These two villages are quite different but they have one thing in common: they are southern villages, in terms of their architecture, their culture, their geography, their environment... and their climate!

Ailhon, a village of character nestled in nature

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Photo, © Steph Tripot

Just a few kilometers from Aubenas, Ailhon surprises visitors with its tranquility and authenticity. Designated a Village of Character , it has preserved all the beauty of its heritage: cobbled streets, stone houses, small squares shaded by mulberry trees… Here, time seems to stand still. It's a place that invites you to slow down, to soak in the atmosphere, to look up at the details. The Romanesque church, in the heart of the village, is its focal point. It watches over the houses, their round-tiled roofs, and the wooded landscapes that stretch all around.

In Ailhon, the southern influence is palpable. The light is softer, the stone walls warm in the sun, and the air is fragrant with the scent of the garrigue. Around the village, maritime pine forests bathe the landscape in an almost Mediterranean atmosphere. Their slender silhouettes, resinous fragrance, and the song of cicadas in summer create a soothing ambiance, perfect for leisurely strolls. This natural setting gives Ailhon a unique character: a balance between the character of the Ardèche and the gentle warmth of the South. Ideal for a relaxing break in nature, in the shade of the tall trees or on a terrace in the late afternoon.

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Photo, © Simon Bugnon

Vinezac, between old stones and Ardèche vineyards

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Photo, © Steph Tripot

Designated a Village of Character , Vinezac is one of those places where charm takes hold from the very first steps. Nestled between hills and vineyards, it unfolds its limestone houses, arcades, and cobbled lanes with elegance and understated charm. The old town, encircled by an ancient rampart, invites leisurely strolls. Here, every detail tells a story: an arched doorway, a sculpted lintel, a fountain in the shade… Time passes gently, in rhythm with the light that glides over the golden stone.

In Vinezac, the south is everywhere. In the golden hues of the facades, in the roofs covered with terracotta tiles, and especially in the vineyards that encircle the village. As soon as the weather warms up, they create a luminous, orderly, vibrant landscape. The mild, sunny southern climate here produces high-quality wines, despite their affordable prices.

Strolling among the vines, smelling the dry earth, listening to the tranquil hum of summer... It's another way to savor the Ardèche. The wine-growing landscape gives the village a true identity: simple, warm, authentic.

Vinezac, a village of character

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