Just 1.5 km from the house: village lanes, a church, old wash-houses and walks among greenery.
Just 1.5 km from Le Mas g’Ardéchois, take time to explore Saint-Paul-le-Jeune: its church, stone houses, quiet lanes and café terraces.
The old wash-houses, streams, stone bridges and shady paths offer lovely places for a stroll. Our photos show the village through the seasons, from spring greenery to snowy days.
On Fridays, enjoy the market, then wander into the quieter streets and hamlets behind the main road.
The village of Saint-Paul-le-Jeune
- Originally called "Travers de Banne", the village gained its independence in 1802 when it built its own church, Saint-Paul.
- In 1832 the wish for independence grew stronger and Saint-Paul-le-Jeune officially became a commune separate from Banne.
- The village held a strategic position on the road between Aubenas and Alès, and prospered during the Industrial Revolution thanks to its coal reserves.
- The railway station served Saint-Paul-le-Jeune until 1971.
- Interestingly, one of the tunnels linked to the station led to the coal mines, a reminder of how important coal was to the village.
- Another tunnel, never used for its original purpose, was even used for a while to grow mushrooms.
- These tunnels are now a cycle path called "La Voie douce", which joins the Via Ardèche for hundreds of kilometres.
- Saint-Paul-le-Jeune also has a huge square shaded by plane trees, home to markets, flea markets and pétanque competitions from all over the region.
