RENTAL SAINT JEAN DE VALÉRISCLE : 

Looking for a quiet holiday? An abundance of nature, changing landscapes, authenticity and cultural discoveries in a place full of history where life is good? Head for Saint-Jean-de-Valériscle!

The village of Saint-Jean-de-Valériscle is located 16 kilometres north of Alès. In the Gard department, in the Occitanie region, this charming village is located at the confluence of the Lozère and the Ardèche, a few steps from the Cévennes. The village has been writing its history for centuries now, since prehistoric remains have been found on its territory. A Gallo-Roman city mainly turned towards agriculture, the village of Saint-Jean-de-Valériscle is today essentially turned towards tourism and the production of olive oil, an oil that is particularly appreciated in the area and that visitors like to bring back in their suitcases. Without a doubt, the old village is the charming part of Saint-Jean-de-Valériscle. The medieval quarter of Le Barry in particular, surrounded by large ramparts, is a real nugget, which will plunge you into the heart of history. Here, along the river Auzonnet, time seems to stand still, the tangled streets seem to have a soul, the old houses tell their legend and the vaulted passages lead you to discover many wonders. In the village, the beautiful facades renovated with taste, the houses of the Middle Ages, but also the Romanesque church will not fail to delight the lovers of beautiful stones. Destroyed during the religious wars, the Romanesque church of Saint-Jean-de-Valériscle is one of the most visited sites in this medieval village, because of its architecture and its beautiful decorations. In addition to this visit, you can also visit the Museum of Coat of Arms, the 13th century Château du Barry (private), and discover the surrounding area thanks to the numerous walking routes.

Before packing your suitcase, make sure you have slipped on comfortable trainers, that's our advice! Because here, the main activity is hiking. From the remains of the railway branch line that was once used to transport the coal extracted from the town's mines, or via the rural routes in the neighbouring forests, you can walk towards the remains of the Château de Maricon, the Notre-Dame des Oliviers chapel, or the Mortisson cross. A little further north, 14 kilometres away, the Grotte de la Cocalière is a must-see in the area: known as one of the most beautiful caves in France, this 35-million-year-old cave amazes visitors with its underground chambers full of calcite concretions, draperies and many geological curiosities. The Castle of Portes (14 kilometres away), the Castle of Montalet (13 kilometres away), or the ruins of the Castle of Allègre (13 kilometres away) will complete your stay in Saint-Jean-de-Valériscle.