Hiking opportunities, botanical information, historical connections and activities on the Ardèche offer different ways to experience Barnas during a stay. When planning, it makes a difference whether you have in mind an easy circular walk with a stated duration, a particular trail destination, a cultural site or an activity on the river. Visiting conditions also vary: the Église de Barnas is open daily year-round, whereas the privately owned Tour de Chadenac is not open to visitors.
Hiking: circular trails and destinations
The Barnas et son sentier botanique circular trail is easy, 5.5 kilometres long and takes about two hours. This gives you a specific time frame to plan for this walk.
The Sentier botanique de Barnas is a circular walk: it starts at Place St Théophrède, passes through the Lafarre valley and returns via the hamlet of Bouix. Information boards describe local plants and trees, giving the trail a botanical focus. Check trail conditions locally before setting out.
Another trail also starts at Place St Théophrède. It provides access to the 1,498 m-high Rocher d'Abraham and passes above the hamlet of Lamothe. The two trail descriptions therefore share a starting point but have different focuses: one features information about plants and a circular route through Lafarre, while the other leads to the Rocher and runs above Lamothe.
If you prefer hiking in a group, you can look to Ça marche à Barnas: the association organises weekly hikes in the surrounding area on Wednesdays. As the schedule may vary, check the dates before joining a walk.
Church and history
The present-day Église de Barnas dates from the 19th century and is open daily year-round. Check the opening arrangements locally before your visit.
The village of St Théofrède-de-Bruc dates back to the 8th century. Built in the 19th century, the present-day church in Barnas marks a considerably later point in history.
The Tour de Chadenac is privately owned and cannot be visited. Historically, it served as a watch post and seigneurial outpost above the Ardèche valley; it overlooks the Sigadou. Its former role and current visiting restrictions should be considered separately when planning.
The Ardèche and local offerings
In Barnas, there are opportunities to swim and fish for trout in the Ardèche. Swimming is not necessarily supervised, so take this into account when planning.
Ferme du Bardy sells chestnuts, sheep, lambs and female lambs directly from the farm in the Lafarre valley in Barnas. Direct sales require an order, so plan your purchase in advance.
The Les Barnassous association brings together people with connections to Barnas at social events, including concerts, exhibitions and chestnut roasting. Check event dates before your trip if you would like to plan around one of these occasions. For chestnuts, there are two distinct options: direct sales from the farm, which require an order, and chestnut roasting as part of a social event.
Discover more destinations: Bourg-Saint-Andéol, Dompnac, Tauriers, Ardoix, Arlebosc, Tournon, Saint-Julien-du-Gua, Peaugres.
For the broader travel overview: Ardèche.
