Larnas
A small village with the scent of garrigue and lavender, Larnas is the perfect place to start or finish a hike.
Saint-Pierre church
The church of Saint-Pierre in Larnas is a 12th-century Romanesque gem set amidst meadows and lavender fields, with a harmonious dome and chevet. Founded by Benedictine monks in the first half of the 12th century, the building will delight lovers of heritage and historic sites.
The Nègue valley
From Larnas, a stroll through the Nègue valley, where an improbably blue river flows, leads to Bernard Laporte’s iris orchard. Near the hamlet of Valgayette, almost 2,500 varieties of iris are grown here to delight the eye. Look out for the flowers in May!
The Sainte-Beaume gorges
The village of Larnas is accessed via the RD 262, which links the village to Saint-Montan. The road winds its way through the Gorges de la Sainte Beaume, characterised by scree slopes and views over the Rhône valley.
The road through these gorges, formerly known as the “Chemin de la Ste Beaume”, was opened in 1896. Prior to the creation of this road, trade with the valley was very difficult; the only regular links between Larnas and Saint-Montan were mule tracks and the famous postman’s path.
Favourite: the hike to the Sainte-Beaume hermitage
A hiking trail from Saint-Montan takes you through the cliffs of the Sainte-Beaume gorges to the famous “hermit’s cave”.
This hermit, Montanus, is thought to be the originator of the village of Saint-Montan. The signposted walk then takes you to Larnas, and back down again, taking in the superb views of the village.
