Vallée de la Thines, protected area
The Thines Valley is a protected valley in the Ardèche region of southern France, formed around a river that flows through diverse landscapes. The terrain features forests, open fields, rocky cliffs, and a network of hiking trails that wind through the countryside.
The valley has been occupied by people for several centuries, with traces of early settlement found throughout the region. Ancient Roman roads once passed through the area, connecting remote villages and serving as vital trade routes.
The village sits perched on a rocky slope, with stone houses that look out over the valley below. Local life revolves around simple farming traditions and the seasonal rhythms of the land, visible in the terraced fields and old pathways that connect the settlement to neighboring areas.
Access to the valley is best on foot via marked trails that range from easy to moderate difficulty. Bring comfortable shoes, water, and weather protection, as conditions in the mountains can change quickly throughout the day.
An old mill building once stood near the river as the heart of daily life in the valley. Though no longer in active use, visitors can still sense the history embedded in its structure and imagine the work that once sustained the community.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.