Waiting for the sun to return
To be able to contemplate a rainbow, you must first endure the rain!
Who said you couldn't enjoy yourself without the sun? Here are some ideas for covered or sheltered activities to do in bad weather between the Gard and the Ardèche. First of all, at the Natura Lodge, you can play and read in our common room with its board games and books for adults and children. In the village of Barjac, you will find a library (€10 membership per family, resident or on holiday) and a bookstore run by a real bookseller. You can also enjoy a cinema session in a beautiful vaulted room at the Château de Barjac or a little further away, at the CinéPlanet d'Alès, an 8-screen multiplex.
Alès Witness Mine: go down, see and understand
On the heights of the Rochebelle district, this mine-school created in 1945 to train apprentice miners is a key element of the Alès identity and its coal mining history. But it is also one of the city's major tourist attractions. The Mine Témoin of Alès has 700 meters of galleries, the largest natural network that can be visited in France.
A unique mining work of art in France, the Mine Témoin of Alès offers you a real journey to the bottom of the mine.
At the foot of the headframe, the "cage" opens up, inviting you to dive into the impressive world of the "gueules noires". Commented from start to finish, the 700 meters of galleries offer you a striking retrospective of mining history from 1880 to the present day.
A real approach to the world of mining that transports you into the daily life of miners of yesteryear!
The Handicraft Nougatrie des Fumades
Come visit and immerse yourself in a world of gourmandises and pleasure of the senses! Scents of roasted almonds, honey, caramel and pistachios fill this space with a factory chic style. Discover the secrets of the artisanal production of these exceptional nougats with multiple flavors. And if you are lucky, you will witness the pouring of the nougat and will have the privilege of tasting the hot nougat as it comes out of the cooking!
The Thermes des Fumades
After major renovation work, the Thermes des Fumades (19 km from Barjac) will reopen in April 2024!
This resort on a human scale nestled in the heart of a natural site with trees will satisfy adults and children alike.
The thermal water of FUMADES is loaded with Hydrogen Sulfur (H2S) which is the form of sulfur most assimilable by the body.
- Therapeutically oriented thermal Cures - Thermoludic Well-being Area with Spa, Hammam, Sauna, Flotarium and 200m² fun pool (bubble benches, running rivers, waterfalls...)
GOOD DEAL: 15% discount on the rental of our gîtesfor spa guests(except July and August)!
The Lavender Museum in Saint-Remèze
Set off on a wonderful journey of colors and scents! In this Lavender Museum, you will witness the extraction of lavender essential oil and discover its many virtues by witnessing the magical transformation of a lavender flower by artisanal distillation. You will leave this museum with the secrets of an entire alchemy!
The Ardèche Museum in Balazuc
Dive into the heart of a wonderful journey of 550 million years at the Muséum de l'Ardèche to discover paleontology and natural sciences. More than 600 authentic fossils are exhibited there. Guided tours are offered every day at set times. Many activities are also offered: fossil extraction, excavation workshops, dinosaur casts, etc. something to delight young and old alike!
Urban Park in Alès
Discover a former factory transformed into a 1000 m² Indoor Leisure Park in the city center of Alès (a 5-minute walk from CinéPlanet). A must-see place where board sports (skateboarding, rollerblading, scootering, BMX, etc.), urban treetop adventure course, giant trampoline and street art come together!
The Desert Museum in Mialet
In the heart of a Cévennes hamlet and its typical alleys, in the birthplace of the Camisard leader Rolland, through authentic pieces and documents, the Musée du Désert brings the history of the Camisards back to life. Guided tour of 1h15 at no extra charge and depending on the availability of guides (reservation recommended) or free tour with explanatory note.
The Quarries of Lights in Baux-de-Provence
In this magnificent "Listed Natural Site" a permanent show takes place throughout the year. A giant magical projection of slides on the immaculate limestone walls of the high rooms and the pillars of the Val d'Enfer quarries, serving as a three-dimensional screen, and during which the spectator is immersed in a visual and musical universe, whose theme changes each year. Personally, we love the Carrières de Lumières.
The Ardèche Train to Tournon
Meet in Tournon to take the Train de l'Ardèche in the Gorges du Doux. You will board a vintage steam locomotive for a timeless ride, with the added bonus of commentary and explanations on the history of the train. The tour, which lasts about 3h30/4h, is offered from June to September.