Tucked at the bottom of the Ligne valley, Largentière owes both its name and its past prosperity to the silver-lead mines worked here since the Middle Ages. Over the centuries it grew into a fortified town fought over by the Counts of Toulouse and the Bishops of Viviers, and its historic centre remains remarkably well preserved: cobbled lanes, towers, fortified gates and a castle overlooking the terracotta rooftops. Today a sub-prefecture of Ardèche, one of the smallest in France, Largentière rewards a slow walk through its maze of alleys, where the mining history is never far from view, about 19 minutes' drive from Les Cabritas.
A town built on silver, fought over for five centuries
The name Largentière comes from "Argentaria," a tower built in the 12th century by the Bishops of Viviers to protect the silver-lead mining operations that made the town's fortune. For nearly five centuries, the Counts of Toulouse and the Bishops of Viviers vied for control of this strategic mining territory, until the barony finally passed, in 1730, into the hands of the Marquis François de Beauvoir du Roure de Brison. The mines themselves had several lives, reopening once between 1863 and 1880, and again from the 1960s into the early 1980s, before closing for good.
A remarkably well-preserved medieval centre
The old town of Largentière is best explored on foot, entering through the Porte des Récollets, a 16th-century fortified gate leading into the historic quarter. Inside stands Notre-Dame des Pommiers church, completed at the end of the 13th century and enlarged over the following centuries, built both as a place of worship and as part of the town's defences. Higher up, the castle overlooks the district from the northwest corner of the old ramparts, completing a medieval ensemble that also includes the Montée Mazon, paved in 1888 with stones from the former ramparts, and the Renaissance-style town hall.
Good to know before your visit
The historic centre is best seen on foot, so wear comfortable shoes for the cobbled lanes and slopes. A weekday market brings the town to life and is a good time to soak up the local atmosphere. From Les Cabritas in Saint-Alban-Auriolles, allow about 19 minutes' drive to reach Largentière, an easy half-day outing.
Practical information from Les Cabritas
- Distance from Saint-Alban-Auriolles: about 19 minutes' drive
- Best time to visit: spring, summer and early autumn for wandering the lanes
- Ideal for: history lovers, family walks, photographers, old-stone enthusiasts
Want to discover Largentière, the Silver Mining Town from your Ardèche gîte?
Les Cabritas Sud-Ardèche welcomes you in Saint-Alban-Auriolles, in the heart of Southern Ardèche, for a comfortable stay with a private pool, just steps from the region's most beautiful sites.
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