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Origin and history

The Balmes de Montbrun is a medieval troglodytic site located on the Coiron volcanic plateau in Ardèche. This place combines historical, geological and architectural interest, with houses dug in volcanic tuff cliffs. The term "Balme", of Occitan origin, refers to a cave, while "Montbrun" evokes the volcanic origin of the site, formerly called "Montbrul" because of its burning soil.

The castle, probably built in the 11th century by the family of La Balme, dominates a troglodyte village of thirty caves-habitats, some with two floors. The first written statements date from 1160, when the bishop of Viviers granted a tax exemption to the inhabitants. In 1206 the castrum became an alleu of the church of Viviers, then a fief conceded to the Balma family in 1210. The site, a refuge during the wars of religion, declined from the 16th century, before being definitively abandoned in the early 20th century.

The chapel of Sainte-Catherine, erected in 1536 by the Baron de l'Estrange, is distinguished by its troglodyte architecture and its earth floor. It once housed a statue of Sainte-Reine, carved in cherry wood by a local shepherd, known to appease the children. The site, studied by the geologist Barthélemy Faujas of Saint-Fond in 1775, reveals traces of occupation as early as the fifth century BC, with an oppidum next to Cheylard.

Geologically, the site offers remarkable volcanic formations: basaltic flows, slags, volcanic bombs and crystals such as lugite or livin. The cliffs, 30 to 50 meters high, are composed of compact tufts where the houses were cut. Volcanic activity, intense 8 million years ago, shaped this unique landscape, with traces of granite and gneissic base.

The troglodyte village, organized around the castle, had about fifty caves at its peak. Wood fittings (posts, stairs) and structures like a troglodyte oven testify to everyday life. The agricultural terraces at the foot of the cliffs cultivated fruits and vegetables. Today, the wild flora (orchids, strawberries) and a specific fauna (mouses, butterflies) have regained possession of the place.

Access to the site, free and free, is via hiking trails from Saint-Gineis-en-Coiron or Saint-Jean-le-Centenier. Although some caves are now inaccessible due to collapses, a point of view makes it possible to imagine the old organisation of the village. The site, classified for its medieval and geological heritage, remains a rare testimony of human adaptation to a volcanic environment.

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