Where the Loire is born, after a drive through fairytale scenery.
A lovely 1 hour 45 minute drive, well worth it: from Le Mas g'Ardéchois to the mountain, the scenery is beautiful and wonderfully peaceful. Climbing Mont Gerbier itself is another story: the ascent is steep, but there are plenty of hiking trails around. You'll see several springs, each claiming to be the TRUE source of the Loire. At the foot of the mountain there's a great restaurant with terraces and, in season, stalls selling local produce. I especially recommend the knitters, who make winter clothes from natural sheep's wool… simply beautiful.
