MALRIF
- Location: Le Puy-en-Velay (43000)
- Gender: man
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Published route(s)
The sheepfolds of Mont Ventoux
This route takes you on a journey of discovery to some of the sheepfolds or "jas" that dot the southern slope of Ventoux.
The path around Lac du Bouchet
An ideal place for a walk, Lac du Bouchet is reminiscent of a Canadian lake. A real gem in its forest setting, this circular lake of volcanic origin occupies the site of an ancient crater.
The suggested route allows you to walk around it. It is a very easy walk that can be enjoyed by the whole family.
The Treuil cave
Starting from Saint-Privat-d'Allier, a large mountain village at an altitude of 870 metres, follow this route to discover the imposing Treuil cave, with the added bonus of beautiful views of the Allier Gorges.
The villages of La Blache and Le Riou
This route takes you on a discovery of the villages of Riou, with its wash house, and La Blache, with its bread oven. It also offers beautiful views of the Emblavez plain and the rounded or slightly pointed hills known locally as "les knolls".
Between the sea and La Vie
This invigorating little tour invites you to discover some of the treasures of Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie, crossed by the mouth of the coastal river La Vie, which flows into the Atlantic Ocean.
Taillon and Breche de Roland from the Col des Tentes
Landscapes “rich in nature” on this hike in the area of Gavarnie, accompany your steps towards the peak of Taillon, through the legendary Roland breach. Taillon, a summit that at the top of its 3144 m, offers a stunning panorama and striking views as far as the eye can see.
The Dentelles tour
Following the paths that wind through the rows of vines, this tour takes you to the foot of the rocky bars of the Dentelles de Montmirail, finely chiselled against the Provencal sky, with Mont Ventoux as a backdrop.
Risk of fire and hunting: risk of fine! See the practical information section for details of local regulations.
The Pic de Caramantran
Set off to climb the Pic de Caramantran, one of the easiest 3,000-metre peaks in the Queyras Regional Nature Park, and enjoy transalpine views of Italy and the Saint-Véran valley from its summit.
The chapel and tower of Rochegude
This easy hike takes you along theGR® 65 (the famous Saint-Jacques-de-Compostelle trail) to discover the chapel and keep of Rochegude, which dominate the Allier valley. Then a beautiful descent through a forest will take you to Pratclaux for a return to the village of Saint-Privat.
Discovery tour of Le Puy-en-Velay and its monuments
As you follow this route, discover Le Puy-en-Velay (the starting point of the Way of St James) and its monuments: the cathedral, Rocher Corneille and the Statue of Notre-Dame de France, the Chapel of Saint-Michel d’Aiguilhe, the cloister, the town hall, the theatre, the Crozatier Museum and the Henri-Vinay Garden.
The Shepherd's Huts Trail
Discover the Chibottes Valley, a site classified as a landscape of outstanding beauty since 8 March 2016. These small dry stone huts, built from stones cleared from the plots of land, were used as shelters by shepherds and farmers who cultivated orchards and terraced vineyards (known as "chambées").
This trail forms a loop, partly following the Way of St James on the way back.
Saint-Didier
A walk to discover the village of Saint-Didier-d'Allier from above. A beautiful descent from Chier to Saint-Didier overlooking the Allier valley, the Rouchoux Gorges and the castle of Saint-Didier.The return to Saint-Privat d'Allier is partly along the road, but it is narrow and very beautiful.
The Grand Testavoyre
This circuit takes you to the summit of the Grand Testavoyre (pronounced testa-wouaire), the highest point of the Meygal. From up there, you can see the entire massif, dotted with numerous conical peaks.
Another highlight of this hike is discovering the rural heritage, in particular the typical houses of the hamlet of Villaret and the false church of Monedeyres.
Thines... a jewel perched high above
This hike takes you to the village of Thines and the Church of Notre-Dame, undoubtedly a jewel of Romanesque art in the heart of the Cévennes mountains. All along this trail, the view of the village and the wild mountains surrounding it is magnificent!
Lac de l'Oeuf
From the village of Saint-Privat d'Allier, walk along the Saint-Jacques path to Lac de l'Oeuf, an ancient crater filled with a bog. On the way back, the descent to Dallas and Le Villard will give you distant views of the surrounding area.
Lake Lestio from the large Viso viewpoint
Among the fascinating mountains of the Alps, Mont Viso (3,841 m) holds a special place. This route, which is not very steep on average but should not be underestimated due to the distance to be covered, allows you to approach the mountain and go as far as Lac Lestio, which gives you that special feeling of being at the end of the Alpine world.
The Saint Joseph sanctuary via the Chemin de la Borne
A walk up the right bank of the Borne to reach the monumental statue of Saint Joseph, at the foot of which you will be utterly surprised to discover the panoramic view of the town of Le Puy-en-Velay and its surroundings.
The Way of St James. Stage 1. Puy-en-Velay / St Privat d'Allier
Twenty to thirty thousand walkers set out from Puy-en-Velay every year to do the pilgrimage along the Way of St. James. Discover the Way of St. James by doing the first stage by foot. You can return to Puy-en-Velay in the evening in a special coach.
The rock of Arlempdes
This walk offers a beautiful view of the hilltop village of Arlempdes (pronounced "Arlende"). Listed as one of "The Most Beautiful Villages in France", it occupies a stunning site on a rocky spur overlooking the wild gorges of the Loire.
Mount Gerbier de Jonc (1551 m), around it and up it
This trail goes around and climbs up the Gerbier de Jonc whose summit offers a view over the Ardèche mountains.
Countryside and vineyards in Brem-sur-Mer
Just a few minutes from the ocean, take a stroll along the country lanes among sunflowers, wheat fields and vineyards.
⚠️ 25/06/2025: it seems that it is impossible to access the field between 3 and 4 along the path. Thank you for your feedback on this in the reviews.
The salt flower trail
Set off to explore the Marais des Olonnes.
The Chiloza falls
A wander among the underbrush along the Couze Pavin, from bank to bank, flowing in cascades.
The coastal path in Brétignolles
The sound of waves crashing on the beaches, the smell of salt air and invigorating sea breezes: this is what you can expect on this hike, which follows the coastline as closely as possible.
The forest and village of Les Chambons in Tanargue
In the Tanargue massif, starting from the family ski resort of Croix de Bauzon, this hike takes you along trails in the heart of the Chambons National Forest, passing through the village of the same name.
The full tour of Lake Jaunay
Check out this beautiful trail completes a circuit around "Lac du Jaunay”. It is a quiet and wonderful place for nature lovers.
The Bresolettes clearing
A trail in the heart of the Perche Regional Nature Park, in the Bresolettes Forest Glade Regional Nature Reserve.
The wild coast
This is a pleasant route offering a beautiful walk through the forest, over the dunes and along the beach, with a climb back up to the ski hill, the highest point in the forest at 34 metres above sea level.
The snows of Mont Mézenc
The hike starts at the forest house car park and climbs through the powder snow of Mont Mézenc. From the summit, your efforts are rewarded with a magnificent view of the village of Les Estables below and Mont Alambre. And even the Alps, if the weather is clear.
La Durande
Starting from Le Vernet, this walk offers beautiful panoramic views of the Devès at the summit of La Durande.
From Arlempdes to Saint-Arcons-de-Barges
This excursion takes you from Arlempdes, listed as one of the Most Beautiful Villages in France since 1999, to Saint-Arcons-de-Barges... for a particularly pleasant stroll.
The climb to the Croix de Chaumiène
This very demanding route climbs steeply through the undergrowth on the high plateaus. From up there, the landscape over the Tanargue, directly above Mayres, takes on a whole new dimension. The descent back to the starting point is just as steep.
The Corbœuf Ravine
The first part of the route follows an old railway line that has been converted into a very wide carriageway. It continues with a tour of the small heritage sites (old bread oven and wash house) in the hamlet of Chastel. Finally, at the end of the route, when the trees open up, there is a view over the unusual Corbœuf ravine.
Mont Recours in Beaulieu
This short route takes you to Mont Recours in the commune of Beaulieu, north of Le Puy-en-Velay. From the summit of this ancient volcanic vent, you can enjoy beautiful panoramic views of the Emblavez hills.
Mont Denise
Starting from Le Puy-en-Velay, this route takes you to the summit of the volcanic Mont Denise. From the top, there is a breathtaking view of the Polignac fortress, the town of Le Puy and, in the background, the Mézenc massif.
On the slopes of Artias
This route runs beneath the watchful eye of the Château d'Artias, perched on its rocky spur. From its ruins, you will discover a unique view of the loops of the Loire as it flows through the dome-shaped hills typical of the region, known as knolls.
The Meygal tour
This hike, in the heart of the Meygal forest, is ideal in the heat of summer. It offers beautiful views, especially from the summit of Testavoyre, where you can look out over the Meygal mountains.
The Olonnes marsh
This route winds between the forest and the Olonnes marshes, where many species of birds come to find food and peace.
Walk around Lake Gué Gorand
Far from the hustle and bustle of the seaside, the peaceful Lac du Gué Gorand is perfect for a lovely stroll along the water's edge. The dam, which was filled in 1990, is used to irrigate 400 hectares of farmland and the Fontenelles golf course.
Around Saint-Privat-d'Allier
This is a very pleasant walk to enjoy with family or friends. It passes through numerous small hamlets while winding its way along the national road.
The Polignac Fortress
This loop between Aiguilhe and the village of Polignac, classified as one of the "Most Beautiful Villages in France", combines sustained climbs, flat sections and fast descents. As you climb, it offers beautiful views of the town of Le Puy-en-Velay and the Polignac Fortress perched on its volcanic hill. Return via the path along the Borne.
La Tour des Poignets, between moorland and forest
Hike above the Col de la Croix-de-Bauzon, with the first part of the route in the forest and the second part on the ridge offering beautiful views. If you are lucky enough to do this short trip on a clear day, you will be able to see the Alps and Mont Ventoux on the horizon.