Chassagnes

The Bear and the Lion, locked in mortal combat and frozen into stone in the Bois de Paiolive.
The Bois de Paiolive is another extraordinary natural wonder in the Ardeche. in the main it is a massive tangle of stunted white Oak trees that grow up and around bizarrely shaped outcrops of limestone, such as L'Ours et le Lion, (the Bear and the Lion) which is a good 10 metres high. It is such a labyrinth that it is quite easy to get disorientated in amongst the towers, passages, and trees. It is a quite a tricky place to photograph, but quite extraordinary to visit. ...and if you do end up down that way, drop in for lunch at the L'Olivier de Paiolive which is close to the Bear and the Lion on the same road - that restuarant is absolutely outstanding!