The settlement of the hamlet of Espinas, located on the plateau of the Cévennes, at the southwestern limit of the Ardèche, not far from the Lozère, dates back to the 13th century. In 1464, according to a survey of the royal esteems, there were already five fires. For most of the buildings, the construction of the hamlet dates back to the 17th century, according to an engraved inscription that mentions the date of 1651. Nevertheless, the house, the kitchen and part of the barn are much older, probably from the 15th century. The bread oven is in perfect condition of preservation and operation. It has an exceptional daisy vault. Its dimensions seem to be much higher than those observed for "family" models. An opening between the two parties was perhaps made in 1663. The inner courtyard of the Espinas is protected from visits and wind by a wall, which may have been built in the late 17th or early 18th century. At the end of the 19th century, the hamlet of Espinas had almost a hundred inhabitants but the war of 1914-1918 and then the rural exodus brought down the population, which still declined after the war of 1939-1945. In the 1950s, the inhabitants were discouraged by the difficulties of all kinds, so that most of them left, either by selling their properties at a low price or simply abandoning them. The hamlet was finally abandoned in 1956. In the hamlet, now empty of inhabitants because of its isolation, most of the houses were demolished, door and window frames were dismantled, granite rubble, slate blankets were torn off and sold. Miraculously, only the Espinas farm is still intact. It was acquired in 1973 by individuals who are now committed to safeguarding it. A new porch with crossette carved in the sandstone was inaugurated to the north of the house, the interior and exterior paving were redone, almost all the roofs were redone in lauses. Many other restaration works have been carried out with the aim of remaining almost invisible.
The visit, which can well exceed one hour, tries to answer the participants' questions about local history, architecture, restoration techniques or development work.
The gardens are free to visit.