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(S/E) On the D378, at the Mont Gerbier de Jonc viewpoint, you can start from the site house built by the Ardèche General Council. Join the road (D378) on the left, then turn right onto this road to find, just after, the "authentic" source of the Loire overlooking the D378. It may be "hidden" by the "shops" that have been built there.
(1) "Authentic" source. The monument symbolising the Loire was erected in 1938 by the Touring Club de France. Continue a few metres along the road, then go back up to the visitor centre on the right. Take the path to the left of the house to the picnic area and the Gerbier de Jonc bar and restaurant located a little further along the D378.
Cross the road and look for the sign for "sentier des sources" (spring trail). From this point, follow the blue circles marked on the ground. You will first cross a wood before reaching a road (D116).
Cross this main road and follow the first small road on the left. You will walk among cows, sheep and donkeys (in August 2017).
(2) Take the path on the left and enter the woods, continuing to follow the blue circles.
This damp area is linked to the presence of springs. Hydrophilic (water-seeking) plant formations such as sphagnum moss, which can absorb large amounts of water, rushes and cottongrass grow alongside meadow flowers such as wild pansies and globeflowers. You will walk along the Loire, pass through a meadow (gate opens), near a pond, and arrive at the "true" source of the Loire.
(3) "La véritable" spring. Here you will find a sign saying "ici commence ma course vers l'océan" (here begins my journey to the ocean). This is the official source furthest from the mouth of the Loire, located in cadastral zone no. 87. Turn left towards Mont Gerbier des Joncs, following the blue dots along the D378. Continue along this road for just over 700 metres, going straight on at the junction with the D116. Take the path on the left towards the farmhouse with a slate roof, "la source de la Loire" (the source of the Loire), where you will find the third and last source on our trail.
(4) Source "la géographique". This spring flows into a stone trough in the farm stable (now converted into a souvenir shop). From the farm, follow the small road on the left which leads to the D378. Take the path opposite and then, at the first crossroads, turn right to reach the site house (S/E).
Visorando member
Moderate 
Association / Club / Walk leader
Difficult 
