Circular Col d'Aurelle starting from Saint-Fortunat-sur-Eyrieux

Start from the Dolce Via car park, near the bridge over the Eyrieux, on the right bank.

(S/E) Cross the bridge over the Eyrieux. Continue straight ahead, carefully cross the D210 (Route de la Vallée) and follow Rue du Général Rampon. Pass in front of the church and you will immediately reach a junction (signpost).

(1) Continue straight on towards Les Aymards and the Col d’Aurelle, taking the small road that climbs (Chemin du Col d’Aurelle).

(2) At the first left-hand bend, leave the road and take a path on the right. Climb up and follow the road for about 150 m. At the signpost for “Salle des Aymards”, turn right towards Col d’Aurelle. Wind your way up through the holm oaks. When you reach a hairpin bend in the road, turn immediately right into the narrow passage between two rocks. Continue climbing until you come out onto a track.

(3) Follow the track to the right for about 150 m. Before a ruin on the right-hand side of the track, take the path that climbs to the left. Ignore a path coming from the left and continue climbing towards the Col d’Aurelle on an old path lined with oak trees. Pass above an isolated house and then overlook a road. Join the road and follow it straight on to the Col d’Aurèle (signpost).

(4) Then head right towards Crumière and Saint-Fortunat. At the fork that appears immediately, veer right to begin a descent along an old path through pine and chestnut trees. Walk southwards until you reach a track.

(5) First turn right then left to cross the track and head down towards Crumière along a path lined with pine, juniper and holm oak trees. The path narrows further on.

(6) At a junction, take a sharp right and cross the hamlet of Crumière. Head down the road towards Saint-Fortunat. Pass the hamlet of L'Adret.

(7) At a fork, take the Route du Cros on the left and head slightly uphill. At the next fork, turn right (nice view of the Eyrieux Valley). Reach the hamlet of Le Cros (signpost).

(8) Continue straight on towards the hamlet of L’Ubac. Cross a ravine (Combegrand Stream) then climb up to the outskirts of the hamlet of L’Ubac.

(9) Pass between the large stones marking the entrance to a property, then turn left to begin the descent. Follow the narrow, winding path down to the Ruisseau de Rochevielle. Head down to the left and cross the stream several times to reach some concrete steps on the right. Pass between the houses, then turn right.

(1) At Place de l’Église, head towards Dolce Via. Follow Rue du Général Rampon and cross the D120 and the Eyrieux again to return to the starting point (S/E).

Parking: free car park along the Dolce Via, next to the bridge over the Eyrieux and the campsite (GPS: 44.826378, 4.677867).

Signposting: GRP® (red and yellow) for the climb to the Col d’Aurelle, PR® (yellow) for the return via Crumière and Le Cros. Well signposted overall, but take care in the undergrowth where the markings may be less visible.

Terrain: forest tracks, stony paths and sections of small roads. A few steep sections on the climb between Les Aymards and Reynier (winding path). The descent after Le Cros towards the Ruisseau de Rochevielle is on a narrow, winding path.

Water: no drinking water points along the route. Bring plenty of water, especially in summer (south-facing on the ascent).

Recommended time of year: all year round. Spring and autumn are preferable to avoid the heat. In winter, the pass can be chilly and windy.

Natura 2000 area: the route crosses the Natura 2000 area “Vallée de l’Eyrieux et ses affluents”. Stay on the paths and respect the flora and fauna (yellow-bellied toad, European otter, ocellated lizard, etc.).

• Panoramic view of the Eyrieux Valley from the Route du Cros and from the heights of the climb.
• Col d’Aurelle (582 m): the highest point of the route, on the border between Saint-Fortunat-sur-Eyrieux and Saint-Julien-le-Roux. A landscape of pine and chestnut trees typical of the Ardèche mid-mountain region.
• The hamlets of Crumière and Le Cros: Ardèche rural heritage with stone houses.
• La Dolce Via: a former railway line converted into a cycle path, accessible from the start car park. Ideal for extending your day by bike or on foot.
• Holm oaks, pines, chestnut trees and junipers: the diversity of tree species reflects the interplay of Mediterranean and mountain influences in the Eyrieux Valley.
• The village of Saint-Fortunat-sur-Eyrieux: a small village to explore before or after your hike. The restaurant Le Touristique is the perfect place to enjoy a meal after a good walk.