Perched at around 550 metres above sea level in the heart of the Ardèche Cévennes, Thines is one of the most secret and moving hamlets in the region. Part of the commune of Malarce-sur-la-Thines, this schist-built village has only a handful of permanent residents, yet draws lovers of Romanesque art every year to admire its church, Notre-Dame de Thines, one of the true treasures of Ardèche's religious heritage. Reached via a narrow, winding road that threads through chestnut groves and rocky outcrops, Thines has to be earned — which is exactly what keeps it so unspoilt. From Les Cabritas Sud-Ardèche in Saint-Alban-Auriolles, allow about 43 minutes' drive to reach this secret corner of the Cévennes.
One of Ardèche's finest Romanesque churches
Built between 1170 and 1190, the church of Notre-Dame de Thines is considered one of the finest Romanesque buildings in the Bas-Vivarais. Its carved portal, adorned with four column-statues and a lintel depicting Christ's Entry into Jerusalem and his Arrest, reflects remarkable craftsmanship for its time. The polychrome stonework of the façade, alternating light and dark stone, adds further to the building's singular character. Listed as a historic monument as early as 1862, the church survived the Wars of Religion — its portal was defaced during a Huguenot raid in 1587 — and the Revolution largely intact.
A hamlet best explored on foot
Beyond its church, Thines is best discovered on foot, wandering its steep lanes lined with dry-stone houses roofed in traditional lauze stone slabs. The hamlet is also a popular starting point for walkers, with trails leading up to the Cévenol ridgelines and offering sweeping views over the deep valleys of the Borne and Chassezac rivers. Nature lovers will enjoy the cool shade of the surrounding chestnut groves, a landscape shaped over centuries by traditional Cévenol subsistence farming.
Good to know before your visit
The road up to Thines is narrow, winding and tight in places, so drive carefully, especially when passing oncoming traffic. There are no shops or restaurants in the hamlet itself, so pack a picnic if you plan to walk in the surrounding hills. From Les Cabritas Sud-Ardèche, allow around 43 minutes' drive through the Cévenol landscape to reach this timeless hamlet — a good excuse to extend your outing towards the nearby Borne or Chassezac gorges.
Practical information from Les Cabritas
- Distance from Saint-Alban-Auriolles: about 43 min drive
- Best time to visit: Spring to autumn, for the best of the trails and Cévenol mild weather
- Ideal for: Romanesque art lovers, hikers, photographers, fans of authentic hidden places
Want to discover Thines, a hamlet lost in time in the Ardèche Cévennes 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.
Check availability