Mont Gerbier de Jonc stands in the north of the Ardèche. Its origins date back 7 million years. That’s only a century or two ago, isn’t it? This mountain culminates at 1,551 metres. From its summit, you can enjoy a magnificent panorama of the surrounding countryside. It’s also here, between Ardèche and Haute-Loire, that the Loire River rises. Don’t miss out on this natural beauty spot during your CAMPING HOLIDAY IN ARDECHE.
It can be seen from afar, a rocky mound standing in the verdant landscape of northern Ardèche. Mont Gerbier de Jonc is a volcanic landform formed when the volcanoes of the Massif Central were still active. It is an example of the sucs ardéchois, the volcanic domes typical of the Ardèche. These include Mont Gerbier de Jonc, Montfol, Sépoux, Séponet, Taupernas and Lauzière.
Mont Gerbier de Jonc’s relief, Ardèche climate and geology make it an exceptionally rich natural area. Both fauna and flora.
The sources of the Loire
Mont Gerbier de Jonc owes part of its fame to the Loire, which rises there. The water table beneath the mountain gives rise to several springs. Three of these are highlighted and listed as the sources of the Loire. The “authentic spring” has been highlighted by a monument since 1938, the “geographical spring” flows in a stone trough inside a lauze-roofed stable, and the “real spring” is the one shown on the cadastral map. It emerges from the ground in a meadow, beneath a lauze roof bearing the inscription “Ici commence ma route vers l’océan” (“Here begins my road to the ocean”)! Each of these three springs produces a trickle of water. The 3 trickles soon join to form a slender stream. The stream soon grows in size and becomes the Loire, France’s longest river. A 3-kilometre loop on foot allows you to discover the 3 sources of the Loire.
Climbing Mont Gerbier de Jonc
A large parking lot is available at the foot of the mountain. The ascent of Mont Gerbier de Jonc takes around 30 minutes on a signposted path. Round trip: 1h30 to the summit. Although it’s a relatively short climb, it’s a fairly strenuous one. So remember to bring good shoes. But the effort will be rewarded. At the top of Mont Gerbier de Jonc, a breathtaking panorama awaits you, encompassing the Ardèche, Haute-Loire and, in the distance, the Alps. The most courageous will rise before daylight to admire the sunrise. The view is sumptuous.
However, if you’d like to explore the mountain and its surroundings, other hikes are available from more remote parking lots.
The ascent of Mont Gerbier de Jonc used to be free.
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