Ardèche (07) and Drôme (26)

The ownership of the settlement was disputed between the bishops of Le Puy and the bishops of Viviers for centuries, as both wanted to build a stronghold here. Finally the bishops of Le Puy suceeded and transferred the possession in 1084 to the family of Baron de Montlaur. They stayed here upto 1441 and built the castle with a dungeon and two large round towers. Later the town converted to Protestantism. In the first half of the 17th century 500 Corsican soldiers were stationed here with for mission to lead the heretics to Mass every Sunday. In 1629 Aubenas und the surrounding area were "converted". Today Aubenas has a population about 12.000. Catholics, Protestants, Moslems... German born Stefanie Wesle runs this fantastic little atelier since in Aubenas since about 20 years. She has great creations www.atelier-autruche-chapeaux.com/index.php/atelier-bouti... and was just on TV www.youtube.com/watch?v=SY8XkRe0kMs

Since 1208 Les Vans was a dependency of the Abbey of Saint-Gilles-du-Gard. From 1478 on the town, that was surrounded by a city wall, had feudal owners. Le Vans became Protestant within the 16th century, but (probably with the support of the Corsican soldiers stationed in Aubenas) returned to Catholicism in 1629. The Protestant temple in Le Vans is a round structure. The inauguration took place in 1826.

The Ardèche-region was caught in a severe thunderstorm, that started at night. Thunder and lightning all around - and intense downpours for many hours. We could not leave next day as the roads were flooded.

The valley of the Ardèche is very scenic and attracts great amounts of tourist every summer. Every time, I am in the area, I try to take the road along the river, as it is spectacular. Lots of tourists are here to do kayak trips down the gorge. This was the first time, that I saw a person crossing the river on a slackline.

The valley of the Ardèche is very scenic and attracts great amounts of tourist every summer. Every time, I am in the area, I try to take the road along the river, as it is spectacular. Lots of tourists are here to do kayak trips down the gorge.

Vals-les-Bains is one of the many old spas in France, that were so trendy once and by now are nearly forgotten. The "Valsois Hydrotherapy" and the virtues of the mineral waters of Vals were internationally renown in the 19th and early 20th century. Meanwhile, lots of efforts are taken to bring back the tourists by offering wellness and - the mineral water. Of course, such a spa does offers a "Grand Hotel Des Bains", more than 100 years old. During WWII it was not used as a hotel. Paul Reynaud and other politicians, who opposed Nazi Germany, were interned here for a while

Vals-les-Bains is one of the many old spas in France, that were so trendy once and by now are nearly forgotten. The "Valsois Hydrotherapy" and the virtues of the mineral waters of Vals were internationally renown in the 19th and early 20th century. Meanwhile, lots of efforts are taken to bring back the tourists by offering wellness and - the mineral water.

Vals-les-Bains is one of the many old spas in France, that were so trendy once and by now are nearly forgotten. The "Valsois Hydrotherapy" and the virtues of the mineral waters of Vals were internationally renown in the 19th and early 20th century. Meanwhile, lots of efforts are taken to bring back the tourists by offering wellness and - the mineral water. Beatrix ice cream parlour serves ice cream here since 1930.

Vals-les-Bains is one of the many old spas in France, that were so trendy once and by now are nearly forgotten. The "Valsois Hydrotherapy" and the virtues of the mineral waters of Vals were internationally renown in the 19th and early 20th century. Meanwhile, lots of efforts are taken to bring back the tourists by offering wellness and - the mineral water.

Mézilhac is a small village with a population of less than 100, located in the forests of the Cevennes. It is known for the annual "Marché de la Myrtille" and the "Hôtel Les Cevennes" neighbouring the "Col de Mézilhac" (1100m). Here tourists get the very best sandwiches in the whole department. www.hotel-des-cevennes.fr/en/

A priory did exist here within the 11th century, dependent on the Benedictine abbey St. Chaffre in Monastier. The church dedicated to St. Stephanus, was erected in the 12th century but got modified in "Gothic times". The in this area typical bell tower was added in the 15th century. It got severy damaged during the Wars of Religion in 1572.

A priory did exist here within the 11th century, dependent on the Benedictine abbey St. Chaffre in Monastier. The church dedicated to St. Stephanus, was erected in the 12th century but got modified in "Gothic times". The in this area typical bell tower was added in the 15th century. It got severy damaged during the Wars of Religion in 1572.

A priory did exist here within the 11th century, dependent on the Benedictine abbey St. Chaffre in Monastier. The church dedicated to St. Stephanus, was erected in the 12th century but got modified in "Gothic times". It got severy damaged during the Wars of Religion in 1572.

The valley of the Ardèche is very scenic and lots of tourists are here over summer to do kayak trips down the gorge. The most famous feature is the Pont d'Arc, a natural 60-metre stone arch spanning the river. It is probably one of the most photographed points in Southern France. For some years, whenever I come near the Ardeche, I do take a detour to have a swim right here.