Walkers & Ramblers:
St Paul le Jeune is situated on a geological fault which shows significantly in the vegetation. One side of the valley is calcium where the Dolmens are sited & the vegetation is typically stunted oak trees, juniper and box bushes and there are cultivated olive trees. On the other side of the valley where the village has developed, it is sandstone & until 50 years ago the hillside was dominated by chestnut trees. These were cultivated for the sweet chestnuts but after they became diseased & there was a decline in the working population the land gradually became dominated by pines. The chestnut trees still exist but are no longer cultivated commercially. The pines are kept at bay by routine deforestation but grow quickly enough to provide a home for wild animals, boar, small deer, squirrels and ramblers! The village of Banne has the ruins of a chateau, the top part of which was destroyed by fire the year after the French Revolution. At this site there is an orientation table
Walking (continued):
There are at least 6 walks leading directly from the house varying in length from 1 to 4 hrs. You do not have to drive anywhere. There are many routes to follow of varying degrees of difficulty. Two walks through the village and into the forest are historic in that they show the lavoirs (communal laundry basins) and sources of water which were used until the early 20th century, at which time the houses were supplied with water. Another route takes you further back in history to see the Dolmens which date to 4000 or 5000 years. In the printed guide it says the dolmens were built at the time of the pyramids but are,'more modest'. This route traverses the limestone on the opposite side of the valley & there are several burial sites, plus a shepherds shelter. The limestone can also reveal fossils. Another walk leading directly from the house climbs to a small chapel, St Sebastien which was built by the commune of Courry as a thanksgiving for having escaped the plague in the 14th century.
Antique Market:
Our premises can also be hired for groups and private clubs who require board, lodging and a peaceful environment. There is a studio/lecture room situated beside the pool which will provide a space for groups to paint or write, to hold lectures & presentations or to study & discuss. We offer half or full board & lodging to groups The price would include pick-up & return to the airports (Nimes or Montpellier) or rail stations (Nimes or Avignon) and a mid-week trip to a site of interest. Outside the peak summer season we are willing to offer a mid-week start and finish date. Please contact us to discuss further.
During the weekend of Easter and around the 15th of August every year there is a well known Antique's Market 'Marché de Brocante' held at Barjac which is just 20kms from St Paul le Jeune. People from all over Europe and beyond converge on this very attractive town to see the streets full of old furniture and bric-a-brac of all descriptions.
Other Activities:
Swimming pool,. Historic walks, Mountain biking, Canoeing/Kayaking on the Ardeche or other rivers, River swimming.
Learn more about this holiday rental at the owner's website:
marks the location of the property in Les Vans area
