advance. This activity is distinct from the hiking and cultural offerings.
Lamastre’s traditional weekly market has a history stretching back 400 years. Every Saturday throughout the year, 15 to 30 very local producers gather at Place Seignobos. The market day and number of vendors may change, so check the latest information before your visit. The market offers its own glimpse of local produce, while the chestnut products of Ferme du Châtaignier provide a different connection to the region.
The farm shop at Ferme du Châtaignier sells chestnut-based specialities, jams, fruit juices, honey and artisan-made soups. The selection may change. Guided tours of the workshop are also available; dates are seasonal and may vary. A freely accessible path runs through the chestnut grove and is suitable for a nature walk in the heart of the Ardèche. As access arrangements may change, check the latest information before visiting.
A regional trail on a former railway line
In the Pays de Lamastre, you can use La Dolce Via, a developed 90-kilometre trail following the route of a former railway line. This is a regional trail with its own route, not an extension of the Mastrou’s 28-kilometre train journey mentioned above. If you include La Dolce Via in your plans, check the current route before setting out on a specific trip.
Discover more destinations: Le Pouzin, Boffres, Lachamp-Raphaël, Ardoix, Saint-Clair, Saint-Victor, Pont-De-Labeaume, Quintenas.
For the broader travel overview: Ardèche.
