Explore Ardèche: 10 Reasons for an Unforgettable Green Weekend in Pays de Lamastre
Welcome to the enchanting world of Ardèche, a magnificent region of France brimming with natural and cultural treasures to explore. At the heart of this picturesque region lies the charming Pays de Lamastre, offering an unforgettable green getaway for travelers seeking peace, nature, and adventure (in short, far from Paris). If you're planning a weekend in the French countryside, you've come to the right place, because the Ardèche, and the Pays de Lamastre in particular, is a dream destination for a memorable getaway.
DOLCE VIA
The Dolce Via cycle route is ideal for a weekend in the countryside with the family, just 1.5 hours from Saint-Etienne and 5 hours from Paris.
HIKING
A weekend hike in the countryside is ideal! You're sure to enjoy one or two nights in our hotel park.
MARKETS
The market is an opportunity to discover a range of 100% natural, delicious products made in France !
VILLAGE WITH CHARACTER
Désaignes, far from the city, this charming town is the ideal place for your weekend getaway.
REGIONAL NATURE PARK
The Ardèche Mountains are a veritable nature reserve, with forests and wooded parks.
ARDÈCHE TRAIN
The Ardèche Train line guarantees an incredible vacation!
1. OUTDOOR EXPERIENCE
A weekend in the countryside takes on its full meaning thanks to a multitude of outdoor activities that allow you to reconnect with nature. Whether you're a cycling enthusiast or a lover of forest trails, this picturesque region offers a unique nature experience.
Hop on your bike to explore the picturesque trails that crisscross the region, including the famous
🚲Dolce Via, a gentle path built on an old railway line, offering an enchanting route through picturesque landscapes. If you are staying for several nights, you can cycle to 👙Lake Devesset or even La Voulte-sur-Rhône, which connects to the ViaRhôna. This cycling getaway will allow you to fully immerse yourself in the beauty of the forest, the countryside, and the bucolic landscapes.
If you prefer water activities, the clear waters of the local rivers invite you to enjoy a peaceful day of fishing, creating moments of relaxation and intimacy by the water. In addition, several places suitable for💧swimming allow you to enjoy the coolness of the natural waterways, creating the perfect opportunity for a relaxing break with the family.
Whether you're looking for thrills on a bike or a relaxing getaway by the river, this place offers you the opportunity to experience unforgettable moments in the heart of nature.
🚨Feel free to consult the opinions of local experts at the Tourist Office.
2. AN EXCEPTIONAL HIKING EXPERIENCE
During your weekend in the countryside, explore the countless hiking trails suitable for families and experts alike. Whether you want a leisurely stroll to enjoy the beauty of the landscape or a more demanding hike to challenge yourself, the region's varied trails await you. Check out our🚨hiking portal🚨 to choose the route that best suits your needs.
Nature surrounds you, dotted with castles and other buildings,
providing the ideal setting for family bike rides in the vast surrounding natural park. You can explore the region day and night at your own pace while enjoying the fresh air and tranquility.
🚨Would you like the opinion of an expert? Our travel advisor, who is also a hiking expert, is here to guide you! Contact him! He can also give you a list of accommodations with spas where you can pamper yourself and enjoy a good night's sleep after a day of hiking.
3.DISCOVER AN UNFORGETTABLE RAILWAY EXPERIENCE
Board the famou Ardèche train and explore the spectacular landscapes of the Doux gorges. . A single line between the Saint-Jean-de-Muzols station and Lamastre station. This🚂steam train journey takes you to the charming commune of Lamastre, offering a complete immersion in the surrounding nature. This excursion, commonly called "Mastrou" promises a day of adventure and discovery, immersing you in the region's railway history. From May to September, an alternative is available with the Lamastre Express, a 🚋railcar that takes you from Lamastre to the picturesque village of Boucieu-le-Roi, followed by a return on a vintage steam locomotive, an experience that will delight the whole family.
👉Book your tickets for the Ardèche Train adventure
This unique railway experience harmoniously combines nature exploration, the discovery of the picturesque town of Lamastre, and immersion in the region's railway heritage. Offering a perfect blend of relaxation, adventure, and discovery, it ideally complements your green weekend in Ardèche. Positive traveler reviews make it a must-see on any trip to this region. Quality accommodations, the charm of castles, and proximity to the forest contribute to making this experience an unforgettable getaway. Whether you're looking for a family escape, a cycling adventure, an exploration in a natural park, or a moment of relaxation at the spa, traveling on the Ardèche train line fits perfectly into the 10 reasons for an unforgettable green weekend.
4. DISCOVER LOCAL CUISINE
During your unforgettable weekend, there's no question of worrying about your figure! It would be unthinkable not to taste the delights of the Ardèche region. The town of Lamastre offers privileged access to local markets, where 🧀cheeses, 🍷wines, 🌰fruits and 🍄fresh vegetables will awaken your taste buds. The local gastronomy is a true treasure trove of flavors, revealing the culinary richness of the territory.
Dive into a culinary universe where each bite is an explosion of flavors, a true invitation to explore the authentic tastes of the region. Far from the markets of Paris or Lyon, our traditional and authentic markets are overflowing with culinary treasures produced with know-how and a lot of passion!
After a day exploring the lush nature and surrounding forest by bike, you can head to Désaignes for an incredible culinary discovery at l’Ane têtu : a restaurant with an amazing culinary concept that guarantees a true taste experience.
🚨Don’t forget to check visitor reviews, as their experiences in this restaurant are undeniable !
5. BREATHTAKING LANDSCAPES
The Pays de Lamastre will dazzle you with the beauty of its natural landscapes. Its lush green valleys, winding rivers and majestic forests create a symphony of nature, offering breathtaking panoramas. Among the unmissable views to discover during your weekend in the countryside, don’t miss :
👉"Le Balcon du Doux" in Nozières
👉 “Le Martoulet” in Lafarre
These places will offer you striking panoramas of generous and preserved nature. Whether you are looking for tranquility, forest adventure, or family time, Ardèche will meet all your expectations. And to top it all off, along the road you will find incredible Ardèche buildings: farmhouses, medieval castles and other vestiges of a rich past full of stories. Do not hesitate to ask the advice of the Tourist Office's stay advisors to give you the best treatments to discover during your visit according to your profile and your desires.
6. THE AUTHENTICITY OF PICTURESQUE VILLAGES
Immerse yourself in the heart of the soul of the country, a village that seems suspended in time, frozen in an era where the authentic charm of French villages shines in all its brilliance. Each cobbled street, each stone house and each centuries-old church, each castle evoke the rich heritage of this region of France, where nature and history blend in perfect harmony. A bike ride through these picturesque settings transports you to another world, offering you a temporal escape where reality dissolves. You will discover the very essence of rural life, a true journey through time, where every street corner seems to contain a story to tell. Désaignes, a village classified as a « Village of Character » and the ultimate treasure recognized for its incredible charm thanks, in particular, to the 🏰 Désaignes castle
an incredible vestige of the past.
If you dream of immersing yourself in these authentic treasures, this is the ideal place to spend a night with your family. With its 1️⃣1️⃣ charming towns, each village offers you a unique experience, imbued with its own character. To find out more about these unique destinations, visit our
Check out the reviews from visitors who testify that Désaignes is an ideal destination for families, couples and heritage lovers. So, during your next weekend outdoors, don't miss the opportunity to cultivate yourself.
And if you can spend one more night in Ardèche, go to Lalouvesc to visit its incredible basilica ⛪.
7. UNUSUAL ACCOMMODATION IN THE HEART OF NATURE
During your weekend in the countryside, immerse yourself in a unique experience by staying in 🛎️ unusual accommodation. For nature lovers, there is nothing like spending an unforgettable night in a setting that merges harmoniously with the majesty of the surrounding forest, particularly at theRetourtour campsite. Offering total immersion in nature, this atypical accommodation option allows you to experience a unique adventure.
After a good day of cycling, take your family to treehouses, where you can wake up in the heart of the canopy, surrounded by birdsong and the murmur of the forest for a peaceful night. Quaint yurts are another option that will give you an authentic and warm experience, ideal for a 👨👩👧👦 family getaway. These accommodations, inspired by ancestral traditions, will allow you to recharge your batteries in total harmony with nature.
If you are looking for a more intimate experience, charming gîtes are also available, offering comfortable rooms within a castle, historic estate or old typical Ardèche building. You will spend a dream night in an enchanting setting, where each room tells a unique story.
In terms of accommodation, the bivouac or the few immersion accommodations offer you the possibility of an unforgettable night in communion with nature.
🚨Consult the opinions of our local experts to help you book the right accommodation for a memorable night and experience.
8. DISCOVER THE AUTHENTICITY OF THE ARDÉCHOISE COUNTRYSIDE
During your weekend in the countryside, immerse yourself in the heart of nature and the rural authenticity of France. Set off to discover the hidden treasures of the Ardèche countryside, where castles, green forests and quality accommodation mingle.
A unique experience awaits you on 👨🌾 local farms offering a true immersion into rural life. Take advantage of your family stay to participate in milking cows, taste fresh products, and interact with passionate breeders. This enriching experience gives you an authentic insight into agricultural life and local traditions. Of course it would be unthinkable not to tell you about the queen of Ardèche: 🌰 the chestnut !
This sweet and spicy fruit is the emblematic star highlighted by our chestnut growers (meaning chestnut producers) who will be delighted to welcome you to share their fascinating stories about this divine thorny fruit.
Beyond the green nature, these farm visits add a cultural and human dimension to your weekend. The Tourist Office's travel advisors give you their opinion: come during the « Farm to Farm» weekend to discover the farms in the best possible way. For bike and park enthusiasts, this activity is a perfect addition to your getaway, allowing you to soak up the area's natural beauty after a busy day.
9. EVENTS AND CELEBRATIONS IN ALL SEASONS
During your green weekend in the Pays de Lamastre, you will have the opportunity to immerse yourself in a true kaleidoscope of events throughout the year, guaranteeing an enriching experience in the heart of nature, culture, and conviviality.
Whether you are a nature lover, a history buff or a gourmet, Lamastre and its surroundings have something to satisfy all your passions. The region offers a range of 🚨local festivities🚨, from village festivals that celebrate the authentic soul of the city, to annual themed events that liven up the seasons. The month of October, for example, is dressed in gourmet flavors with theAutumnal Gourmand, an event that will delight your taste buds with a delicious range of local products.
The legendary 🚲passage of theArdéchoise is a highlight for cycling enthusiasts, where you can join enthusiasts from all regions of France for a unique cycling experience. The 💒Medieval of Désaigneswill immerse you in history with historical reconstructions, while the immense 🎏Brocante of Lamastre will offer you a chance to unearth treasures and stroll through the picturesque streets.
These events, often accompanied by delicious local specialties, reinforce the friendly atmosphere of the city, thus enriching your experience during your stay in the countryside.
🚨Need an opinion? Territorial experts are present all year round at the Tourist Office.
10. RELAXATION AND CHANGE
Finally, beyond the discoveries and activities, this territory offers a real break to recharge your batteries, disconnect and enjoy the soothing calm of nature. Far from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, this green weekend is an invitation to relaxation and serenity.
It is a perfect destination for a weekend in the countryside, offering an ideal combination of relaxation, discovery and adventure. Pack your bags and set off to explore this corner of natural paradise, where every moment is an invitation to reconnect with natural beauty and authentic tranquility.
The 1️⃣1️⃣ villages which make up the territory located in Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, are nestled within a lush and preserved forest in the 🏔️ Regional Natural Park ot the Mountains of Ardèche,
offering an ideal setting for a nature getaway. This region, a true green lung of France, is renowned for its breathtaking landscapes, its vast natural park, its bike trails and in particular the gentle path, and its hiking trails. Nature lovers will be delighted by the endless possibilities for exploring the local flora and fauna.
It is also a true paradise for cycling enthusiasts, with the famous cycle path winding through mountains and green countryside. You can discover the charms of the region at your own pace, by exploring the roads and trails by bike. If you prefer a more relaxing day, there are no large hotels here but you will still find🧳the hôtel des Négociants
which will welcome you in a professional and comfortable manner or the guest rooms which are ideally suited to offer you a moment of pure happiness thanks, among other things, to its spa and relaxation areas.
This weekend is excellence far from the hassles of Paris, Lyon or Saint-Etienne (and again, not so far with the TGV🚅 lines which serve Valence). We hope that this topic, a true invitation to adventure and disconnection, will encourage you to explore this beautiful French region for a memorable weekend in the countryside.
🚨Need advice, information or support to plan your getaway,
You'll also like : Green weekend in Ardèche
faq
👉 EIs there an emblematic castle in Lamastre to visit during your stay?
Ruins of castles, private castles, castle museums are the remains of a rich history!
The essentials are:
👉The Château Musée de Désaignes, a medieval castle open to the public
👉The ruins of Peychelard castle
👉The ruins of Retourtour castle
👉The ruins of Rochebonne castle
👉The ruins of Rochebloine castle
Some castles are also transformed into guest rooms. Contact us for more information.
The castles are all listed online.
👉 Do bed and breakfasts in Lamastre offer personalized services for travelers?
Some guest rooms have the “bicycle welcome” label. This label is a service adapted for cycling enthusiasts. Places labeled “bike welcome” offer:
👉Bike pump
👉Essential tools needed to repair your bike
👉Bike chain grease
👉Place dedicated to storing bicycles (for accommodation in particular)
👉Sometimes: bicycle chain links
All online services are 👉 here.
👉 How to get from Paris?
You can get to Paris via the A6. It is entirely possible to go to Lamastre on the TGV line from Paris, you will arrive at the Valence TGV station. You will need to take a bus line Valence – Tournon, then line Tournon – Lamastre.
👉 Are the hotels family friendly?
Our rural territory only offers one hotel: “L’hôtel les Négociants”. This hotel has family rooms and baby equipment.
The entire online offer is 👉here.
👉 What are the possible bike tours in the country of Lamastre?
The hiking topoguide including the cycling offer is on sale at the tourist office. Hikes and bike tours are available online 👉here.
Depending on your wishes and your profile, you can consult our offers online but we advise you to contact the Tourist Office.