The Ardèche is a land of contrasts, where nature and culture meet to create a unique and fascinating landscape. At the heart of this territory, one essential element shapes this splendour: the watershed.
Why not discover an artistic trail in the Monts d’Ardèche in the heart of the Regional Nature Park?
Water sharing in the Ardèche
The watershed is the geographical line that separates water sources and catchment areas. This line crosses the Monts d’Ardèche Regional Nature Park, winding along the mountain ridges. It marks the point where rainwater, spring water and run-off are divided between the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean.
On one side of this imaginary line, all the water flows into the Mediterranean basin, on the other it escapes towards the Atlantic coast.
An artistic line inspired by geography
The watershed in the Ardèche is a great excuse to explore the region. Hikes and art trails line the watershed, offering visitors an experience that combines nature and culture. Not to be missed are theAbbaye de Mazan and exhibitions bylandscape artists such as Gilles Clément.
The GR7, an emblematic hiking route
The famous GR7, the long-distance hiking trail that crosses France from north to south, follows part of the watershed in the Ardèche. This route offers hikers the chance to admire the magnificent Ardèche landscapes, between mountains and lush green valleys.
Contemporary art and the Ardèche landscape
Contemporary artists are helping to showcase the Ardèche region and raise public awareness of the environment through this line of open-air art.
Several art exhibitions have been organised along the watershed, featuring works inspired by the beauty of the area. These initiatives enrich the tourist experience and underline the importance of preserving the environment.
As you discover the Ardèche’s shared waters, you’ll be exploring a remarkable natural and cultural heritage. Whether you’re hiking the GR7 or visiting contemporary art exhibitions along the way, you’ll be captivated by this region where water shapes landscapes and feeds the imagination of artists.
Watershed video
- Video presentation of the project
- Extract, watershed
” The invisible watershed separates the Mediterranean basin from the Atlantic basin. This line, which crosses the Monts d’Ardèche, naturally inspired Le Partage des eaux, a project for an open-air art trail.
From the earliest works of mankind housed in the Grotte Chauvet to the contemporary creations invited by the Partage des eaux, the dialogue is open on the Ardèche territory, a source of inspiration and creation.
A line made visible…
Five remarkable geological and heritage sites have been chosen along the watershed in the Ardèche, the route of which will be revealed by landscape architect Gilles Clément. The Chartreuse de Bonnefoy, Mont Gerbier de Jonc, Mazan Abbey, Tour de Borne and Notre-Dame des Neiges will host contemporary works of art created for them by internationally renowned artists. The GR7 and the Grande traversée VTT, which follow or cross the route, will be equipped with furniture created in collaboration with designer Eric Benqué using natural resources and local know-how. “
Maps of the watershed route
Art trails along the Ardèche and the emerging Loire River:
Map of the route
Along the GR7 and its variants, a suggestion of hiking routes along the watershed:
Watershed website
- Summary of the website dedicated to the watershed trail in the Ardèche :
The line made visible, the map of the route, the sites on the route, the guest artists, breakaways, along the water, the stages of the project, implementation
Water sharing in France and Europe
And to find out more, discover the watersheds, the natural boundaries of river basins in France, Europe and as far away as Asia:
Travel+
- Hiking maps and topographical guides for the Ardèche
- Focus on the Regional Nature Park
- The watershed ? Wikipedia
- Sensitive Natural Area in the Ardèche
- Welcome to the Ardèche!