Fougerolles and Val d’Ajol Valleys

From Fougerolles – land of orchards and cherry trees – to Plombières-les-Bains and its thermal baths and Gallo-roman dungeon, the springs caused hamlet dispersion. On the way down to Fougerolles, or from Plombières-les-Bains, the relief loses vigour.

Sandstone hills with acidic soils are often abandoned to the forest, and the rich aquiferous network that supplies springs caused houses to scatter – thus multiplying the hamlets. Ajolaise farm safes called “chalots” were manufactured until World War II. They used to shelter grain, fruit, meats, alcohol… and important documents. Today restored, they became touristic key features of this territory. A road even bears their name: the “Route des Chalots”.