Country:
District:
(S/E) Park in Lanas near the bridge on the north side, on the banks of the Ardèche. Cross the bridge and head towards Saint-Maurice-d'Ardèche on the D114.
(1) At the junction with the D579, cross carefully using the pedestrian crossing, follow the D579 to the right for 50 metres, turn left onto the village's main street, then after 50 metres turn left again onto a street that leads to a bridge over the old railway line. Cross the bridge.
(2) To the right of the bridge, a descent ending in a wooden footbridge leads to the path that follows the route of this old railway line. A cutting bypasses Saint-Maurice-d'Ardèche, then the track follows the D579. After the large viaduct opposite the hamlet of Les Salles, the track begins a wide curve to the left. On the straight stretch that follows, look for a signpost for hiking trails.
(3) Ignore the directions indicated, do not join the D579 immediately, but instead take the wide path on the left which becomes tarmac and runs alongside the old railway line, with a separating ditch. Continue southwards and pass in front of the old Balazuc station.
N.B. If you have missed the point (3) and find yourself in front of the tunnel entrance (you can take it, but it's a different hike...), a steep slope on the east side of the embankment will take you to the point (4).
(4) Turn right at the bridge over the old railway line and take this road. At the junction of the D294 and D579, take the D294 opposite and follow it to Chazotte. Take Rue de la Croisette to reach the lower part of Balazuc.
(5) Avoid the main access road as much as possible and walk up through the old medieval streets of the village of Balazuc. At the exit, rejoin the D294 to cross the bridge over the Ardèche.
(6) Turn right, follow the Ardèche river and reach the hamlet of Servière.
(7) Go up to the left between the houses, follow the sign for Lanas to the right by the river. The path follows limestone slabs, initially at a good height, then descends in steps to near the water.
(8) Pass above the Grotte des Estinettes.
(9) When you reach a gate covered with reed fencing, ignore the yellow/white signs that climb into the hills and simply go around the edge of the Domainzeau house on the left and above. Continue along the wide carriageway along the riverbank to reach the village of Lanas (S/E).
Visorando member
Moderate 
Difficult 
