Jaunac lies in the Eyrieux Valley, in the heart of the Hautes Boutières. The church of Jaunac reveals a distinctive architectural character, while geological features and the history of medieval settlement take centre stage at Rocher de Brion. Picodon experiences offer another focus—from evening milking to a loop from Jaunac that leads to a cheese producer. You can shape your stay around the themes that interest you most.
The Church of Jaunac: Architecture on a Promontory
The church stands in a wood on an isolated promontory above the village and has a comb-style bell tower. Its nave and three chapels with stained-glass windows form its architectural layout. Nineteenth-century lime paintings cover the chapels and the choir; there is also a colourful fresco on the walls and in the nave. As you look around, you can distinguish these different decorative features: the stained-glass windows, the lime paintings and the fresco. To visit, ask for the key at the town hall. Confirm access locally before you arrive so you can plan your church visit accordingly.
At Rocher de Brion: Geology and Settlement History
For its remarkable geological character, Rocher de Brion is designated a UNESCO Geosite. The basalt dyke lies at an altitude of about 900 metres. Between 950 and 1050, it was home to a medieval village with a castle above it. The “Petit tour du Rocher de Brion” circular trail leads to the remains of the village and castle, which were built in the heart of an ancient volcano. Information panels trace the development of settlement and the different ways the surrounding area has been used from the Middle Ages to the present day. Rocher de Brion offers views over the Eyrieux and Dorne valleys. The geology, historic remains and explanations of land use provide different ways to discover this site.
Picodon: Farm Visits and Direct Sales
Ferme Boulon is an organic farm producer of Picodon with protected designation of origin (AOP) status. The farm offers goat’s and cow’s cheese, as well as processed products made from Ardèche chestnuts with AOP certification. Visits are available by prior appointment; ask about the current product range as well. At Chèvrerie de Bouchet-Ravaux, 750 metres above sea level above Jaunac, visitors can watch the herd return during evening milking and learn about the traditional production of organic-farmed Picodon AOP. Self-guided visits are possible during opening hours. Products are sold directly at the farm and on Wednesday mornings at Le Cheylard market. Check the current opening hours in advance.
The Circuit du Picodon No. 4 offers another distinctive experience: the loop runs from Jaunac to Bouchet-Ravaux, to a cheese producer. This gives you different ways to discover cheese culture—on a farm visit, during evening milking or as the destination of a named route. The visit arrangements also differ: Ferme Boulon requires an appointment in advance, self-guided visits at the Chèvrerie are subject to its opening hours, and you need to ask for the church key at the town hall. Bear these requirements in mind when planning your activities.
Discover more destinations: Labastide-sur-Bésorgues, Baratier, Saint-Marcel-Lès-Annonay, Saint-Lager-Bressac, Malarce-Sur-La-Thines, Félines, Planzolles, Viviers.
See the main travel guide: Ardèche.
