Between sandstone and limestone, Banne is a small village in southern Ardèche, nestled at the foot of the foothills of the Cevennes. Located in the canton of Vans, the Celtic origin of the name "top needle" perfectly describes this picturesque village labeled "village character".
The municipality consists of fifteen hamlets. The village center is divided into two districts, the Fort and that of the church whose spire eye-catcher from the plain, guiding the traveler.
Castle: The oldest part of the Fort dates back to the 12th century. It is a maze of cobbled streets and staircases passing under the arches of brownstones. At its peak, the castle of which only the stables, the horseshoe entrance and the square tower that dominated. Ovens kitchens have been updated. In the 16th century Renaissance castle was built, but the result of a conspiracy against revolutionary, it was burned and destroyed in 1792. Stones recovered then be found in many buildings in the area. The orientation table, located at the end of the terrace, one of the most beautiful views of the entire southern Ardèche offers to you. Instead, in the shade of the plane trees and chestnut trees, invites to break around the fountain.
Banne is the starting point for many walks. Side nature of the Combres Banne (extension Païolive wood) are rock maze formed by the dissolution of limestone by rainwater and Granzon, river surprising to discover. Side heritage, the history of coal mining has left traces, including the viaduct Doulovy, 235 meters long - and hamlets of the village are also very rich in vestiges (accols, dolmens, views ...).
Throughout the year, Banne hosts numerous cultural events (concerts, theater, exhibitions of paintings and sculptures ...) are organized, particularly in the former stables of the castle.
