From Chavanay to Malleval

Walk through the orchards of Chavanay. Best done in April when the fruit trees are in bloom. As a bonus, you'll see the charming village of Malleval and the Epervier valley.
Please note: read carefully at marker No. 8

Details

116078
Creation:
Last update:
Last review:
  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 14.81 km
  • ◔
    Average duration: 5h 25 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Moderate

  • ⚐
    Back to start: Yes
  • ↗
    Ascent: + 418 m
  • ↘
    Descent: - 423 m

  • ▲
    Highest point: 357 m
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 154 m

Photos

Description of the walk

Head to the central square in Chavanay. Park.

(S/E) Leave the square and take Grand Rue towards the east, then turn right onto Rue des Services and continue to the bridge over the river.

(1) Just before the bridge, note the water jousting basin and the old tower. From the bridge, our route follows theGR®65trail for quite a while (white and red markings). Once you have crossed the bridge, turn right. Once in La Choréry, turn right again.

(2) After a few metres, turn left. The path climbs steeply. It passes in front of a chapel.

(3) Shortly after the chapel, turn left. Continue straight ahead, ignoring the paths coming from the left. You will come to a small tarmac road. Follow it to the left.

(4) At the next crossroads, descend into Ribaudy to cross the hamlet. At the end of the hamlet, continue to follow the red and white markings. You will descend into a small valley.

(5) After the small bridge, take the path on the left that climbs quite steeply. You will come out onto the plateau, surrounded by fruit trees, and pass the Grange du Merle. Continue straight ahead until you reach a small paved road.

(6). When you reach a crossroads, leave theGR®65, which branches off to the right (you will return this way later). Continue straight ahead (south-east) and walk along this small local road for a short while until you reach a bus shelter and a cross.

(7) At this point, take a small paved road on the left (Chemin de Natuel). Pass a group of houses. Ignore the path that branches off to the right. Continue downhill straight ahead. You will see a wooded embankment on your right. This gives way to a vineyard overlooking the path

(8) When you reach the end of the stone wall supporting the vineyard, turn right (white/yellow signpost) onto the path that climbs slightly. A little further on, take the path that descends slightly to the left opposite. Follow it. It gradually turns westwards.
Be careful, as it runs alongside some fairly steep drops in places (but it's not really vertiginous). Leave a path that comes in from your left and continue downhill to Malleval. At the bottom of the valley, cross the river and climb up the opposite side to reach the only main street in Malleval

(9). Take the time to walk up to the church and return to this point. Walk up the main street to the end of the village.

(10) When you reach a bridge (before the school), turn left onto the road that climbs towards Paton. At a hairpin bend, take the path that branches off to the right between two houses. At the first fork, turn right. Climb up the cool, shady Epervier valley. At a second fork, take the left-hand branch. Climb up the valley as far as possible, first on the right bank, then on the left bank, ignoring a path that climbs up to the right.

(11) When your path returns to the right bank, it will start to climb, leaving the stream behind. You will come out onto the plateau, first on a stony path, then on a tarmac road.

(12). You will see the red and whiteGR® markings again. Take the road on the right. Further on, cross the Epervier again. Cross several paths, then the D79 road.

Continue until you reach a crossroads with a tarmac road. You will rejoin the route where you left the GR®.

(6) Then turn left to return to the starting point via the same route as on the way there (S/E).

Waypoints

  1. S/E : km 0 - alt. 165 m - Central square in Chavanay
  2. 1 : km 0.2 - alt. 156 m - Bridge over the Regrillon
  3. 2 : km 0.69 - alt. 202 m - Sloping path
  4. 3 : km 1.22 - alt. 240 m - Fork after a chapel
  5. 4 : km 1.98 - alt. 316 m - La Ribaudy
  6. 5 : km 2.53 - alt. 262 m - Bridge over the Mornieux
  7. 6 : km 3.71 - alt. 295 m - Crossroads
  8. 7 : km 4.75 - alt. 307 m - Natuel path
  9. 8 : km 5.28 - alt. 264 m - Path on the right
  10. 9 : km 5.85 - alt. 235 m - Malleval Church
  11. 10 : km 6.35 - alt. 241 m - Bridge at the north-west exit of Malleval
  12. 11 : km 8.15 - alt. 310 m - Cross the stream
  13. 12 : km 8.48 - alt. 357 m - La Boye
  14. S/E : km 14.81 - alt. 165 m - Central square in Chavanay

Notes

The description has been modified to clarify the ambiguity at marker No. 8.

The walk starts in the central square of Chavanay.

There are no drinking water points (in La Ribaudy, there is a Condrieu wine cellar... which may be useful...)

In Malleval, there is an attractive alternative route that adds a little to the walk (about 15 minutes): at Malleval church, take the path that descends below the church façade. Ignore a path that quickly appears on the left. At a T-junction, take the "chemin des Cactus" on the right, which goes uphill. It's quite impressive: a huge bed of dwarf cacti. Then, when you reach a path (Montée du Taret), turn right to join the main street of Malleval between landmarks 9 and 10.
.

Worth a visit

The village of Chavanay, with its narrow streets and water jousting basin.
Fruit trees and the peaks of Pilat.
The medieval village of Malleval.
The Epervier valley (ideal for picnics on hot days).

 Always be cautious and plan ahead when you're outdoors. Visorando and the author of this route cannot be held responsible for any accidents occurring on this route.

The GR® and PR® markings are the intellectual property of the Fédération Française de Randonnée Pédestre.

Reviews and comments

4.5 / 5
Based on 34 reviews

Reliability of the description
4.4 / 5
Ease of following the route
4.5 / 5
Route interest
4.5 / 5
gali69
gali69

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Sep 14, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

Hike completed for the third time.
As the bridge in Chavanay was destroyed by the floods of October 2024, access to the recycling centre car park, south of the river, is possible via Rue du Scree, which can be reached from the D1086.
There is a picnic area with tables at the commanderie, at the maison du sel. Leave Rue de l'Église on your right and go to the end of the street, then climb the stairs.
Thanks to the author of the circuit.

Machine-translated

Mamie coco
Mamie coco
• Edited:

Overall rating : 4 / 5

Date of your route : Apr 17, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

Route taken on 27/3/2025 but modified. To avoid the road between points 6 and 7, at point 6 we took the path on the right towards the lamb slaughterhouse, then turned left to reach point 7. We passed close to the chapel of Ste Claude.
For the return journey after point 11, at the lamb slaughterhouse, we took a path on the left towards Les Epinanches, then rejoined point 5 via Les Fogiers.

Machine-translated

Sophiedu27
Sophiedu27
• Edited:

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of your route : Apr 06, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A very pleasant and enjoyable route that we completed in sunny weather: paths through orchards and vineyards, a few sections through woodland and the picturesque village of Malleval.
There were a few sections of quiet paved roads.
We followed the route using the Visorando app.
The route along the Epervier stream is very pleasant.
Hiking poles may be useful, particularly for crossing the stream, which is done on a few exposed stones at points 5 (the bridge is closed) and 10 (no bridge).
Thanks to the author for the route.

Machine-translated

nanourando38
nanourando38

Overall rating : 4 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 27, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★☆☆ Average
Very busy route : No

A pleasant walk through orchards and the beautiful town of Malleval. It would be interesting to add the Lorette waterfall, which is below the village and below the level of the road to Pélussin. Nice spot for swimming, but be careful: it's dangerous for children as the hole is over 3 metres deep. It would be interesting to return via other orchards before rejoining the GR65.

Machine-translated

hiker38
hiker38

The route was completed without any major difficulties.
The descent to the village of Malleval is picturesque.
The gentle climb up the Epervier stream is very pleasant.

Machine-translated

rando1961
rando1961

Overall rating : 4 / 5

Date of your route : Mar 16, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

A lovely walk in beautiful sunny weather
Short detour to the Malleval waterfalls
Route mapped with GPS

Machine-translated

GanaDJ
GanaDJ

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Apr 02, 2023
Reliability of the description : Not used / Not applicable
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

We did this route today in grey, rainy weather. Nevertheless, we had a very good time.
Highlights: Cherry blossoms in early April, the route along the Épervier stream, the village of Malleval, and the views of the Rhône.

Machine-translated

Elizabeth
Elizabeth

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Dec 27, 2022
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

• Thank you for this lovely walk on 27 December 2022 in beautiful sunshine. I followed the GPS route.
• I liked: the Calvary Chapel, which has been beautifully renovated by the association, and of course Malleval. The sections near the streams are very pleasant.
• I didn't come back the same way: from La Boye, I went on to Bessey to see the town (town hall and church). Not far from the church, there are chalets and you can picnic on a table with benches, sheltered by a chalet where there is also a bookcase (a very large selection in perfect condition). Then, La Combe, La Tronchia, the Claude Berthier trail and back via Barberieux

Machine-translated

ALLRANDOF
ALLRANDOF

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Sep 29, 2022
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

As it was raining that morning, we only hiked from Chavanay to Bessey and back, following the Compostela trail. It was a pleasant hike with beautiful trails through vineyards and orchards and lovely views of the Rhône Valley.

Machine-translated

ANNE2669
ANNE2669

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Oct 02, 2022
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A pleasant walk through vineyards and orchards, with Malleval as the icing on the cake.
Don't hesitate to step inside the Chapelle du Calvaire chapel with its Saint Jacques de Compostelle decorations.
If the Les Halles car park is full, there are two other large car parks near the jousting arena

Machine-translated

Jeanclano
Jeanclano

Overall rating : 4 / 5

Date of your route : Apr 19, 2022
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

nice hike, no difficulties...

Machine-translated

RE80727
RE80727

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Mar 27, 2022
Reliability of the description : Not used / Not applicable
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A magical Sunday: blue skies, sunshine and summertime to enjoy it all. With the sun shining, nature awakens: butterflies, ladybirds (the first of the season ), cherry blossoms. The landscapes are varied and the drive through the vineyards before arriving in Malleval gives the impression of being suspended on the hillside. Malleval is very busy, but the village is beautiful! Don't hesitate to cool off at the Lorette waterfall: after crossing the small bridge, turn left and you will find a path on your left with a sign clearly indicating the waterfall. Go all the way down, it's worth it (even if the road is close by) and don't hesitate to take a dip. After a refreshing stop at the café, we resumed the loop in the woods, accompanied by the sound of the stream and the changing shades of green as nature came back to life. It was truly enchanting! The fact that it wasn't a complete loop and that we had to return the same way made me hesitate to choose this route, but as the views are different, it didn't bother us at all! In short, a big THANK YOU to the author of this route: varied landscapes, spring colours, old stones, a waterfall and nice little cafés (and open ) made this day magical!!!!
Physically, there are no major difficulties, but make sure you wear good shoes (there are rocky paths going up and down).

Machine-translated

RLAP
RLAP

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Mar 25, 2021
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

Hike completed on 25/03/2021.

Good description and enjoyable hike with plenty of flat sections, allowing you to recover from the few climbs and descents. The start and end on the GR65 make it easy to find your way.

To clear up any confusion,
- at point 8, about 250 m after the houses in Natuel, you come to a crossroads. On the left, a wooden sign points to Malleval via a downhill path. Do not follow it. Turn right and follow a brown and white signposted trail that descends through the vineyards (do not take the next trail that climbs to the right and is marked Sans Issue). You will soon arrive in Malleval.
- at point 10, heading towards Paton, the paved road to follow is called Chemin des Faugès.

My ViewRanger app indicates 15 km and 550 m of elevation gain.

Machine-translated

bervou
bervou

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Mar 09, 2020
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good

A 15 km circuit completed on Sunday 8 March 2020 in good weather conditions, which allowed us to enjoy the varied and unobstructed views in all directions as we progressed along the hike. The arrival in the village of Malleval is superb. We used the GPS track from the website, which proved useful several times to clear up any doubts about the numerous paths (particularly in the area outside the GR). There were no technical difficulties with an elevation gain of 475m. A great hike!

Machine-translated

Condrieurandonnee
Condrieurandonnee

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of your route : Feb 15, 2020
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good

A magnificent hike
We had a great time
We just had a slight doubt about the route before arriving in the village of Malleval
But we managed with a little improvisation.
I would recommend this hike

Machine-translated

Other walks in the area

For more walks, use our search engine .

The GPS track and description are the property of this route's author. Please do not copy them without permission.