Refine your search for walks in Burdignes
Burdignes walks
The Chirol Cross in Burdignes
Visorando Member
4.24 mi
+410 ft
-427 ft
2h 20
Easy
Departure from Burdignes (Loire)
A relatively easy walk to a viewpoint overlooking the Rhône valley, the Pilat and Ardèche mountains, and a superb view of the Alps on clear days.
La Cartara in the Taillard Forest
9.01 mi
+1,650 ft
-1,650 ft
5h 35
Moderate
Departure from Burdignes (Loire)
A breath of fresh air in the Taillard Forest and beautiful views of the Pilat massif and the Annonay Basin. In autumn, you might even come across a few porcini mushrooms!
From Bourg-Argental to Thélis-la-Combe
7.50 mi
+1,634 ft
-1,611 ft
4h 50
Moderate
Departure from Bourg-Argental (Loire)
In the heart of the Pilat Regional Park, a hike through a rolling, mid-mountain landscape. An ideal walk for hot weather, but one that certainly retains plenty of charm in winter too.
Towards the heights of Saint Sauveur-en-Rue to the west of Bourg-Argental
8.77 mi
+1,526 ft
-1,522 ft
5h 20
Moderate
Departure from Bourg-Argental (Loire)
A hike west of Bourg-Argental, towards Saint-Sauveur-en-Rue, between the Déôme and Riotet valleys. Beautiful views at Ss Montchal and the Taillard Forest, to the east towards the Alps and to the north towards the Col de la République. A route alternating between very quiet roads and good paths and trails.
From Bourg-Argental to La Versanne
7.53 mi
+1,480 ft
-1,476 ft
4h 45
Moderate
Departure from Bourg-Argental (Loire)
Walk in the countryside at the foot of the Pilat massif with beautiful views and interesting heritage.
Bourg-Argental to Montchal Castle
7.55 mi
+1,581 ft
-1,598 ft
4h 50
Moderate
Departure from Bourg-Argental (Loire)
Climb above Bourg-Argental and admire the Pilat Massif from the ruins of Montchal Castle. From the hills of Burdignes, discover the Annonay region and the Alps on the horizon on a clear day.
Bourg-Argental - Les Sétoux
11.91 mi
+2,425 ft
-328 ft
7h 35
Difficult
Departure from Bourg-Argental (Loire)
Twelfth stage of the Way of St James. This stage leads to the watershed between the Atlantic and the Mediterranean, at the point where the last foothills of the Rhône valley meet the volcanic plateaus of the Velay. Setting off from Bourg-Argental, you will follow the Via Fluvia for several kilometres before beginning the climb to the Col du Tracol through the Taillard forest.
The Masse valley between the Ardèche and the Loire
7.72 mi
+1,729 ft
-1,709 ft
5h 05
Moderate
Departure from Villevocance (Ardèche)
Between the departments of Ardèche and Loire, follow La Masse to reach Burdignes, continuing towards Croix Fleurie and then Toissieu, traversing the ridges with superb views.
La Maison dans la Nature - Col de la Charousse
10.05 mi
+955 ft
-965 ft
5h 25
Moderate
Departure from Burdignes (Loire)
A walk in the Taillard forest offers views of the last mountains of the southern Loire on one side and, on the other side, the Annonay basin, the Rhône valley and, on a clear day, the Alps.
Between Annonay and Burdignes
13.40 mi
+2,244 ft
-2,241 ft
8h 05
Difficult
Departure from Villevocance (Ardèche)
Climb and ramble along the ridges above Annonay. Beautiful view of the Alps and Pilat.
Mer de Glace - Toissieux
3.92 mi
+712 ft
-722 ft
2h 25
Difficult
Departure from Villevocance (Ardèche)
A short walk off the beaten track. Short but intense at the start, it follows paths that have almost been forgotten, including one along a cliff edge.
On the heights of Villevocance
6.03 mi
+1,030 ft
-1,030 ft
3h 40
Moderate
Departure from Villevocance (Ardèche)
A short, easy hike around Villevocance which, on a clear day, offers panoramic views of the Rhône Valley, the Alps, Burdignes and the Vocance Valley.
The Pilat de Vanosc peaks
9.53 mi
+2,067 ft
-2,070 ft
6h 10
Moderate
Departure from Vanosc (Ardèche)
Beautiful views of the Vocance valleys, the Annonay region, the Pilat massif and, on a clear day, the entire Vercors chain with the Alps in the background.
A breath of fresh air in the Taillard forest.
Loop between Croix-de-Chirol and Boulieu-lès-Annonay
3.47 mi
+715 ft
-715 ft
2h 15
Easy
Departure from Boulieu-lès-Annonay (Ardèche)
This is an easy, short walk on good stony paths. There are beautiful views of the surrounding mountains. Tip: best done in mid-May when the broom is in bloom. Be careful, there is little shade, so avoid the hottest times of day.
From stones to mills through the hamlets starting from La Versanne
7.77 mi
+1,434 ft
-1,453 ft
4h 50
Moderate
Departure from La Versanne (Loire)
A fairly easy hike on the southern slope of the Pilat Regional Nature Park, with balcony passages offering beautiful views and pleasant woodland sections in summer. There is plenty of heritage to discover, with numerous ancient crosses, picturesque farms, mysterious stones and old mills.
Chatinais - Toissieu
8.42 mi
+1,250 ft
-1,270 ft
5h 00
Moderate
Departure from Annonay (Ardèche)
This is a beautiful hike in the hills, offering superb views of the Rhône valley and the Alps, as well as the northern Vivarais mountains. On the way back to Annonay, the trail winds above the Cance valley before it becomes a gorge once you have passed Annonay.
The crossing of the ridges with broom in bloom in late spring will not leave nature lovers indifferent.
Circular des Roches and Crêt de la Garde starting from La Fargère
7.57 mi
+1,253 ft
-1,257 ft
4h 35
Moderate
Departure from Colombier (Loire) (Loire)
Come and explore the paths of the commune of Colombier-sous-Pilat as you pass through some of its hamlets.
Saint-Julien-Molin-Molette circular via the GR®65
4.79 mi
+797 ft
-807 ft
2h 55
Easy
Departure from Colombier (Loire) (Loire)
Hike to the outskirts of Saint-Julien-Molin-Molette along part of the Way of St James.
Le Mont – Les Oriols – La Crapaudière circular loop
2.75 mi
+456 ft
-456 ft
1h 40
Easy
Departure from Colombier (Loire) (Loire)
A short walk linking a few hamlets on the heights of Bourg-Argental via paths reopened by the Pilat Regional Nature Park.
The Col du Banchet starting from Saint-Julien-Molin-Molette
5.69 mi
+1,184 ft
-1,168 ft
3h 40
Moderate
Departure from Saint-Julien-Molin-Molette (Loire)
A village in the heart of the Pilat Massif, set in a mid-mountain environment with beautiful views along this hike.
Around fifteen factories were built along the banks of the Ternay. All this industry was linked to the Lyon silk weavers. Some of these buildings have been taken over by artists to set up studios. Information taken from Wikipedia.
TO ALL HIKERS (SES) WHO FOLLOW MY HIKES: you can post photos indicating their location on the route.
Lac du Ternay from Saint-Julien-Molin-Molette
7.20 mi
+1,283 ft
-1,283 ft
4h 25
Moderate
Departure from Saint-Julien-Molin-Molette (Loire)
In the Pilat Mountains, this walk will take you through fields and wooded paths to Lac du Ternay.
Around Saint-Julien-Molin-Molette
7.99 mi
+1,407 ft
-1,391 ft
4h 55
Moderate
Departure from Saint-Julien-Molin-Molette (Loire)
Saint-Julien-Molin-Molette is a village located in the heart of the Pilat Regional Park. The hike takes you along streams and wooded hills to the Menhir du Flat, then to the Croix de Sainte-Blandine on the Way of St James. Along the route, in certain places, weather permitting, you will be treated to beautiful views stretching all the way to the Alps.
The Menhir du Flat and the Colombier from Saint-Julien-Molin-Molette
7.88 mi
+1,549 ft
-1,539 ft
5h 00
Moderate
Departure from Saint-Julien-Molin-Molette (Loire)
Saint-Jullien-Molin-Molette is a typical village in the Pilat Mountains. Starting from this village, the route will take you to the Menhir du Flat, a geological curiosity. After passing through the village of Le Colombier, you will walk through woods where, from time to time, you will be treated to beautiful views of the Pilat Mountains and valleys.
The old mines of Éteize from Saint-Julien-Molin-Molette
6.43 mi
+1,020 ft
-991 ft
3h 50
Moderate
Departure from Saint-Julien-Molin-Molette (Loire)
This hike will take you on a journey through the Pilat mountains but also into the past, to a unique site resulting from the former lead mines.
The Boiray Cross in Vocance
8.02 mi
+1,614 ft
-1,614 ft
5h 05
Moderate
Departure from Vocance (Ardèche)
Hike along the slopes of the Cance Valley to the ridges leading to the Haute-Loire.
The Croix de Chirol from Boulieu-lès-Annonay
9.87 mi
+1,788 ft
-1,785 ft
6h 05
Moderate
Departure from Boulieu-lès-Annonay (Ardèche)
A long walk to a magnificent viewpoint on the border between the Loire and Ardèche regions. In good weather, you can see as far as Mont Blanc, the Alps, the Vercors and even Mont Ventoux.
Loop around Montmiandon with a view of Annonay
3.94 mi
+853 ft
-853 ft
6h 05
Easy
Departure from Annonay (Ardèche)
This is a lovely little loop to enjoy Montmiandon, with a beautiful view of the Annonay basin. The elevation gain is low, but it offers a very pleasant view of Annonay. Much of the trail is in the woods, making it possible to do this loop even when it's hot.
The Chapel of Saint-Sabin at the start of the Colombier route
7.40 mi
+1,568 ft
-1,565 ft
4h 45
Easy
Departure from Colombier (Loire) (Loire)
Following unpaved footpaths and a few very quiet tarmac roads, this walk takes you to a beautiful 16th-century chapel with a lovely view over the Rhône Valley.
The southern Pilat from Graix to La Perdrix
8.56 mi
+1,644 ft
-1,644 ft
5h 20
Moderate
Departure from Graix (Loire)
The Pilat massif on its southern slope with a passage at its highest point, the Crêt de la Perdrix.
The panoramic views from Graix
4.64 mi
+797 ft
-787 ft
2h 50
Easy
Departure from Graix (Loire)
A lovely circular route that takes you through a magnificent beech forest and then along a balcony path where you can admire the Monts d'Ardèche and the Alps.
La Maumarcha and Le Grand Felletin
5.57 mi
+922 ft
-892 ft
3h 20
Moderate
Departure from Riotord (Haute-Loire)
The Maumarcha or the fantastic trail of northern Vivarais: over (more than) 1.2 km, behind a tree or a rock, you will encounter strange characters... let your imagination run wild and be amazed by the whimsical creations of nature...
Then return via the Grand Felletin, where, according to the elders, it is possible to see the three suns at dawn, when the latter is reflected on Mont Blanc.
Circular route from Saint-Clair via Charézy
5.54 mi
+837 ft
-820 ft
3h 15
Moderate
Departure from Saint-Clair (Ardèche)
A lovely walk in the hills above Saint-Clair and Boulieu-lès-Annonay. There’s a little bit of tarmac road, but not too much. On the other hand, there are magnificent views of the Vercors range – from the Grande Moucherolle to the Veymont, then from the Trois Becs to the Rhône valley – followed by the Sécheras and Quintenas plateaus and the whole of the Annonay plain.
Walk in the forest above Saint-Régis-du-Coin
11.68 mi
+1,250 ft
-1,224 ft
6h 30
Moderate
Departure from La Versanne (Loire)
A long, pleasant walk in summer through beautiful forests between the Col de la République and Saint-Régis-du-Coin. Can also be done in winter with snowshoes or even cross-country skis.
The Polish maquis monument
4.36 mi
+705 ft
-705 ft
2h 35
Easy
Departure from La Versanne (Loire)
This easy, short walk through the woods in the heart of the Grand Bois in the Pilat Regional Nature Park is a chance to remember a tragic event from the Second World War, around a small monument that has been somewhat forgotten as it does not appear on any maps.
Route updated on 18 July 2020.
Boucle au départ du Col de la République
5.49 mi
+449 ft
-430 ft
2h 55
Easy
Departure from Saint-Genest-Malifaux (Loire)
a peaceful walk with no difficult sections but not recommended for young children or pushchairs, through forest, alongside ponds and numerous fields in the Pilat Park.
Update 20/08/25: photos added and details provided for the fork at point (7)
Update 15/07/2025: route modified between points (5) and (7) due to the gradual disappearance of the path on the western edge of the pond.
From Trois Croix to Chaussitre
8.22 mi
+866 ft
-843 ft
4h 30
Moderate
Departure from Saint-Genest-Malifaux (Loire)
Hike on the plateau from the Col de la République between Saint-Genest-Malifaux and Saint-Régis-du-Coin.
From Le Grand Bois to Saint-Régis-du-Coin
11.44 mi
+1,535 ft
-1,529 ft
6h 35
Moderate
Departure from Saint-Genest-Malifaux (Loire)
An easy hike through the forests of Pilat. The route through the trees will take you to the Crêt de Chaussitre, where there is an orientation table offering a panoramic view of the nearby mountains and the Massif Central. The path takes you through the village of Saint-Régis-du-Coin, and further on, through the Gimel peat bogs. Near the end of the route, a second orientation table offers a superb view on a clear day, this time of the Alps.
The Three Springs Route
9.00 mi
+1,145 ft
-1,142 ft
5h 10
Moderate
Departure from Vocance (Ardèche)
A refreshing summer walk to enjoy with the family, discovering the three springs of the Sucs de Barry and de Vent.
The Screes and Mont Chaix
15.42 mi
+2,930 ft
-2,946 ft
9h 40
Difficult
Departure from Saint-Symphorien-de-Mahun (Ardèche)
An oppidum, a mushroom discovery trail and a 12th-century church punctuate this superb route, which promises beautiful panoramic views from the heights of the various screes and Mont Chaix overlooking the Ay valley.
Les Sétoux-Tence
17.97 mi
+1,808 ft
-2,792 ft
10 hrs
Very difficult
Departure from Riotord (Haute-Loire)
Thirteenth stage of the Way of St James. This stage begins the long descent towards Le Puy-en-Velay. After crossing the Pilat and the Vivarais, the Velay region will now accompany you for the next few stages. This route, just over 25 km long, is a tribute to nature, both in atmosphere and scenery.
North-west of Saint Alban d'Ay
7.81 mi
+1,086 ft
-1,096 ft
4h 30
Moderate
Departure from Saint-Alban-d'Ay (Ardèche)
A hike in the Ardèche countryside at the foot of the Roche des Vents.
Rochettes loop
4.34 mi
+407 ft
-407 ft
2h 20
Easy
Departure from Le Bessat (Loire)
A hike starting from Le Bessat, in the Pilat Regional Nature Park, offering unobstructed views of the Mont Blanc massif and then the Mézenc.
N.B. Hike not accessible in winter (area reserved for skiing).
The secrets of the Grand Bois
4.93 mi
+571 ft
-558 ft
2h 45
Easy
Departure from Le Bessat (Loire)
An easy walk in the forest, refreshing on summer days, in the heart of the Pilat Regional Nature Park, to discover the somewhat secret sites of the Grand Bois.
The Saint-Sabin chapel from Saint-Appolinard
7.61 mi
+2,182 ft
-2,182 ft
5h 25
Moderate
Departure from Saint-Appolinard (Loire) (Loire)
Another original way to get to this beautiful viewpoint that is the Saint-Sabin chapel on a small bluff in the heart of the Pilat Park, pouring into the Rhône Valley, with some of the best views of the Alps and pre-Alps (especially across the south). At the chapel, many signs and indications tell the story of the place and its flora.
Around Brossainc via Vinzieux
6.52 mi
+1,096 ft
-1,109 ft
3h 55
Moderate
Departure from Brossainc (Ardèche)
A walk with no particular difficulty, offering beautiful views of the Rhône Valley and the villages in this part of the Pilat Natural Park. The route takes you through forests, offering shaded areas, and along open paths, offering varied landscapes.
Loop around Lake Ternay starting from Brossainc
10.69 mi
+1,604 ft
-1,588 ft
6h 20
Moderate
Departure from Brossainc (Ardèche)
A walk that leads along paths via the Col du Fayet to Lake Ternay, where you can, if you wish, enjoy the pleasant surroundings and take your lunch out of your rucksack.
The Crêt de la Perdrix from Chaubouret
7.79 mi
+1,224 ft
-1,204 ft
4 hrs
Moderate
Departure from Le Bessat (Loire)
Long snowshoe hike on the Pilat ridges.
Can also be done on foot if there is no snow.
Le Crêt de la Perdrix from Les Gouttes
11.57 mi
+1,913 ft
-1,919 ft
7h 00
Moderate
Departure from Le Bessat (Loire)
A very beautiful hike in the Pilat Massif. Stunning views and varied vegetation. The section between (8) and (10) is a bit more monotonous... In the right season, you can pick raspberries or blackberries.
Circular route in the Pilat mountains starting from Croix de Chaubouret
9.58 mi
+2,254 ft
-2,274 ft
6h 20
Difficult
Departure from Le Bessat (Loire)
In the heart of the Pilat mountains, this hike will take you to the highest point of the massif, the Crêt de la Perdrix. The route will guide you to the Saut du Gier, a pretty waterfall not far from the shepherd's hut, where the river has its source. The path will take you through majestic forests where tall trees will shelter you from the sun's rays in summer.
The Pilat circular: Chapelle Saint-Sabin, Trois Dents and Route des Crêtes
11.83 mi
+2,326 ft
-2,300 ft
7h 30
Difficult
Departure from Véranne (Loire)
The Mont Pilat massif is very popular and criss-crossed by numerous trails. This circular loop combines several of them to pass by the site of the Chapelle St Sabin, then climb up to cross the Trois Dents on a fun route, before reaching the ridge and following it through the various crests stretching from the Œillon to the Perdrix. The return journey is via a descent that favours paths through the woods.
Crêt de l'Œillon from Saint-Sabin
6.74 mi
+1,309 ft
-1,280 ft
4h 15
Moderate
Departure from Véranne (Loire)
This route, consisting of three circular loops, is one of the most beautiful hikes in Pilat.
You will discover the Chapelle Saint-Sabin, a viewpoint over the Rhône valley, the Pic des Trois Dents and the Crêt de l'Œillon, dominated by its television transmitter.
Crêt de l'Oeillon from Saint-Sabin
6.71 mi
+1,378 ft
-1,358 ft
4h 15
Moderate
Departure from Véranne (Loire)
A lovely hike in the Pilat hills offering 360° views of Pilat, the Alps, the Monts du Lyonnais and the Monts du Forez.
The Saint-Sabin Chapel from the cross
1.35 mi
+226 ft
-226 ft
0h 50
Easy
Departure from Véranne (Loire)
A very short, easy stroll (apart from the rocky path).
At the chapel, you can enjoy an exceptional view of:
- the Rhône Valley,
- the Pre-Alps (Chartreuse & Vercors),
- the Alps (on a clear day, you can even see Mont Blanc...)
... and when you turn around, you'll see the peaks of Pilat: Les 3 Dents, Crêt de l'Oeillon, etc.
A circular in Le Bessat via Les Grands Bois and Le Sapin Géant
9.83 mi
+1,161 ft
-1,175 ft
5h 30
Moderate
Departure from Le Bessat (Loire)
The route takes you through forests of tall trees on the cross-country ski trails of the Bessat resort.
Panoramic view from Grand Felletin
3.10 mi
+1,109 ft
-1,273 ft
2h 25
Easy
Departure from Saint-Julien-Molhesabate (Haute-Loire)
A pleasant little walk along a wide forest path, surrounded by tall pine trees, to the Grand Felletin orientation table and the magnificent panorama that can be seen from there. In September, take a basket with you, as there are mushrooms to be found.
Quintenas circular loop
3.51 mi
+151 ft
-154 ft
1h 45
Easy
Departure from Quintenas (Ardèche)
A short family hike along pretty little paths and trails in Quintenas, including the "Pont des Amis" bridge.
Crest de L'Oeillon from Veranne
10.07 mi
+2,746 ft
-2,753 ft
7h 00
Moderate
Departure from Véranne (Loire)
This hike takes you through several different landscapes in Pilat. It starts at the foot of the hills, rich in orchards, and reaches the highest point of the massif, where the view is spectacular.
Les Trois Dents from Véranne
8.75 mi
+2,323 ft
-2,339 ft
6h 05
Moderate
Departure from Véranne (Loire)
This hike allows you to discover the Trois Dents rocks, which give this area of Pilat an alpine character and offer magnificent views. As an option, the Saint-Sabin chapel offers a beautiful view of the Véranne area. The Pilat Natural Park's signposts and directional signs will be a great help in following the route.
Circular from Véranne to the Saint-Sabin Chapel
7.90 mi
+2,064 ft
-2,077 ft
5h 25
Moderate
Departure from Véranne (Loire)
A very pleasant hike. It offers varied landscapes, on ancient mossy paths, dotted with houses typical of the Pilat region. You will have beautiful views of the surrounding and even distant peaks on numerous occasions.
From Véranne to Sainte-Blandine
7.67 mi
+1,375 ft
-1,378 ft
4h 45
Moderate
Departure from Véranne (Loire)
From the village of Véranne, shaded paths will take you through the hills of the Pilat Natural Park to the Croix de Sainte-Blandine, which overlooks the Rhône valley, offering a beautiful view of the Alps on a clear day.
The return journey is via theGR®65, which is also part of the Way of St James from Geneva.
From Véranne to Saint-Julien-Molin-Molette
11.44 mi
+1,883 ft
-1,909 ft
6h 55
Difficult
Departure from Véranne (Loire)
A route through the Pilat mountains that takes you along a short stretch of the Way of St James and offers beautiful views of the Rhône valley in places. You can also visit the villages of Véranne and Saint-Julien-Molin-Molette along the way.
The hillsides of Maclas
8.41 mi
+909 ft
-889 ft
4h 40
Easy
Departure from Maclas (Loire)
fairly easy hike on the foothills of Mont Pilat, facing it and the Rhône plain
The Bessey Plateau and the Batalon
8.16 mi
+1,050 ft
-1,070 ft
4h 40
Moderate
Departure from Maclas (Loire)
A lovely circular route that takes you from Maclas to the beautiful medieval village of Malleval via the Bessey Plateau and the Épervier river valley, then back up the Batalon river.
No particular difficulty (apart from the length of the route); the paths are mostly easy and gently sloping.
The second half of the route (from the River Épervier to Maclas) is mostly cool and shaded.
