Meyras

Visit Meyras, Rhone-Alpes

Meyras is a village situated about 20 km north-west of Aubenas, in the heart of the Natural Regional Parc of the Monts d'Ardeche - it is officially listed as one of the 'Ardeche villages of character'.

Exploring Meyras

Exploring Meyras is very straightforward - the village centres around the Church of Saint-Etienne - and it seemed that every path I followed seemed to end up back at the church. The church itself has a 12th century belltower and decorative entrance doorway.

More renovated than some of the villages in the region, it is a pleasant and calm place to amble around admiring the traditional architecture.

There are useful information signs on many of the buildings explaining their origins - for example you will see a large stone block above an entranceway that was once a lintel in one of the three chateaux that stood in Meyras several hundred years ago (now all gone).

Another unusual feature in Meyras is the vaulted passageway called the 'salle des voutes'. You will also notice a couple of 'trompe l'oeil' paintings in old doorways, depicting life in the village a century ago.

Attractions nearby

A visit to Meyras could be combined with a trip to nearby Jaujac and Thueyts, two more of the listed villages of character in the Ardeche department.

The thermal spa centre of Neyrac-les-Bains is also found at Meyras, and offers various thermal, beauty and spa treatments.

The medieval Chateau de Ventadour that stands high above the confluence of the rivers Ardeche and Fontoliere was built in the 12th century. It had been falling to ruin during several centuries when a group of enthusiasts decide to save, and partially rebuild, the castle. The work continues, as it has for the last 30 years, and visits to the castle are now possible (July and September only, monday to friday 9-12 and 2-7, weekends 3-7, entrance three euros).

Photos of Meyras (click any picture to start the gallery)

Suggested places to visit near Meyras, France

Distances shown are direct, driving distances will be greater.

More suggestions: Aubenas 12km; Vogue 19km; Balazuc 21km; Joyeuse 23km; Labeaume 26km; Privas 27km; Alba-la-Romaine 30km; Pradelles 32km; Vallon Pont d'Arc 32km; Gorges de l'Ardeche 32km; Naves 33km; La Garde-Guerin 33km; Arlempdes 34km; Pont d'Arc 35km; Banne 36km; Saint-Montan 39km;

See these places and more on a map at places near Meyras

Meyras tourism: sights and attractions nearby

Monts d'Ardeche - regional natural parc (4km) : Vals-les-Bains - recommended detour (8km) : Cascade du Ray-Pic - site of natural beauty (11km) : Gorges du Gardon - grand site of france (16km) : Bois de Païolive - site of natural beauty (33km) : Gorges de l'Ardeche - grand site of france (33km) : Abbatiale Sainte-Marie (Cruas) - religious monument (39km) : Jardin du mas de l'Abri - remarkable garden (39km) :

French version: see Meyras (Francais)