Ailhon walks

Don't forget your cameras for this walk, which will take you up to a ridge where you can enjoy exceptional views of the Ardèche plateau, the Aubenas basin and the Vercors. You will then plunge into the undergrowth to discover the small hamlets of Lentillères.In spring, the flora is very interesting.

A route between Saint-Étienne-de-Fontbellon and Ailhon offering a variety of landscapes. Some lovely views, with just one slightly steep and slippery climb.

Although its altitude barely exceeds 500 m, the Chalancon hill offers extensive views to the north over the Ardèche and Fontaulière valleys and to the south as far as Mont Ventoux. Much of the hike follows shaded paths through pine woods. The entire route is marked in yellow and white.

This hike takes you along country and forest paths south of Prades with beautiful views to the north-west over the Salindre valley and, further away, the Monts de Ladenne and Sainte-Marguerite, but also over the south of the Ardèche as you pass along the ridge overlooking Lentillères. The use of an IGN map and the Visorando app's GPS is essential.

This circular route starts at Ucel church and climbs up to the château and then the hermitage, taking you to the hamlet of Fromenteyrol. It then passes the hamlet of Crottes de Saint-Julien-du-Serre, leading you to Sandron and then the communal woods of Ucel. Ideal for enjoying the colours of autumn or the blooms of spring.

This walk takes place almost entirely on the Plateau des Gras, a limestone plateau pierced by karstic caves, rather arid on the western side and more wooded on the eastern side. It will also give you an original view of the village of Vogüé, an old quarry whose stones were exported as far as Paris and, if you look carefully, the remains of dolmens.

This short hike offers beautiful views of the Ardèche plain, from Saint-Sernin to Aubenas. As a bonus, you can search for the remains of dolmens on the Serre Bastel, a treasure hunt that will delight children. On the way back, the trail passes by the Tour de Ville, the remains of a ruined castle that has unfortunately been abandoned.

North of Lalevade-d'Ardèche, a hilly area is heavily affected by agricultural desertification. It is little known, except to its inhabitants and local hikers, but is nevertheless worth a detour. In Ardèche, the landscapes are beautiful everywhere. And this hike allows you to discover a gem, the Romanesque church of Niègles, rescued from ruin around 1980 by the Association des Amis de Niègles.

This route allows you to discover very wild areas, evidence of the long-ago abandonment of agricultural activities (chestnut groves), beautiful paths, the remains of a dense network of non-motorised rural communications, and views of the many hamlets, valleys, hills and neighbouring mountains that will make you forget a few less poetic passages.

An easy walk with beautiful views of Aubenas, the Sainte-Marguerite mountain, Saint-Julien-du-Serre and, in the distance, the Col de l'Escrinet and the Coiron volcanic massif. Take your time to stroll through the old fortified village of Vieil Ucel and don't miss a quick trip to the beautiful church of Saint-Julien-du-Serre.

After the Sainte-Philomène Chapel, the highest point (3) of the forest road (890m) offers a stunning aerial view of Jaujac and its volcanic crater. To the east, the foothills of the Vercors; closer by, the Coiron, the Escrinet and the Roche de Gourdon; below, to the north, Jaujac and the Lignon valley; and to the west, the Tanargue and the Cham du Cros.

An easy walk around the Luol River with beautiful panoramic views, passing through typical hamlets and the beautiful church of Saint-Julien-du-Serre.After the Houme signpost, the end of the route is very pleasantly original, taking a shaded path lined with box trees to the Croix des Lépreux and then walking between canals and the Ardèche river.

This pleasant hike takes you along beautiful paths from the old village of Vinezac to the hilltop hamlet of Merzelet through a varied environment (terraces returned to natural vegetation, pine forests, but also areas cultivated with vines, olive trees, and fruit trees). The distant landscape is magnificent, particularly at the top of the loop. The entire route is very well marked in yellow and white, with often recent markings.

A short, unpretentious hike along little-used paths on the Gras de Lanas. The cave itself is nothing spectacular, but it is a good destination for a walk and the little valley that leads to it is very pleasant. The rest of the route is a more classic walk on the Gras, but partly on unmarked paths, which are sometimes prettier.

This is a short family hike with no particular difficulties, marked in white and yellow from Largentière to Tauriers. Please note: there are no markings on the route from Tauriers back to Largentière. However, this does not pose any difficulty in terms of orientation if you follow the description carefully, as the direction and paths are fairly obvious.

Although the highest point is not very high, this hike, mostly along ridges, offers beautiful views of the Ardèche and the Aubenas region.

Hike starting from the village of Vogüé through typical "gras" landscapes. Beautiful views of the village, listed as one of the Most Beautiful Villages in France, and the Aubenas plain.

An easy hike on a limestone plateau with few trees. Beautiful views of the Ardèche valley and the surrounding mountains.

A short circular loop above Vogüe, for an easy late-afternoon stroll (though with a bit of an incline) amidst the holm oaks.

This route takes you down the Ardèche from Voguë to the Old Rhône, covering 80 km and allowing you to discover this river.Note: the elevation differences mentioned here are incorrect, due to measurements taken in the gorges. The actual elevation difference is 140 m downhill.

The spa town of Vals-les-Bains is nestled in a partly volcanic landscape that is quite steep and dominates it mainly between its north-west and north-east. In the hills, the old agricultural settlements are still clearly visible in the valleys and on the slopes. Thieure is a hamlet perched on a promontory overlooking Vals. A steady climb leads to it. The landscape is the reward.

An easier variant of the "Louyre Canyon via the Dolmen de l'Houlme" hike, allowing you to discover this magnificent little wild spot without venturing into the canyon (reserved for experienced hikers or connoisseurs). Discover the ancient structures around a stream that had a greater and more regular flow in the last century, and enjoy beautiful views of the canyon.

A hike to the end of the world (although close to the city) where you will hardly meet anyone. You will feel like you are at the end of the world as you descend to the bottom of a canyon, part of which you will hike along its most interesting length. A feeling of adventure and action, Indiana Jones is not far away.

La Cham du Cros is the peak at the eastern end of the Tanargue massif. From there, the view stretches from the mountains of the south to the north of the Alps and, on a clear day, as far as Mont Blanc.

Circuit from Vogüé towards Balazuc, taking the old railway line (Vogüé-Grospierre greenway, which is flat, a rarity in the Ardèche), and returning along the right bank of the Ardèche, which is wilder. Please note: there is a lot of tarmac and cycle paths on this route, which should be avoided if you have allergies.

From Vogüé, the old railway line, converted into a greenway, leads to the hamlet of Les Louanes, south of Balazuc. A flat route in the Ardèche: a rarity! The climb back up to Balazuc takes you along the Coste-Labaume corniche. See the description in the practical information section. The return journey is along the right bank of the Ardèche, passing through the medieval village of Lanas.

Between Prunet and Jaujac, the Col de la Croix de Millet offers a beautiful view of the Ligne valley to the south and the Lignon valley to the north. The climb to the Col du Merle and the return after Pissas are through woodland, while the bare ridges of the Cham du Cros offer beautiful views of the southern Ardèche from the Vagorge valley and the Tour de Brison in the Cévennes, the Rhône valley and Mont Ventoux to the east, and Mont Lozère to the west.

Between limestone plateau and volcanic relief, this hike reflects the diversity of the southern Ardèche, including crossing areas that are still agricultural, from the impressive fortified village of Saint-Laurent-sous-Coiron, which dominates the route, to the inevitable dolmens, passing by magnificent views of the Louyre gorges.

This is an easy hike, allowing you to discover the route of an old railway line in the landscapes of southern Ardèche on the way there, and the banks of the Ardèche in a very rural environment on the way back. On the way, you can linger in the narrow streets of the old village of Lanas, with its almost medieval atmosphere. Those who dislike tarmac can avoid this very family-friendly hike, which is well suited to people who find it difficult to walk on uneven and hilly terrain.

Between Jaujac and La Souche, the Lignon valley is an open valley, dominated to the north by the Rocher du Midi and to the south by the Tanargue massif. The hike takes you along the left bank, where you can admire old buildings and walk along beautiful, pleasant paths dotted with old bridges crossing streams, then back along the right bank and a succession of old hamlets.

This hike will take you to the remains of oppida dating from the first century BC. The Jastres Sud oppidum, "Le Camp de César", barely rises above the ground, but the Jastres Nord rampart is impressive. As a bonus, and for those who are not interested in historical remains, the path along the edge of the plateau offers magnificent views of the Ardèche.

A page of history for children and adults. 2,800 years ago, the Helvetii - long before the Gauls - settled in this region and built their first fortified villages on the cliffs. Julius Caesar himself described these enclosed and isolated places as "Oppidum". The Romans, who colonised the region from the 1st century AD onwards, finished the job. Further south is the "Camp de César", a Roman camp. The return path runs very close to the edge of the cliff, so please be careful.

Starting from Jaujac, there is a magnificent Roman bridge and impressive basalt columns on the banks of the Lignon. Tour via the Pont de l'Échelette, the Château de Rochemure (Maison du Parc Naturel Régional des Monts d'Ardèche) and finally climb the Coupe de Jaujac volcano with a tour of the crater.

Starting from Jaujac, climb up to Pic de Ladenne and Rocher de Courcoussat and descend via a circular route to Pont de l'Echelette in Bonneval. Magnificent panoramic views of the ridge line.

With its wild and exotic appearance, the Louyre Canyon is a classic destination for all hikers in the region. This circuit takes you from one end to the other, then back up the top with beautiful views. As a bonus, since this year, you can once again see traces of beaver activity. The climb up the canyon is not very easy, and in one or two places you have to use your hands, but it is quite doable, even with children.

A magnificent hike that will take you to the summit of Pic de Ladenne with a 360° view of Jaujac and its volcano, the Tanargue massif, the Thueyts valley, Pont de Labeaume, Sainte-Marguerite, Fabras...

A short hike with very pleasant scenery.

This is a short, easy hike with a wide variety of landscapes: meadows at the bottom of the Oize valley, more austere wooded slopes of the Sandron valley, pine forests and sandstone rocks towards Champestève or Fromenteyrol.

Starting from Lanas, after crossing the Ardèche, the route of the old railway line to Saint-Maurice-d'Ardèche leads to the old Balazuc station. After climbing up to the village and crossing the bridge, the return journey follows the much wilder path along the river banks.

This hike, alternating between passages in the woods and wide open spaces, will take you to the highest point of Gras de Vogüé, where you can enjoy a 360° view of the entire plateau. Many routes have already been described in this area. The chosen route takes less well-known paths, some of which are not marked on the IGN map (see practical information). This allows you to discover new paths, new viewpoints and encounter fewer people, especially in summer.

Between Lavilledieu and Vogüé, the limestone plateau (Le Gras) is easily accessible, with relatively little elevation gain. It offers a varied landscape and points of geological, prehistoric and historical interest. Hikers usually come away enchanted by this route.

The Plateau des Gras is a limestone plateau crossed by rivers, situated between the Bois de Païolive woods in the southwest and the slopes of the Coiron in the northeast. The northwestern edge of the plateau overlooks a depression extending from Aubenas to Les Vans. The footpaths along this edge of the plateau offer unspoilt views of the Monts d'Ardèche hills at the eastern edge of the Massif Central. The walk also takes you along beautiful paths amid oak trees and to a viewpoint overlooking the village of Balazuc.

This hike is reserved for hikers with some climbing and balance skills, who are in good physical condition and have basic orienteering skills to navigate the old path. Vertigo may be an issue. Take great care on the section known as the "Chemin Tortueux" where you will need to use your hands to get through. Otherwise, there are some beautiful views, passing through chestnut groves, cherry orchards, pastures and even beehives.

An easy hike in the hills above Vesseaux, where you will discover a few hamlets. Beautiful views of the mountains and surrounding villages. The route passes through beautiful chestnut groves and cherry orchards. Best seen in autumn when the chestnut trees change colour or in spring when the cherry trees are in bloom.

According to an old legend, "every year the devil takes a stone" from La Tour de Brison. This restored medieval tower is now a very effective fire lookout post. For hikers, it offers a remarkable view of the mountain to the west and the wide landscape it overlooks to the east, stretching as far as Mont Ventoux on a clear day.

Family hike starting from the village of Balazuc. For children, there is a small, safe cave to visit and a walk along the water's edge. Easy route, mostly signposted but a little rocky in places.

Starting from the village of Balazuc, a hike along the right bank of the Ardèche with, after leaving the forest, a clear view of the Coiron massif to Mont Lozère via the Tanargue massif. Only for walkers who are not afraid of stony paths!

A varied hike that takes you along a small canyon. Not to be done on a very hot day. 13/02/2024: Route modified following a municipal order. See practical information.

Hike through varied environments, bare hills, wooded valley bottoms and ridge trails with beautiful views. The hamlet of Louyre, which was deserted in the middle of the last century, is once again inhabited and very much alive.

The route through the Louyre stream ravine and back along the left bank is a well-known walk (see The Louyre Canyon, from L'Échelette to L'Évent des Grenouillettes). The route suggested here takes you along paths overlooking the right bank, with beautiful views of the cliffs at the Combasses climbing site.

A peaceful walk with no sporting pretensions through varied landscapes, a hamlet with beautiful houses of spectacular architecture, an easy climb to a ledge with splendid panoramic views of the Ardèche. Return by wandering through the narrow medieval streets of old Balazuc with its artisan craft shops.

Discover the flora and, if you're lucky, the fauna, as well as the built heritage. This hike can be adapted to suit your preferences by following well-marked trails.

This short family walk through pine and oak woods will take you to the unmissable Chapeau du Gendarme, where you can stop for a picnic if you wish. The walk ends along the little Toufache stream, with a few small fords to cross.

Starting from the Pont de Veyrières silk mill eco-museum, climb towards Chirols and then the Sainte-Marguerite Chapel, a summit bristling with various antennas and the highest point of the route, offering a magnificent view of the Coiron and the Ardèche Cévennes. Return via the Revescu ridges, with views over the plateau, and descend via the hamlet of Aubignas to the starting point.

This walk consists of two short circular loops connected by a short return trip. It takes you through a relatively unknown area of central Ardèche where the agricultural footprint is still clearly visible. You will pass from slopes to ridges and valleys following the north-south orientation of the mountain ranges. You will enjoy the wide views and landscapes. At the northernmost point, you will stop at an ancient mill dating back several centuries, known as "Le Moulin de Raoul" (see below).

This history-rich circuit starts at the foot of the old village of Rochecolombe, which you will discover on your return, before reaching Sauveplantade and its Romanesque church and continuing along a section of the Royal Road that linked Villeneuve-de-Berg to Vallon-Pont-d'Arc.

A pleasant hike with multiple panoramic views, open to all, allowing you to discover the village of Rochecolombe and its surroundings.

A circular route starting from Thueyts, leading to the Col de Fontfreyde, where you can enjoy a beautiful panoramic view, and returning to the starting point via the magnificent stone staircase known as the Queen's Ladder.

The route passes through the ruined hamlet of Fargebelle and crosses the northern flank of the Ardèche via a track that offers panoramic views of the peaks overlooking the opposite bank. You will also discover the splendid sites of the Devil's Bridge and the magnificent paved slanting streets of the Queen's Ladder and the King's Ladder.

An "airy" hike which will yield fine views over the Ardèche Cévennes, the Ardèche valley to the south and the Fontaulière valley to the north. The route follows some of the paths maintained for the "Giants' Causeway Trail" and overall is thus very practicable and without difficulty. A large part of the walk is waymarked white and yellow. Best done in May/June when the broom is in flower.

This is a lovely route that takes you from the village of Saint-Michel-de-Boulogne to Saint-Étienne-de-Boulogne via the fortified castle of Boulogne. The ruins, listed as a Historic Monument, date from the 11th century.