Discover La Grand'combe: Mining History and Hiking Trails

La Grand'combe offers several ways to shape a trip: the history of mining, trails through the Cévennes landscape, as well as markets and crafts. If you are weighing up a cultural focus against outdoor activities, you will find both among the local offerings. Each attraction tells a different part of the town's history, while the hiking trails combine nature with traces of mining.

Mining history in its many facets

The Puits Ricard mining complex is listed as a historic monument. The shaft was sunk in 1932. Its metal headframe was rebuilt in 1938; the headframe and ancillary buildings preserve evidence of industrial mining. The engine room and washroom are also part of this heritage. Mining machinery and equipment have been preserved there, illustrating the techniques used in the past.

The Maison du Mineur presents the history of mining, from the former pithead baths to the old Puits Ricard. Photographs, tools, lamps, models and other objects document underground work, everyday life and the social history of the time. Technical aspects are presented alongside the lives and working conditions associated with mining.

The Maison du Mineur is open to everyone and can be visited with family, in groups or as part of a guided tour. These options make the museum a clear choice if you would like to learn about industrial history not only through buildings, but also through exhibits.

Hiking among vegetation and traces of mining

The Sentier du Puech is a useful point of reference when planning a hike: the trail is seven kilometres long, marked with yellow signs and easy to walk; the stated duration is 2 hours and 30 minutes. It passes through heathland and maritime pines, while also leading to traces of La Grand'combe's mining history. These include the inclined haulage track at Puech.

In addition to the Sentier du Puech, La Grand'combe has signposted hiking trails, historic paths and Grande Randonnée routes. These different types of routes give you several ways to spend time exploring on foot. Exploring the Cévennes landscapes around La Grand'combe by bike or on horseback is also an option. You can therefore think of hiking, cycling and horse riding as different ways to experience the landscape, rather than equating them with a single route.

The Sentier du Puech stands out for its specifically described combination of length, markings, duration and difficulty rating. Its connection to the mining heritage also sets it apart from a walk focused primarily on vegetation. If you are interested in the town's history, this trail offers both scenery and evidence of former mining activity.

Markets and traditional crafts

Markets are also part of the local offering. The market in La Grand'combe features a producers' alley with a wide selection of products from traditional agriculture. Local markets also offer seasonal produce and regional specialities.

The Maison des Métiers Anciens invites visitors to discover the past and traditional craft techniques. Together with the Maison du Mineur, it provides a second cultural focus: rather than industrial mining, the emphasis here is on traditional crafts. You can give these two topics different priority when planning your trip, depending on whether you would like to learn more about mining or traditional techniques.

Other historical and thematic points of interest

The history of the railway is also part of the town's past. From 1840, one of the earliest railway lines connected La Grand-Combe with the Rhône. Alongside evidence of mining, this historic connection tells the story of the town's transport history.

At Dinopedia Parc, you can explore a 1.5-kilometre circular trail featuring more than 100 exhibits. The trail's length and the number of exhibits give you an idea of this distinct visitor experience. You can decide what you would like to focus on during your trip—industrial history, hiking trails, markets or a visit to Dinopedia Parc—according to your interests.

Discover more destinations: Moussac, Nimes, Bessèges, Fons, Pont-Saint-Esprit, Saint-Victor-De-Malcap, Codolet, Génolhac

For the overview of destinations in the wider region: Gard.