Around the Ajoux Rock

A beautiful and varied hike in the Monts d'Ardèche Regional Nature Park. The superb site of the Rocher d'Ajoux.

Details

1819485
Creation:
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  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 13.74 km
  • ◔
    Average duration: 5h 45 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Moderate

  • ⚐
    Back to start: Yes
  • ↗
    Ascent: + 639 m
  • ↘
    Descent: - 634 m

  • ▲
    Highest point: 854 m
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 522 m

Photos

Description of the walk

This route passes through numerous animal parks, so please remember to close gates and barriers behind you.
Very good yellow and white signposting.

(S/E) From the car park in front of Pourchères church and the hiking information board, head up to the right onto the D561. Ignore the next street and continue to the next crossroads. Take the small road on the left and continue to the end of the road.

(1) At the junction of two paths that follow it, take the path on the right. Stay on this main path, which is sometimes very stony, ignoring the various paths that cross it. At the Côtes mast, you will reach a crossroads with four paths.

(2) Take the path uphill to the right, towards Ajoux. This path then descends slightly, forming wide bends and running alongside the Pré Chevalier farm before reaching a small road.

(3) Follow this road to the right until you reach the village of Ajoux. Cross the village of Ajoux, between the old houses. The site is remarkable.

(4) At the junction with the D361, follow a small road on the left towards La Pra, Blaizac. A few metres further on, take the path on the left down to the hamlet of Cros. Join a small tarmac road.

(5) Take it on the right and walk alongside a sheepfold. The road gives way to a path winding through the undergrowth, crossing a stream and descending to a small tarmac road.

(6) Follow it to the left and reach the hamlet of La Pra (rural lodge). The path passes above the lodge and continues pleasantly southwards, crossing several streams.

(7) At the next crossroads, follow the path on the right, leading to the bridge over the Auzenet. Cross the stream, Auzenet mast, towards Blaizac. Continue to the next junction.

(8) At the Leyraud mast, turn left towards Blaizac and begin a long climb through the chestnut woods. Further up, cross the Ubac mast, continue towards Blaizac and, shortly afterwards, reach a hairpin bend in the road.

(9) Follow the road to the left, ignore the two small roads on the right and walk alongside the hamlet of Blaizac.

(10) A little further on, cross the road and follow the path to the left, then the path leading to Greytus.

(11) At the next junction, turn left towards Greytus. After a right-hand bend, the path descends gently towards the Ruisseau de l'Auzenet at a place called Le Moulin.

(12) Cross the stream and continue along the path. Reach the next PR® junction.

(13) Take the path on the right.

(14) At the next fork, follow the path on the right leading to Greytus.

(15) When you reach the road, follow it to the right until you reach the hamlet of Greytus. At the next fork, take the path going up to the left and follow it until you reach the Côtes mast you passed on the way there.

(2) Find and follow the path on the right, which is the reverse of the outward route, to return to the car park in front of Pourchères church (S/E).

Waypoints

  1. S/E : km 0 - alt. 683 m - Car park in front of the church in Pourchères.
  2. 1 : km 0.22 - alt. 707 m - Path on the right
  3. 2 : km 1.24 - alt. 820 m - Mât des Côtes. Junction of the circular
  4. 3 : km 2.88 - alt. 790 m - Pré Chevalier farm
  5. 4 : km 3.93 - alt. 718 m - Ajoux mast
  6. 5 : km 4.2 - alt. 662 m - Hamlet of Cros
  7. 6 : km 5.46 - alt. 523 m - Turn left at the road.
  8. 7 : km 6.02 - alt. 536 m - To the right towards the bridge at - Auzenet (cours d'eau) - Affluent de l'Auzène
  9. 8 : km 6.6 - alt. 548 m - Mât de Leyraud, on the left towards Blaizac. Near the - Ruisseau de Gournier (cours d'eau) - Affluent de l'Auzenet
  10. 9 : km 7.74 - alt. 722 m - Road on the left
  11. 10 : km 8.07 - alt. 703 m - Fork in the road
  12. 11 : km 8.13 - alt. 695 m - Crossroads, turn left towards Greytus.
  13. 12 : km 9.14 - alt. 569 m - Crossing the Auzenet - Auzenet (cours d'eau) - Affluent de l'Auzène
  14. 13 : km 9.65 - alt. 596 m - Crossroads, on the right
  15. 14 : km 9.84 - alt. 606 m - Crossroads on the right
  16. 15 : km 11.18 - alt. 725 m - Small road leading up to the hamlet of Greytus on the right.
  17. S/E : km 13.74 - alt. 683 m - Car park in front of the church in Pourchères.

Worth a visit

The Ajoux Rock is an important feature of the landscape. At an altitude of 750 metres, it bears witness to the volcanic eruptions of the Tertiary period, 6 million years ago; all that remains here is a basalt wall (a dyke) eroded by weathering and overlooking a magnificent scree slope on the western side, visible from far away.

Ajoux Rock

Ruins of the castle on the picturesque Ajoux rock. Local legend has it that the castle had 365 windows, one for each day of the year.

Very pretty hamlets, fortified farms, old houses full of character.

 Always be cautious and plan ahead when you're outdoors. Visorando and the author of this route cannot be held responsible for any accidents occurring on this route.

The GR® and PR® markings are the intellectual property of the Fédération Française de Randonnée Pédestre.

Reviews and comments

4.5 / 5
Based on 14 reviews

Reliability of the description
4.4 / 5
Ease of following the route
4.4 / 5
Route interest
4.7 / 5
christianeyn
christianeyn
• Edited:

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of your route : Apr 01, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

Hello,
I have done this hike several times without any problems, but today, 1 April 2025, it is no longer possible to pass point 13. The path leading up to the hamlet of Le Favet is now permanently closed, with a sign explaining the reason. The owner of the house at the top of the path leading to the hamlet has a flock of sheep and Patou dogs roaming freely. We couldn't get through because a Patou dog was blocking our way. We managed to get through this time by going across the field above to the road. We had to climb over a fence before reaching the road. What's more, there is no detour planned, and the recommended route below takes us to Pierres de Faux, which completely diverts us from the hike.
What a shame about this hike, which is now ruined!

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Marco 2607
Marco 2607
• Edited:

Overall rating : 4 / 5

Date of your route : Jan 24, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★☆☆ Average
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A very beautiful circular offering a wide variety of terrain and landscapes. Thank you for suggesting this hike.
The description is accurate and the markings on the ground make it easy to follow. However, there have been some changes since the route was first created. Between points 2 and 3, a fence means you have to go straight ahead, removing part of the route. After Le Charrier, at the Chauchères mast (point 13), you can no longer follow the route to the left (as indicated) towards the hamlet of Favet. The path is blocked, with signs indicating that it is no longer a hiking trail. It is also blocked from the hamlet of Favet if you want to take it in the other direction. However, at point 13, a path leading to the right is marked and signposted as the new route, but it makes a long detour to avoid the hamlet of Favet.

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celestine
celestine
• Edited:

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Apr 17, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

Lovely walk. Varied terrain. Beautiful scenery. We enjoyed this walk.

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Paragore
Paragore
• Edited:

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of your route : Jan 16, 2022
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

Please note that Ajoux Rock is private property. Please comply with the information sign located in the centre of the village.

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sentiersdu monde
sentiersdu monde
• Edited:

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Jan 17, 2022
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

A superb hike to do in autumn or spring. Enjoyed by all hikers. Moderate difficulty, varied landscape, and the Ajoux rock is a gem. I recommend this varied route.
We set off from the Favet equestrian centre. Easy parking. You can add a few small circulars for the more adventurous, especially in the summer.

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désapointé26
désapointé26
• Edited:

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of your route : Oct 23, 2021
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

This hike offers varied landscapes and passes through many different areas (chestnut forests, ridge paths, etc.) with magnificent views of the Ardèche hills and its sumptuous early autumn landscapes. It's a shame that the markings are almost non-existent on part of the end of the route.
The Ajoux rock, a geological curiosity, is very surprising when seen from the small village it overlooks.

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rodeo
rodeo
• Edited:

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Sep 19, 2021
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

SUPERB 20 km hike after a few detours through the superb landscape of the climb after the snack, but nothing really difficult as we climb gradually. A superb rock and pastures, very little road to walk in autumn when the broom is in bloom.

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vert
vert
• Edited:

Overall rating : 4 / 5

Date of your route : Jun 28, 2021
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

Good marking when it's hot prevented a lot of flowers

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maryse c
maryse c
• Edited:

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Jun 06, 2021
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

Very well marked and allows for many route changes.
A very varied and magnificent hike through the broom bushes.

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petitspas26
petitspas26
• Edited:

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Mar 16, 2021
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A very beautiful hike with superb views of the snow-covered Vercors today! Thank you to the author.

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ROBERTO26200
ROBERTO26200
• Edited:

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 14, 2020
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

Beautiful hike in the Ardèche Regional Park. No major difficulties. The map is accurate and the signage is clear.

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Florence BUFFAT
Florence BUFFAT
• Edited:

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Jun 11, 2019
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good

A beautiful walk in late spring among the broom, with very varied landscapes.

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MC5638
MC5638
• Edited:

Overall rating : 4 / 5

Date of your route : May 09, 2019
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good

To find out how to climb Ajoux Rock. Some directions would be welcome. I was able to climb the ridge east of the summit, but from there I couldn't follow the ridge to the summit.

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michel.dussere@gmail.com
michel.dussere@gmail.com
• Edited:

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of your route : Mar 11, 2019
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good

Beautiful volcanic landscape, will be more interesting with spring flowers
M. D

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