Gras is a small medieval village with a rural and agropastoral heritage. In the fortified village, remnants of the former fortification walls and castle have been preserved. Anyone planning a stay in Gras may wish to rent a holiday apartment for this purpose.
Culture and history
The Church of Notre-Dame de l’Assomption was rebuilt in the 17th century and is open to visitors. The Romanesque Chapel of Saint-Blaise dates from the 12th century and has been extensively restored.
A guided group tour of the village of Gras is offered daily throughout the year by prior reservation.
Landscape and nature
The Dent de Rez area is designated as a Natura 2000 site and serves as a refuge for rare, protected bird species such as the Egyptian vulture and Bonelli’s eagle. Dent de Rez reaches an altitude of 719 m and offers a 360-degree panorama of the Cévennes, Mont Lozère, the Baronnies and Mont Ventoux.
Around Gras, a garrigue landscape stretches out at the foot of Dent de Rez, with terraced vineyards, lavender fields and historic dry-stone structures.
Regional products
Domaine de Mermes is an organically farmed family winery on the Plateau de Gras and offers tastings of its IGP Ardèche white, rosé and red wines. Domaine de Mermes also produces essential lavandin oils on the Plateau de Gras.
On the Plateau de Gras, local producers sell lavender, lavandin and aromatic plant products in their shops, made from plants collected around Dent de Rez.
Village and surroundings
A marked long-distance circular route along small country roads connects Gras with Saint-Montan, Saint-Thomé, Valvignères and Alba-la-Romaine and is 53 km long.
