Borne is a village in the Ardèche, in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, 50 km west of Aubenas, on the borders of the Lozere.
The vast communal territory (32 km²) is located in the natural region of the Cévennes Ardéchoises, in the middle mountains, its altitude ranging from 750 to 1511 m.
Its highest point is the Grand Tanargue pass, on the eponymous massif.
Crossed by several rivers including the Borne, which gave it its name, the town has a rich historical and natural heritage. In the Middle Ages a medieval castle and an abbey, Borne had up to 450 inhabitants in the nineteenth century before the rural exodus reduced its population to fifty inhabitants.
Green tourism in summer (hiking) and the ski resort of Croix de Bauzon in winter have now successfully completed the difficult agricultural economy in this rugged territory.
Borne is a step or a place to stay appreciated in any season.
In terms of built heritage, a visit to the village can begin with the church Saint-Sauveur (nineteenth). We will continue with the Tower, an ancient quadrangular medieval dungeon of the twelfth century which is the only vestige of the castle of yore. Hanging on a rock, below the small town, overlooking the gorges of the Borne, the building has been restored but its interior access is forbidden for security reasons. Excavations have been undertaken to uncover the remains of the old dwelling next to the dungeon.
Away from the houses, Chambons, to see, the remains of the Cistercian Abbey Chambons, whose stones have mostly been reused to build the houses of the village.
More surprising, the steeple of the turmoil of the farmhouse Truc: this is one of the last examples of its kind. In this case, a masonry support supporting a bell and often surmounted by a cross. At the beginning of the 19th century, in the hamlets, the role of these steeples was to allow travelers not to go astray in case of turmoil (squalls or snowstorms in winter).
In terms of the environment, the Croix de Bauzon pass, the Chambons site and the Borne gorges are the major assets of the largely wooded area (chestnut forests).
The whole can be the object of many excursions, Borne being besides located on the routes of the GR7, GR72 and numerous regional circuits.
Be careful, some routes have some difficulties that may discourage neophytes. Documentation and information on +33 4 66 46 65 36.
During a hike, you can discover Gloria Friedmann's astonishing "lighthouse", a circular contemporary work of art set right on the watershed of the Borne gorges, 7 m high, located on the watershed. waters between the Mediterranean and the Atlantic. Inside, there is access to a platform from which a 360 ° panorama rewards the hiker...
Another thematic hike, the path of Taranis Arga, which has 10 terminals on a length of 5 km and which allows to apprehend the ecological wealth of Tanargue. Accompanying booklet available at +33 4 66 46 65 36.
In summer, swimming is possible in the cool waters of the Borne gorges. At the foot of the village in particular, the stream has the shape of a natural pool. Watch out, unsupervised bathing. Upstream or downstream, waterfalls and elevations are more conducive to fishing (inquire at +33 4 75 37 09 68 on the most suitable sites and regulations) and canyoning (contact +33 4 75 38 91 41).
In winter, the Croix de Bauzon resort is now equipped to welcome alpine skiers (5 ski lifts, 11 trails, one black), but also Nordic skiing (2 tracks of 5 and 9 km).
Tobogganing, snowshoeing and snowmobiling are also possible.
A play area reserved for young children is also available.
The station is open from December 1st to March 30th. Price of lift passes: from 7 and 11 euros. Information on +33 4 66 46 65 36 or +33 4 66 46 62 93. State of the snow on +33 4 66 46 62 93.
