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Saint-Jean-De-Valériscle

Balmes Iron Mines near Saint-Jean

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Balmes Iron Mines near Saint-Jean

Recommended by 2 mountain bikers

This Highlight is in a protected area

Please check local regulations for: Parc national des Cévennes (aire d'adhésion)

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    Routes here

    Best Mountain Biking Routes to Balmes Iron Mines near Saint-Jean

    5.0

    (3)

    51

    riders

    1. Between the walls loop from Les Ayres

    42.6km

    03:36

    880m

    880m

    Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.

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    Moderate

    Hard mountain bike ride. Very good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.

    Hard

    Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.

    Moderate

    Tips

    June 11, 2025

    Anyone hiking through the hilly landscape around Saint-Jean and Saint-Florent today encounters silent traces of a rich past. Even before coal was mined here, iron was the most important commodity – since ancient times and especially in the Middle Ages.

    The medieval mines were simple and dangerous. Without ventilation and with shallow tunnels, they followed the iron-rich pyrite veins – often no more than 100 meters long. As early as 1512, a prospector's license cost a whopping 32 florins. The mined ore was further processed locally: From the Middle Ages to the 19th century, the valley was known for its nailsmiths – in 1676 alone, up to 45 masters worked here.

    Nature also tells its story: The strawberry tree (Arbutus unedo), typical of the garrigue, bears flowers and ripe fruit simultaneously. The rare Jason butterfly (Charaxes jasius), Europe's largest butterfly, lives in its environment and is clearly visible from June to September.

    Translated by Google •

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      Elevation 270 m

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      Friday 21 November

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      Location: Saint-Jean-De-Valériscle, Alès, Occitania, France

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