Sources de l'Ardèche (forêt de Mazan, Astet)

Astet

The Ardèche rises in the forest of Mazan, in the commune of Astet, at the place called Valéou, east of the col de la Chavade. Wikipedia FR gives 1,467 m in its text and 1,430 m in the infobox, without explaining the discrepancy; the hiking entry consulted also indicates 1,467 m. At this point, the river is still only a simple stream, 125.1 km long in total before joining the Rhône. The site is protected: the ZNIEFF ‘Sources de l'Ardèche’ covers 388.49 ha in Astet and Mayres, and a strict biological reserve of about 441 ha was created in 2014 as part of Natura 2000. The forest is presented by the office as one of the finest in the département, in the Parc naturel régional des Monts d'Ardèche. The name is ancient but its meaning remains unknown: one finds Atrica in the 2nd century (reconstructed form), Ertica as early as 950, Henticam fluvium around 1137, then Ardesca and Ardecha. The Occitan name is Ardecha, and the département of Ardèche owes its name to it. No legend or controversy over the source is reported in the sources consulted.

Getting there: Coordinates from the Wikipedia FR infobox (areq.net copy), at the place called Valéou. The site is in the state forest of Mazan; a 13.9 km loop (4 h 30) ‘La source de l'Ardèche’ starts from Astet according to Sentiers-en-France. The site is protected: follow the instructions on site (to be checked).

Opening times and access details are given as a guide only: check before you set out.

Ambient sound