Mont Gerbier de Jonc
Saint-Martial, France
A 1,551 m cone of volcanic rock where the Loire rises in a farm trough. The steep climb to the top takes about 30 minutes from the car park on the D378.
Mont Gerbier de Jonc is a 1,551 m mountain made of phonolite. It formed some 8 million years ago as a lava dome inside the crater of a volcano: the lava was too thick to flow, solidified in the crater and split into columns as it cooled; the surrounding cone was later eroded away, exposing the dome. At its foot lie three springs of the Loire, including the “geographical source”, which you can reach on foot along a signposted path.
Allow about 30 minutes for the summit on a waymarked path; the Loire source trail takes around an hour. Access is free and sturdy footwear is advisable; at the foot of the mountain the Maison de Site explains the volcanism and the young Loire. According to the tourist office the site is accessible all year, weather permitting (as of October 2026).
- Nearest town
- Saint-Martial, France
- Category
- Nature & parks
- GPS
- 44.8440, 4.2190
- Editor's pick
- ★
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually June–September. Still fine, with some compromises, in May and October. Cold, short days in December–February. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Getting there
- France: Motorway tolls. Tolls on most autoroutes; the limit drops to 110 km/h in rain. Motorway limit for cars: 130 km/h.
Sources
Featured in these trip guides
Nearby
Campsites nearby
- Aire de camping-car du lac de la PalisseMotorhome stopover12 km from Mont Gerbier de Jonc · 6 pitchesMotorhomesElectricityDrinking waterWaste disposalDogs allowedWi-Fi
- Camping municipal Rieu SépouxCampsite12 km from Mont Gerbier de JoncTentsCaravansElectricityDrinking waterShowersToiletsWaste disposal
- Camping municipal le CheylardCampsite18 km from Mont Gerbier de Jonc · 61 pitchesTentsCaravansElectricityDrinking waterShowersToiletsWaste disposalWi-Fi
- Les Berges de l'EyrieuxMotorhome stopover18 km from Mont Gerbier de Jonc · 73 pitchesMotorhomesElectricityDrinking waterWaste disposalDogs allowedWi-Fi
- Camping le VentadourCampsite20 km from Mont Gerbier de JoncTentsCaravansElectricityDrinking waterShowersToiletsWaste disposalWi-Fi
- Camping Rural Le FolastèreCampsite22 km from Mont Gerbier de JoncTentsCaravansElectricityDrinking waterShowersToiletsWi-Fi
All campsites in France · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Mont Gerbier de Jonc?
Mont Gerbier de Jonc is in Saint-Martial, France, at GPS 44.8440, 4.2190. It is about 28 km from Aubenas.
Can you camp near Mont Gerbier de Jonc?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Camping municipal Saint-Martial, about 6 km away; within 25 km there are 79 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
Which road trips pass Mont Gerbier de Jonc?
Mont Gerbier de Jonc is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: Le Puy-en-Velay and the source of the Loire.
What is there to see near Mont Gerbier de Jonc?
Places worth a stop nearby: Lac d’Issarlès (13 km), Saint-Michel d’Aiguilhe (35 km), Polignac fortress (38 km) and Chauvet 2 cave replica (53 km).
When is the best time to visit Mont Gerbier de Jonc?
The most pleasant months are usually June–September. Still fine, with some compromises, in May and October. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)