Different travel interests meet in Coux: a clearly measured circular walk to the La Jaubernie site, the Route des Dragonnades, and cultural sites with their own architectural or technical history. When planning, it is worth distinguishing between the hiking options. The church, caves and mill each offer a different focus.
Hiking: circular walk or multi-stage route
The Coux–La Jaubernie hike is a moderately difficult 4.8-kilometre circular walk that takes two hours. The classification, duration and distance may be adjusted by the responsible route authority. There is a car park for the hike at Place d’Onclaire in Coux; check the parking situation on site before setting out. The trail to the site opens up the Ouvèze Valley.
The Route des Dragonnades passes through Coux. It is currently waymarked and divided into four stages. The route can be travelled on foot, by mountain bike, by car or by bicycle. The stages may be adjusted by the responsible authority; check the current route conditions before setting out. The two formats offer different guidance when choosing: the circular walk is clearly defined by its duration and distance, while the Route des Dragonnades can be assessed by its stage structure and the possible modes of transport.
La Jaubernie: caves and valley trail
The La Jaubernie site comprises eight caves that were later converted into fortified dwellings, some partly integrated into the rock. Their architecture combines domestic and defensive features. Arrow slits and a machicolation make the defensive aspect of these dwellings tangible. The caves are now privately owned; please respect this status.
Bats are another distinctive feature of the caves: they may be encountered there, where they find quiet, coolness and humidity. Their presence may vary seasonally. La Jaubernie thus combines architectural traces of earlier residential use with a habitat whose animal inhabitants may not be equally present at every time of year.
Church history and stained-glass windows
The Église Saint-Pierre de Lubilhac has construction phases dating from the 11th, 12th and 14th centuries and is partly protected as a historic monument. Its six window openings are decorated with stained-glass windows by Gérard Garouste, installed in 2011. The church thus brings together several medieval construction phases and a clearly dated window design. Its partial historic-monument protection is another aspect of its history.
Watermill technology at the Moulin de la Pataudée
On every visit, the miller operates the Moulin de la Pataudée and produces flour. A guide uses the hydraulic system to explain how watermills work. The visit therefore includes both the actual production of flour and an explanation of the technical principle. Those interested in crafts and technology will find a different focus here than in the church architecture or the caves of La Jaubernie.
Discover more destinations: Saint-André-En-Vivarais, Dunière-sur-Eyrieux, Le Roux, Saint-Julien-Labrousse, Gluiras, Marcols-les-Eaux, Salavas, Saint-Jeure-d'Ay.
For the broader travel overview: Ardèche.
