Lac des Pierrelles offers a specific option for a walk when planning your trip: a flat path runs alongside the man-made lake and can be used year-round. In Mauves, you can also explore the history of wine-growing and hike through the vineyards; “La voie panoramique” offers views of the village and the Rhône Valley. You can shape your stay around the water, the wine-growing landscape or cultural history.
Lac des Pierrelles and the surrounding landscape
Lac des Pierrelles is a man-made lake that connects to the Rhône’s counter-channel during high water. It is about four kilometres around and is suitable for walking. The path alongside the lake can be used in any season; it is flat and suitable for people with reduced mobility. If you are looking for a flat route for a walk, this path is a useful point of reference when planning.
Lône de Pierrelles is a former branch of the Rhône and is classified as an “Espace Naturel Sensible” (Sensitive Natural Area). Here, the Rhône’s history and a nature-conservation designation come together.
Wine-growing history and hikes
On the slopes of the Mauves terroir, the Gauls, Helvii and Allobroges built dry-stone terraces through their exchanges with merchants from the Phocaean Greek colony of Marseille. The terraces, locally known as “chalets”, were used to grow grapevines and olive trees. They connect the history of wine-growing with a specific way of using the slopes: olive trees were also grown alongside the vines.
In “Les Misérables”, Victor Hugo mentions the wine of Mauves, now called Saint-Joseph. This literary reference adds a cultural perspective to the history of agriculture: Mauves can also be understood through the mention of its wine in literature.
The “La voie panoramique” hike runs through the Saint-Joseph wine-growing area, with views of the village of Mauves and the Rhône Valley. It is classed as easy for hiking and very easy for mountain biking. The ratings distinguish between the two activities and can help you assess the route for your plans.
“Détours en vignes: Saint Joseph” is also a hiking route through vineyards. If you are choosing between the two wine-themed routes, one specific feature to consider is that “La voie panoramique” also offers views of Mauves and the Rhône Valley. This route is also rated easy for hiking and very easy for mountain biking.
Plan your stay
The path at Lac des Pierrelles and the “La voie panoramique” hike offer different ways to get around: one is a flat walking path, while the other is a hike rated as easy. This can help you decide whether a walk or a hiking route is a better fit for your travel plans.
Night-time carp fishing is permitted at Lac des Pierrelles from 1 June to 31 December. Check the local regulations before your trip.
If you are looking for a holiday rental in Mauves, first decide whether you want your stay to focus on walks by the lake, vineyard hikes or cultural history.
Discover other destinations: Lachamp-Raphaël, Grospierres, Labastide-sur-Bésorgues, Saint-Martin-Sur-Lavezon, Vallon Pont D'arc, St. Barthelemy Le Plain, Bidon, Le Roux
Go to the main travel overview: Ardèche.
