Pennes-le-Sec is part of the Gorges de l'Escharis area, a type 1 continental ZNIEFF.
The Gorges de l'Escharis are home to significant populations of Phoenician juniper; their warm heathland habitats are used by Rock Buntings and Red-backed Shrikes.
Hiking and Routes
The signposted Rochers des Blaches circular hike starts and ends in Pennes-le-Sec, is 7.34 km long, takes 2 hours and 30 minutes, and includes 340 metres of ascent. It runs above the Gorges de l'Escharis, where striking rock slabs emerge among the oak woodland; the northern side of the mountain near the Rochers des Blaches is covered by a natural beech forest.
The Tour de la vallée de la Roanne et de l’Oule à cheval is one of the horse-riding routes in the Pays Diois and runs between Saint-Benoît and Pennes-le-Sec.
Climbing
The Pennes-le-Sec climbing area comprises several sectors, each with between 1 and 25 listed routes and difficulty levels ranging from 4c to 7b.
The Pennes-le-Sec climbing site features steep walls of high-quality rock, offering views of well-preserved landscapes.
History and Culture
The village temple of Pennes-le-Sec was built on the site of an earlier chapel.
The restoration and development of Pennes-le-Sec into a “model village” from the 1950s onwards are associated with Charles Piot. In 1950, he acquired 400 hectares of land, established his company headquarters there the following year, and, as mayor, carried out the complete reconstruction of the village. He also had the water network and the road to Roanne built at his own expense.
Anyone planning a trip to Pennes-le-Sec will want to rent a holiday apartment there.
