Starting from the hamlet of Les Combettes, just steps from Les Cabritas Sud-Ardèche, the Dolmens Trail is a 6 km loop through the scrubland and hills of Saint-Alban-Auriolles, one of the megalith-richest communes in France. Around fifty dolmens have been recorded here, remnants of burial sites several thousand years old, including the well-known Dolmen du Calvaire, listed as a historic monument. It's a family-friendly walk, shaded in places, blending prehistoric heritage with fine views over the Beaume valley.
A land of megaliths
The area around Saint-Alban-Auriolles and Labeaume has one of the highest concentrations of dolmens in France, with several hundred megalithic monuments recorded in the surrounding area, around fifty of them within the commune itself. Built during the Chalcolithic period and the early Bronze Age, roughly 4,000 to 5,000 years ago, these stone chests served as collective burial chambers. The most notable, the Dolmen du Calvaire, is a listed historic monument and forms part of the "Chemins et Dolmens" trail network set up by local authorities to showcase this little-known heritage.
The Combettes loop
Waymarked and dotted with information panels, the 6 km loop from the hamlet of Les Combettes winds between dry-stone walls, holm oaks and old cultivation terraces. Allow about two hours for an easy walk that reveals several dolmens along the way, along with lovely open views over the Beaume valley and surrounding hills. The trail suits families well, provided you bring sturdy shoes and water, as the scrubland offers little shade in summer.
Good to know before your visit
The trailhead is just steps from Les Cabritas Sud-Ardèche, at the hamlet of Les Combettes — you can reach it on foot or in a few minutes by car. It's best to set off early in the morning or late in the day during summer to avoid the heat, since much of the scrubland offers little shade. Stay on the marked paths to help protect these fragile remains, and please don't climb on the dolmens.
Practical information from Les Cabritas
- Distance from Saint-Alban-Auriolles: Right nearby, trailhead a few steps from the gîte
- Best time to visit: Spring and autumn, early morning in summer
- Ideal for: Family hiking, prehistoric heritage, history enthusiasts
Want to discover The Dolmens Trail 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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