The Buisson circular route via Banne

Access: Mayres is situated on the RN102, at the foot of the Col de la Chavade, between Aubenas and Le Puy-en-Velay.
Park in the church square.

(S/E) The start is behind Parc Émile Jean, next to the town hall. Take the Chemin du Chazalet, running alongside the cemetery.

(1) After walking for about 150 metres, turn left onto Rue de la Trapette (a small tarmac path) which joins the main road. Cross at the pedestrian crossing, then continue to the right for about 100 metres, towards Aubenas.

(2) Take the path that opens up on the left and leads to the Ardèche. Cross the footbridge. Once you reach the junction at the top of the hill, carry on straight ahead and follow the path as it curves widely to the left, crossing two streams. You’ll reach a junction of paths on the ridge.

(3) Go straight on to begin the descent towards the hamlet of Banne, and reach it.

(4) At the junction, turn left onto the Chemin du Pigeonnier, which runs alongside the Ardèche at a distance. Continue for about 200 m.

(5) Take a path on the right, shaped like steps, which leads down to the footbridge allowing you to cross the Ardèche again. Once on the other side, you’ll come out onto Chemin du Moulin, and continue to the A-road. Cross at the pedestrian crossing to return to the car park at the church square (S/E).

For more information on walking routes around Mayres, I invite you to visit the ‘Amis de Mayres’ website: ‘https:// www.lesamisdemayres.org’.

Using walking poles will help you keep your footing.

Please be considerate towards the volunteers who maintain the paths. Le Buisson – which certainly lives up to its name – faces south and is a haven for broom, brambles and blackthorns, which thrive here in abundance. This path is also difficult to maintain as wild boars regularly knock stones loose and trample the path.

You’re bound to spot, directly ahead of you, the Serre de la Croix de Bauzon with the famous Rocher d’Abraham.

There is a beautiful view over the eastern part of the village of Mayres.