Perched on a basalt plateau overlooking the Ardèche gorge, Thueyts is a village of character born from some of the region's youngest volcanic activity. The lava flow that shaped the landscape less than 130,000 years ago, from the strombolian volcano of the Gravenne de Thueyts, formed a striking cliff of basalt organ pipes reaching up to 80 metres high in places: the famous Chaussée des Géants, or Giants' Causeway. A few kilometres away, at the Col de la Chavade, the area also touches the watershed line separating the Atlantic and Mediterranean drainage basins. From Les Cabritas Sud-Ardèche in Saint-Alban-Auriolles, allow about 52 minutes' drive to discover this remarkable geological site.
The Giants' Causeway, a basalt giant
Formed by the slow cooling of a thick lava flow that backed up into the Ardèche valley as it met the river's course, the Giants' Causeway at Thueyts ranks among the tallest basalt organ-pipe cliffs in Europe, with over 50 metres of solid basalt. Two historic paths, the Échelle du Roi and the Échelle de la Reine, lead down into the heart of this natural architecture of prismatic columns, down to the Pont du Diable site and the Gueule d'Enfer waterfall.
A village of history and open space
Born from a 10th-century priory dependent on the abbey of Saint-Chaffre, Thueyts flourished in the 18th century with the construction of the royal road linking Aubenas to Le Puy-en-Velay, now the N102. The village still holds onto that era's Château de Blou, with its glazed tile roofs, and the Romanesque church of Saint-Jean-Baptiste. Thrill-seekers will also find a via ferrata at the Pont du Diable, while the calm waters of the Ardèche below the village invite a swim.
Good to know before your visit
Access to the basalt organ pipes is via paths and steps that can be slippery, especially after rain, so wear sturdy shoes. Swimming in the Ardèche below the village is unsupervised. From Les Cabritas Sud-Ardèche in Saint-Alban-Auriolles, allow about 52 minutes' drive to reach Thueyts, a great stop to combine with a drive up into the volcanic highlands of the Ardèche plateau.
Practical information from Les Cabritas
- Distance from Saint-Alban-Auriolles: about 52 min drive
- Best time to visit: Spring to autumn, good for both hiking and swimming
- Ideal for: geology enthusiasts, hikers, families, river swimming fans
Want to discover Thueyts, between volcanic plateau and the Giants' Causeway 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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