Circular loop above the Ardèche Gorges via the Tiourre Stream

Park on Chemin de Mayres, on the left, beside the D4 (Vallon-Pont-d’Arc road), 4.8 km after the sign indicating the exit for Saint-Remèze: on the left, before a right-hand bend marked by two double-chevrons, there is a grassy car park. At this bend, there is also a wooden water tank that looks like an above-ground swimming pool (elevation 408 on the IGN map). Several hiking trails start from the car park, including the GR®4F.

(S/E) From the car park, with your back to the road, from the “Le Razal” signpost, take the GR®4F south-eastwards, following the red and white markings. At the “Mayres” signpost, keep left towards Saint-Remèze.

(1) After a short bend to the left and then to the right (at elevation 387), leave the GR®4F and turn right onto a small path (Red Cross and White Cross on the ground). This path runs parallel to the cliff overlooking the gorge through which the Tiourre flows. When you reach a wide path, cross over to continue on the path opposite. The path moves away from the cliff to ease the descent, then joins a wider track, opening up a view of the Tiourre Gorges. Continue down, skirting a slope.

(2) Just before the path takes a wide left-hand bend (at elevation 306), turn right onto a path through the undergrowth. Descend along this winding path. Cross a rocky section using your hands for support. Continue the descent in a zigzag pattern beneath the cliff and through a coniferous wood towards the Tiourre.

(3) Once at the bottom of the valley, reach a crossroads with a very large cairn. Turn right twice to go round a pile of rocks and reach the Tiourre resurgence, beneath the cliff that closes off this steep-sided valley. Retrace your steps.

(3) In front of the large cairn, do not head back up but keep to the right to follow the left bank of the Tiourre to the ruins of the old mill. Here and there among the trees, you can spot pretty pools edged with petrified limestone and waterfalls cascading down the white rock.

(4) You’ll arrive at the stunning spot offered by the Ancien Moulin de Tourre basin and its turquoise water. (Please respect this fragile environment). Continue along the ruins of the mill, keeping the Tiourre stream on your right. Cross the bed of the Pissevieille stream (usually dry), and climb up the hill opposite. Continue along the path that follows the Tiourre until you soon come to a ford on the right, leading to a visible track on the opposite bank.

(5) Cross the Tiourre at the ford and follow the track on the right bank. Above Bas Moulin, climb a short but steep slope over scree.

(6) You’ll come out onto a signposted path; take it to the left. This path, running along a ledge above the Tiourre, roughly at the same level as the Gorges de l’Ardèche road on the other side, will soon offer views of the Ardèche. Walk through the hamlet of Châmes on the Chemin du Tiourre.

(7) Head up to the right onto the yellow and white marked hiking trail above the chapel, taking the steps. Pass the first signpost marked "Sentier de Châmes".

(8) At the fork (cairn and second signpost marked "Sentier de Châmes"), take the forest path to the right.

(9) As you climb, clearings offer views of the Rocher de Sampzon and Vallon Pont d’Arc in the background, and the Ardèche and the Cirque d’Estre below (you can just make out the Pont d’Arc). Further on, ignore a path branching off to the left and follow the yellow and white markings

(10) At the signpost for “Combe Longue”, head towards Mayres and Saint Remèze, turning right onto a damp forest track where the trees are covered in lichen. At the signpost for “Bois du Roi”, take the hairpin bend to the left towards Vallon Pont d’Arc via Pousaras to climb above the Ravin de Combe Longue.

(11) At the “Pousaras” signpost, head towards Mayres on the right. (Looking back, there is a view of the Ardèche and the Cévennes). At the next crossroads, pass between dry stone walls and follow the yellow and white markings which turn right. (View of the Rocher de Sampzon and Vallon Pont d'Arc). The path turns left then runs fairly straight through the woodland to the summit of the Serre de la Desferre.

(12) At the “Serre de la Desferre” signpost, turn right towards Mayres and Saint Remèze to return to the car park where you started (S/E).

Make sure you wear suitable footwear: the Ardèche trails are very stony and the left bank of the Tiourre is quite rugged.

After heavy rain, access to the Tiourre resurgence after the point (3), crossing the bed of the Ruisseau de Pissevieille after the mill, and crossing the ford at the point (5) may mean you get your feet wet.

Note: this circular route can also be done starting from the small car park in the hamlet of Châmes. In this case, the climb takes place in the first part of the route. However, this car park, located on the Ardèche Gorges tourist route, fills up very quickly. Generally speaking, this route is more pleasant outside peak tourist seasons, as the Tiourre valley is very popular with nearby campsites. And of course, to enjoy the Tiourre waterfalls and gours, avoid periods of drought, as in such cases only the Ancien Moulin pool remains fed.

After heavy rain, if there is water in the bed of the Pissevieille stream (just past the mill), do take the detour to admire the waterfall of the same name and its 80-metre drop. To do this, head back up towards the mill and take the path on the right up the hill; the sound of the waterfall will guide you to a small rocky outcrop from which you can see it.