Saint-Martial is a commune of the Ardèche in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, 50 km south-east of Puy-en-Velay, on the edge of the Haute-Loire.
The territory of the vast locality of 36 km ² belongs to the medium mountain, between 679 and 1528 m of altitude, at the foot of the solid mass of Mézenc, and was formerly attached to the natural and historical region of Vivarais.
Saint-Martial was under the old regime a stronghold belonging to the baron of Privas.
Largely wooded, the locality has lived for a long time essentially of agriculture (cattle breeding). Tourism now complements its economy. A recreation base was built around an artificial lake created in the 1970s from natural resurgences and many visitors like to stop at Saint-Martial for the Mount Gerbier-de-Jonc, located largely on the town, at from which the Loire takes its source.
This small village of about 250 inhabitants has many assets to delight lovers of green tourism!
Regarding the historical heritage, we can observe in Saint-Martial his neo-Romanesque church dating from the nineteenth century, with a bell tower in front. Also to be seen on the hamlet of Rouviller, an oratory sheltering a statue of the Virgin, dating from 1938, arranged by individuals following a healing...
Finally, a detour is required by the farm Clapas, whose bases date back to the seventeenth century, and was one of the strongholds of the lordship of Bourlatier.
Then place the recreation and exceptional natural setting that benefits the town.
Near the village, dominated by terraces formerly cultivated, the lake of 13 hectares bordered by some troglodyte type dwellings occupies an old volcanic site. It can be enjoyed through a large leisure park of 2 hectares which includes a beach with supervised swimming in July and August, diving pontoons, playgrounds and picnic areas, petanque and volleyball, and a point of rental of pedal boats. Grassed areas are also conducive to idleness and a fitness trail was built around the lake. Free access.
Note that fishing enthusiasts can practice their favorite hobby on the site, from May 1 to September 15, Wednesdays, weekends and holidays.
Many natural areas in the area are classified as sensitive areas for the quality of flora and fauna. They are near the valleys of Pradal, Eysse and Escoutay, dotted with farms and hamlets with lauze roofs.
Many hiking trails have been designed and traced through this hilly and green environment. Some routes may, however, be difficult. Documentation and information on +33 4 75 33 07 07 or +33 4 75 29 12 16.
For the fishermen again, the rivers that cross the town are famous for their trout. Contact +33 4 75 37 09 68 for details of the regulations.
But it is obviously Mount Gerbier-de-Jonc that hundreds of thousands of hikers and nature and geography enthusiasts come every year to admire Saint-Martial. It is a volcanic juice (peak) that appeared 7 million years ago and belongs to the Ardèche volcano chain labeled Geopark by UNESCO for its geological richness.
Located 8 km from the town itself, culminating at over 1500 m, Mount Gerbier-de-Jonc can be climbed a long thirty minutes via a marked path. In July-August, guides offer guided tours. At its summit, in addition to a magnificent panoramic point of view (Mont Blanc is visible by clear sky), a platform was arranged for the public.
In winter, cross-country ski runs are available.
Very recently, opened at the foot of the Mont a "home" site that offers exhibitions and documentation on the Mont, geography and geology local ecological riches of the territory, the history of the sources of the Loire... Information at +33 6 77 37 16 69.
