Around Orcival, between Ardèche and Haute-Loire

The hike starts in the hamlet of Champetienne (municipality of Présailles). You can park on either side of the bridge.

(S/E) Cross the bridge (you are now in Ardèche) and immediately turn left onto the forest path that climbs uphill. After a few minutes, ignore a path that branches off to the left and stay on the main path, continuing through the forest.

(1) When the path leads to the road, take it to the left. Pass below the hamlet of Blache with its pretty thatched farmhouse. Take advantage of the clearings on the left to admire the Mézenc plateau with, in the distance, from left to right, Mont d'Alambre, Mont Mézenc (the highest point in both departments, characterised by its two peaks) and Knoll de la Lauzière. A little further on, still in the forest, you will walk alongside a beautiful scree slope on the right.

(2) When you reach a fork, take the left branch towards Taulin (sign). The road is in poorer condition and begins to descend steadily. You will soon see the hamlet of Massibrand to the north. After crossing a stream in a valley, the road arrives at Taulin, which has two pretty old farms that have been partially restored.

(3) Leave the road and take a path on the left (red and yellow markings) just after the second farm. Now descend quickly towards Orcival.

(4) Ford the Orcival (you are now back in Haute-Loire) and immediately turn left, following the river (still marked with red and yellow signs). The riverbank is a great place to take a break and cool off... After about 100 metres, leave the Orcival and head back up towards Massibrand, where the path joins the road at the entrance to the hamlet.

(5) Follow it to the left, between the houses. After 100 metres, turn right onto the Lasteyres road (signposted Lasteyres, Cholet, La Roulle). Pass a large farmyard on your left (the Maison de la Béate, recognisable by its bell) then turn left onto a path that runs behind the houses: leave the red and yellow markings and follow the yellow markings. The path joins the road after a short descent. Continue along the road for about 300 metres.

(6) Take the first path down to the left. Keep to the right at the fork, continuing to follow the yellow markings. The path becomes a trail between two meadows before entering the forest and descending rapidly towards the river. It then runs alongside the old mill race (water channel to the mill) until it reaches Champetienne.

Come out onto the road in front of the hamlet of Champetienne and turn left to return to the car park (S/E).

This route includes a ford, which requires a little balancing on the stones (or the opportunity for a foot bath in hot weather!).
No special equipment is required (the paths may be muddy in wet weather).
The nearest shops are in Le Monastier-sur-Gazeille, Les Estables or Lac d'Issarlès. Country inns can be found in Présailles and Freycenet-Lacuche. There are no food or drink outlets along the route.

This hike can also be done as a supplement or extension to the "Balade de la Burle", with which it shares part of the route between Massibrand and Champetienne.

Panoramic view of the Mézenc plateau and massif between (2) and (3).
Farmhouses with thatched roofs (La Blache) and slate roofs (Le Taulin, Massibrand).
Maison de la Béate (Massibrand). The béates were pious women who devoted themselves to civil and religious education in the hamlets.
15-20 minutes away: swimming at Lac d'Issarlès, skiing at Les Estables.