Ardèche walks

A beautiful hike in the heart of the Ardèche Gorges, during which you will:- descend a valley, follow the river along a path equipped with cables and ladders for a short section. Cirques, cliffs, small caves, rocks, needles, rapids, sandy or pebble beaches follow one after another. Many birds inhabit the cliffs.- climb back up another beautiful valley, offering some stunning views of the gorges and their meanders, to reach the plateau.

A very beautiful walk, partly along the river, leading to the exceptional site of La Maladrerie, situated opposite the Cirque de la Madeleine. Ruins of an ancient monastery, probably dating from the 12th century, with an uncertain origin. Fact or myth of the Knights Templar? Follow the yellow markings on the ground carefully between (6) and (7), and avoid this route during periods of high water in the Ardèche. As the riverbed is subject to change, some sections of the route may be difficult to access (water, branches, mud, etc.).To check water levels and flow rates: https://www.rdbrmc.com/hydroreel2/statio...

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.

A pleasant hike along the banks of the Ardèche river, sometimes with overhanging cliffs on a magnificent path, and sometimes skirting the riverbed. There's also a cave within easy reach.

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.

This beautiful and challenging hike will take you on a short journey to discover the passages invented by the locals to cross the basalt flows, take you to the old summer pastures of Fargebelle through steep chestnut groves, and as a bonus, show you the two magnificent bridges that span the Ardèche on either side of Thueyts.

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 the banks of Ardèche, to the balconies of Salavas, but fairly challenging in the bed of Rieussec. There are stringing points. ATTENTION: Some sections can quickly become very dangerous for hikers who are ill-equipped or not trained for this kind of more technical hike. Therefore, please take care.

From the plateau to the river, this short and fairly easy route will also allow you to discover the vegetation of the gorges, notably the Phoenician juniper. The elevation gain is at the end of the route, and the concrete track from the Gournier bivouac to the starting point is very steep. The route is well shaded. Pay attention to point (3).

Spectacular hike off the beaten track and unmarked trails on the limestone plateau of Labeaume, discovering the landscapes and vernacular heritage: engraved crosses, dolmens, cliff-side path to the confluence of the Ardèche and Ligne rivers. On the way back, pass by the splendid Mas de l'Abeille. :

This beautiful 9 km hike will take you to the banks of the Ardèche, in the heart of the canyon. A hike with handrails and ladders along the route. Swimming is allowed and irresistible. The descent through the Combe des Champs will be long, but you will be amazed when you arrive in the canyon. A significant elevation gain of -500 / + 500 will make this hike difficult, but the trails are well marked and protected. Please note: this hike is currently impassable due to a major rockfall on the Ardèche riverbank on 14 June 2024 Please check with the Vallon-Pont-d'Arc Tourist Office on 04 75 54 54 20 or the Syndicat de Gestion des Gorges de l'Ardèche, which manages the trails in the nature reserve, to find out if access is possible again.

A short circuit that will take you along beautiful trails to discover an underground cave and beautiful beaches on the banks of the Ardèche with breathtaking views of the Ruoms gorge and the Cirque de Gens.

Between Baume, Ardèche and Ligne, vast stretches of stony ground have been and are still partly cultivated, with olive trees now reigning supreme. The former silkworm farms have now been converted into homes but retain their old-world charm. Along the river, hanging gardens are still maintained and clearly visible on the banks on the sunny side of La Baume. The Ardèche and Chassezac rivers have created a vast plain where vineyards, fruit trees and gardens occupy the space.

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.

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.

The village of Chauzon is located at the end of a plateau surrounded by the Ardèche, the Ligne and the Gournier stream. Following the edge of this plateau, this hike will reveal beautiful views of these three valleys. These viewpoints are located on rocks at the top of cliffs. Access is not vertiginous, but please be careful with children.

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.

An easy walk to an oppidum with spectacular views over Aubenas and back with equally spectacular views of the Louyre canyon, the promontory of Saint-Laurent-sous-Coiron and the Mirabel tower. Variations to the route are suggested, shortening or lengthening the walk.

Sampzon, a small village perched on a promontory overlooking the Rocher and encircled by a loop of the Ardèche, (you have to see it from the top of the car park). A veritable natural belvedere, it offers a unique panorama of the meandering Ardèche. The old village has preserved its traditional houses. The route is very well signposted.

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!

The hike consists of a loop that is a discovery trail where you can see a menhir, a dolmen, a charcoal kiln and panoramic views. Moderator's note It appears that the end of the route has been changed on the ground. See the reviews and possibly try the route in the opposite direction

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.

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.

From Ruoms to Labeaume, the hike alternates between ancient villages and nature. This itinerary passes the Ardèche river, the heights of the Baume river gorge, the pretty village of Labeaume and the old town of Ruoms. Alternating between shady and sunny stretches. Several possibilities for swimming along the way.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

In the Ardèche Gorges, the Cirque de Gaud is home to a discovery trail dotted with information panels about the region's flora and fauna. At the Gaud campsite, you will find Gaud Castle and the Ardèche River.

A beautiful circular along a very pretty trail offering splendid views of the valley, the village of Mayres and the mountain range on the opposite side for most of the climb. A superb panorama awaits us at the summit, where we can see the Mézenc and Gerbier de Jonc, among others. Further in the distance, the Alps stand out in the background.

A short hike with very pleasant scenery.

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.

A very beautiful hike along the Ardèche Gorges, between the Bivouac du Gournier and the Cirque de la Madeleine, over magnificent limestone slabs and at the foot of the imposing cliff face bordering the gorges. Along the route, you’ll discover the huge rock known as the ‘Cathedral’, over 100 metres high, whose jagged shape resembles a cathedral.

An attractive trail due to its technical nature and the beauty of the immense limestone slabs forming the banks of the Ardèche.

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

After a glimpse of the upper Ardèche valley, this hike enters one of the many small valleys of the complex terrain of the Ardèche Cévennes. Take care on the RN102 (be careful when walking alongside it and crossing it).

Robert, aged 86, led this hike around Meyras (December 2017), passing by the châteaux of Ventadour and Hautségur, then through the heights of Neyrac and the Souilhol volcanic flow. The route is a bit winding and involves some road walking, but it reveals a diverse and very distinctive area of the upper Ardèche.

The first part of this circular path descends into a forest of tall conifers, in the refreshing Tiourre Stream valley, known for its turquoise pools. The path then takes you along a balcony above the Ardèche Gorges road, offering views of one of the famous river’s meanders and its cliffs. The second section, which is more challenging, climbs above the hamlet of Châmes, mostly through woodland, with a more Mediterranean feel as you approach the Serre de la Desferre. A complete change of scenery guaranteed! Recommendation: in the Tiourre valley, there are numerous unmarked trails and mobile network coverage is patchy. Remember to download the technical sheet or the GPX file before setting off.

A circular route starting from the "La Digue" campsite, leading to the village of Chauzon and then to the viewpoint overlooking the Ardèche valley. The route alternates between limestone paths, stretches of heath and riverbanks. The viewpoint above Chauzon offers unobstructed views of the Cirque de Gens and the Ardèche cliffs.

Leaving from the centre of the small village of Lagorce (Ardèche), we set off along the usual roads to the entrance to Vallon Pont d'Arc. The return journey is a pleasant one, through the countryside of the Ardèche, on a small road with no (or almost no) vehicles, along farm tracks, stony or slightly rocky, to arrive on the other side of the village.

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.