Lamastre, located in the picturesque Northern Ardèche region, is a charming French town that offers a myriad of activities and experiences to its visitors. Whether you are planning a short stopover or have some time before returning to Mastrou, we offer activities to do over 3 hours.
THE MAIN STEPS OF YOUR DISCOVERY OF LAMASTRE IN 3 HOURS
Below we offer several suggestions for your express discovery of Lamastre. Of course, you won't be able to do everything, you will have to make choices. The idea is to still get into the rhythm of the Ardèche art of living and not to keep the hectic pace of the big cities during your visit to Lamastre.
Arrival from Mastrou (around noon)
You have just arrived in Lamastre aboard the famous Mastrou, an emblematic steam train which travels through the Doux valley. Take a few moments to admire the unique atmosphere of the station and the old steam locomotive. Watch the 44-ton locomotive flip over on the turntable.
Walk in the city center, the Ardèche art of living
Start your visit by strolling through downtown Lamastre. You will immediately be seduced by its picturesque streets, its stone houses typical of Ardèche, and its small local shops.
Take the opportunity to stroll, do some shopping and discover local crafts. Continue your discovery with the Macheville district, the old historic heart of the city, where you can admire beautiful old residences and enjoy a panorama of Lamastre. Take a detour to Place Rampon, where the Protestant temple stands, testimony to the region's religious past.
Don't miss the ruins of the Peychelard castle, remains of a medieval building dominating the valley.
Also take rue du Savel, the oldest street in the city, before joining the bustle of the center.
“Follow the Train” trail with Tag&Play
Discover the “Follow the train” trail during your visit around Mastrou station. This approximately one-hour walk guides you through the surrounding area, providing a pleasant getaway. By following the signs, enjoy the undergrowth overlooking the city, the charming municipal park and a magnificent view overlooking the Doux valley. Take the opportunity to take a picnic break along the way. A bucolic getaway not to be missed during your stay in Lamastre. The little extra: activate the GPS and NFC functions of your smartphone to enjoy multimedia content along your walk via the "Tag&Play - Connected Routes" application.
Download the app from the app store or Google Play.
Tag the demo at the Tourist Office !
Orienteering course, for a fun discovery with the family
Explore Lamastre in a fun way thanks to its permanent orientation trails. Three itineraries, from P'titou to Grand Lamastrou, offer a friendly discovery of the city while testing your knowledge of its heritage. Available all year round, the circuits, offering questions and quizzes, can be started with a map and a questionnaire available at the Tourist Office. An entertaining activity not to be missed during the Mastrou break in Lamastre.
The Descours Arboretum
For a picnic in the great outdoors and in the fresh air, head to the Descours Arboretum which overlooks the town of Lamastre. Then try to uncover the secrets of the fauna and flora of the Monts d'Ardèche along an educational trail on biodiversity, small animals and the trees that populate our forests.
Round trip – 45 min walk – 6 km
Retourtour lake
This superb walk, perfect for enjoying the Mastrou break during the summer season, takes you along the banks of the Retourtour lake . Refreshing swims, a guaranteed change of scenery and a successful picnic await you. This body of water, specially designed and monitored during the summer season, offers a haven of freshness during the hot months. The surrounding wooded trails also invite beautiful walks, while deliciously refreshing ice creams are available on site. Don't miss the opportunity to venture into the calade to discover the ruins of Retourtour castle.
Round trip – 1h15 on foot – 22 min by bike – 4.3 km
Discovery of La Dolce Via
Are you looking to enhance your railway adventure aboard the Mastrou ? The Dolce Via is available to extend your getaway. After your train journey, you have the opportunity to continue exploring by riding a bike along the Dolce Via. Two choices are available to you: either you bring your own bike (train equipped with a bike rack) for a round trip to Lapras or Saint-Prix from Lamastre, or you opt to rent from the city's bike rental companies. This emblematic track, full of history and striking panoramas, offers you an exceptional way to diversify and extend your discovery beyond the train journey. Take advantage of this opportunity to have a complete experience of the region.
Round trip to Lapras – 22 min by bike – 10 km
Round trip to Saint-Prix – 45 min by bike – 20 km
Tasting of local products
Ardèche is renowned for its cuisine and local products. During your stay in Lamastre, don't miss the opportunity to taste the local gastronomy. You can taste goat's cheese, chestnuts, and of course, the delicious specialties of the region such as Lou Pisadou, creek or caillette.
Relaxing and refreshing break
After your discovery of the city center, treat yourself to a moment of relaxation on the banks of the Doux, where the Pradette play area will delight children while you enjoy the soothing natural setting. For a shaded break, head to Seignobos Park, a true green setting in the heart of Lamastre. In the shade of the lime trees, sit around the picnic tables for a well-deserved moment of rest before resuming your train journey. 🌳🚂
Return to Mastrou
After exploring Lamastre for 3 hours, head back to the station to take back the Mastrou. Take with you unforgettable memories of this charming town in the heart of Ardèche.
Lamastre offers a unique experience combining heritage, gastronomy and nature. Whether you are passing through or want to extend your stay, these few hours in Lamastre will leave you with a lasting impression of this magnificent region.
Do not hesitate to tell us about your experiences in Lamastre and the places you have discovered. We hope that your stopover in Lamastre was most memorable! Have a good trip !
WHAT IF YOU WANT TO STAY LONGER?
Well, it would be a good idea to enjoy the city center terraces for longer or to take the time to discover all of our proposals above. To do this, we still advise you to think ahead to find the accommodation that suits you.
