Carrière de Saint-Restitut, Abandoned limestone quarry and hiking trail in Saint-Restitut, France.
The Carrière de Saint-Restitut features ancient limestone extraction sites with white stone remnants, underground tunnels, and scenic hiking trails offering panoramic views of Mont Ventoux and the Rhône valley across the Drôme region.
The quarry operated for several centuries from the 17th century onwards, with skilled workers extracting high-quality white limestone that was transported by cart to Saint-Paul-Trois-Châteaux railway station for construction projects throughout southern France.
Local heritage preservation includes the symbolic silhouette of a quarryman honoring generations of stone workers, while the tourist office promotes the Carriers' trail with audio guides accessible via QR codes and informational brochures.
The 3.6-kilometer hiking trail begins at Carrière du Faucon with parking available along D218 road, taking approximately two hours to complete with moderate difficulty and suitable for all-terrain strollers year-round.
The site contains underground tunnels possibly dating to Roman times, resembling ancient aqueduct systems, alongside the mysterious Grotte Lambert cave that requires specialized equipment and experienced guides for safe exploration.
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