Among the world's rivers, France's Loire must have one of the most clearly marked starting points. This is le Gerbier de Jonc, a volcanic mound in the department of the Ardèche, where several springs emerge from its base, quickly join, and head off for the Atlantic some 600 miles away.
Despite being rather remote, it's estimated that the site draws nearly a half million visitors a year, many of whom pay a euro or so and push through the turnstile to hike to the top for the impressive views.
Not withstanding its status as a kind of national monument, le
Gerbier and the surrounding land is privately-held. But starting this summer, the admission
charges will be dropped and access will be free. This comes as the result of a 30-year agreement between the land owners and the department of the Ardèche.
I worry about too many people climbing over an already fragile ecology. But apparently the department plans new protective measures, along with programs to highlight the unique characteristics of the setting. I may have to go back.
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