Antraigues-sur-Volane Circular Loop: from the Col d’Aizac to Bise

(S) From the Col d’Aizac, take the D254 north-west and, 10 metres further on, after the first house, turn right into the path leading uphill between the houses and continue for about 200 metres.

(1) Leave the small road on your right, following it along the path that runs above it, then, at the hiking signpost, carry on straight ahead towards Rouyon. At the hamlet of Le Roux, cross the road and continue uphill, first between two low walls, then beneath the chestnut trees. The path is well signposted. You’ll pass along a clear ridge with breathtaking views over the Volane Valley and the rising sun.

(2) Head down the track on the right; it turns into a small road at the farm, then joins the Route des Auches, which you should follow to the left.

(3) Just past the first house, head down to the right along a path winding through the chestnut trees. It leads onto a small road, which you follow in the same direction (south-east). At the hairpin bend, follow it due north to reach the cluster of houses at Le Bouchet. The road ends and continues as a path that runs above the last house.

(4) Head up to the left towards Froment/Laviolle. A lovely paved slanting street offering superb views over this very rocky part of the Volane Valley. Join a small road and follow it to the left, passing at the foot of the Froment farm.

(5) At a large rock where the signpost has disappeared, continue along the small road.
Further on, at a fork in the road, continue uphill, heading due north. After a few hairpin bends, you’ll reach the Aubert farm; walk past it for 50 metres.

(6) At this point, leave the road and take the gently descending path on the right. Cross a first small stream, then you’ll reach the Rouyon torrent.

(7) Cross the Rouyon (fording point) at a large fallen tree lying across the path. The path continues to the right and runs along the edge of the Volane.

(8) Take care here, otherwise you risk heading straight for Le Villaret: at a low wall, go down to the right (unmarked) and then immediately left. Pass between the houses to reach a footbridge, then the bridge spanning the Volane. At this point, rejoin the^GRP® of the Haute Cévenne d’Ardèche, marked in yellow and red. Follow it due south along the road for over 1 km.

(9) Turn left onto the small road, which is still marked in yellow and red.

(10) Let the^GRP® trail continue off to the right, and carry on up this small road, which soon branches off to the north.
After the Saint-Vincent farm, it turns into a track suitable for vehicles. Stay on this ascending track, marked in yellow, to pass by the foot of the TV relay station. You’ll eventually come out onto another track running along the ridge.

(11) Turn left and head due north. Magnificent views to the east, over the Mas Valley and the hamlets of Le Mas and Le Mazoyer.

(12) Head down to the right towards Le Mazoyer. In the hamlet, you’ll come out onto a small road. Cross the Fédou, continue to the right, and head uphill through the hamlet to join a track.

(13) Continue along the track, which descends gently, to cross the Lavanches stream via a very pretty “ford”; shortly afterwards, ignore the track leading uphill to the left and stay on the one to the right. At the first junction, take the sharp left-hand bend to follow the track north-eastwards and, after a few long hairpin bends, reach a small pass (965m).

(14) Head down due east (no signposting). At the first junction, keep left; at the second, head down to the right. Join a small road at Mason.

(15) Leave this immediately to take the path descending to the right, marked in yellow, towards Bise. A pleasant descent through the pine trees. You’ll come out onto a small road and continue downhill to the left until you reach the hairpin bend.

(16) Leave the road and take the small path leading down opposite, which soon heads due south. It leads to the first houses on the hillside above Bise. Cross the small road twice to find a recently renovated paved slanting street between the houses.

(17) Opposite the church, join the small road crossing the River Bise to return to the car park at the starting point (E).

- Rocky paths: make sure you wear sturdy footwear.

- Drinking water and provisions available in all the villages you pass through, particularly Genestelle, St-Andéol-de-Vals and Aizac on the first day.
On the second day, you’ll pass through fewer villages; plan accordingly.

- (E) Aizac: end of the first stage and start of the second.
There is a restaurant, a bar and a small grocery shop in the village.
Accommodation available at the “Le Volcan d’Aizac” lodge and B&B – 04 75 38 77 81 – breakfasts and packed lunches.

- (S) Col d’Aizac: A pretty, peaceful village surrounded by nature… at the foot of the Aizac Volcano!

You can take the themed walk exploring the Volcan d’Aizac’s ancient volcanic activity. A short hike of 1 to 2 hours takes you to the summit, with information boards along the route.You can contact the “Le Volcan d’Aizac” lodge and guesthouse, where the hosts will be delighted to provide you with information and lend you brochures and guidebooks on this 80,000-year-old volcano, which is now extinct… unfortunately!

- (S) Aizac: Tour of the vinegar factory

- (5) Just before this point, due east, on the other side of the valley: Ranc Chabrier (927 m), a very popular summit and walking route in the hills above Antraigues-sur-Volane.

- Between (7) and (8), you can cross the Volane (you’ll need to take your shoes off!) to reach (9) directly on the opposite bank.

- (11) You can do a round trip to the summit of Ranc Chabrier (adding about 2 km and 100 m of elevation gain)

- (E) Bise: a lovely little inn, “Chez Christiane” 04 75 38 70 19

- (E) Bise: in summer, during July and August, don’t miss the “Mercredis de Bise” (late afternoons): a local farmers’ market – with barbecues, tables and benches provided – where you can cook and enjoy what you’ve just bought. A friendly atmosphere is guaranteed.

- Antraigues: the village of Jean Ferrat – a tour of the village – Place de la Résistance, the House-Museum, a charming (and popular with tourists) village perched on a rocky outcrop.