Mont Gerbier de Jonc, Volcanic mountain peak in Ardèche, France
Mont Gerbier de Jonc rises to 1551 meters above sea level, displaying a distinctive phonolite rock formation that stands out in the Massif Central landscape.
The mountain emerged through volcanic activity approximately 8 million years ago, when thick lava formed a dome within the crater of an ancient volcano.
Three springs at the base of Mont Gerbier de Jonc mark the source of the Loire River, which flows 1,012 kilometers across France to the Atlantic Ocean.
The mountain offers several marked hiking trails for different skill levels, with the main route taking 90 minutes to reach the summit for views of the Alps.
The cooling process of volcanic materials created columnar joints in the mountain's phonolite rock, resulting in vertical hexagonal patterns visible throughout the formation.
Location: Ardèche
Elevation above the sea: 1,551 m
Made from material: phonolite
Address: Mont Gerbier de Jonc, 07310 Saint-Martial, France 07310 Saint-Martial
GPS coordinates: 44.84388,4.21986
Latest update: June 23, 2025 09:37
France features a notable variety of protected natural areas, showcasing the country’s geological and ecological richness. From Lake Allos in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence to the underground rivers of Padirac in Dordogne, from the mountain ranges of Savoy to the limestone formations of the Ardèche gorges, each region displays landscapes shaped over millennia of natural evolution. This collection gathers sites where nature is expressed freely: primary forests, karst systems, high-altitude lakes, moving dunes of the Atlantic coast, and rock formations carved by erosion. These areas provide diverse ecosystems, home to species adapted to different environments, from Alpine flora and fauna to dune communities and underground cave biodiversity. Each natural site in this selection serves as an open-air laboratory where geological processes, ecosystem dynamics, and living adaptation to local conditions can be observed. These sites invite discovery of authentic landscapes, removed from human impact, where geological time is evident in every rock formation and glacier valley.
The Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region contains natural paths, waterfalls and historical buildings. Here you will find medieval castles, volcanic peaks and caves. The region includes the Massif Central, alpine plateaus and gothic architecture.
Breathing in Ardèche means feeling the warm stone, the wind descending from the gorges, and the clear water stretching between the cliffs. Here, nature tells everything: caves hold traces of the earliest artists, villages nestle against the rocks, and bridges have connected the shores for centuries. Ardèche is not just a landscape; it’s an experience. We walk, climb, pedal, and marvel at the shapes water has carved into the stone. The Pont d’Arc, the Chauvet Cave, the deep gorges, the twisted woods of Païolive—all exude a raw, honest beauty. Between hikes, a hot chocolate in Tain, a castle visit, or a swim remind us that the real wealth here is the time we take.
Cascade du Ray-Pic
6.9 km
Mont d'Alambre
9.7 km
Chartreuse de Bonnefoy
4.5 km
Suc de Sara
3.3 km
Lugik Parc
8.7 km
Suc de Montfol
4.8 km
Ferme de Clastres
4.5 km
Dolmen des Baumes
7.7 km
Suc de la Lauzière
3.8 km
Oppidum de la Fare
8.6 km
Ferme Rudel
4.1 km
Ferme Pra-Plot
6.1 km
Ferme La Grangeasse
4.9 km
Ferme Reynaud
7.1 km
Mont Mézenc
8.2 km
Église Saint-Régis de Péreyres
8 km
Église Saint-Julien de Lachamp-Raphaël
6.8 km
Le ventographe
8.4 km
Église Saint-Philibert des Estables
8.5 km
Église Saint-Robert de Sagnes-et-Goudoulet
6 km
Église Sainte-Eulalie de Sainte-Eulalie
4.5 km
Église Saint-Martial de Saint-Martial
5 km
Église Notre-Dame du Chambon
6.7 km
Église Saint-Andéol de Saint-Andéol-de-Fourchades
6.2 km
Église Saint-Pierre du Béage
8.1 km
Chapelle de la chartreuse de Bonnefoy
4.5 km
Église Saint-Blaise d'Usclades
9 km
Reviews
Visited this place? Tap the stars to rate it and share your experience / photos with the community! Try now! You can cancel it anytime.
Discover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes