Rocher de Cheylard - from the Col d'Aizac to the Ray-Pic

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

(1) Leave the small road on your right, follow it along the path above, then, at the hiking sign, continue straight ahead towards Rouyon. At the hamlet of Le Roux, cross the road and continue uphill, first between two low walls, then under the chestnut trees. The path is well marked. Cross a clear ridge with a breathtaking view of the Volane Valley and the rising sun.

(2) Take the ascending track on the left (north-west). Further on, at Les Coulets, this turns into a well-marked trail, which you follow straight ahead.

(3) At the crossroads, go straight ahead and climb up to reach the Cime de Rouyon. There are lovely views to the south over the Besorgues valley, the Tanargue massif and the lower Ardèche... all the way to Mont Ventoux.

(4) At the "Faux Fay" hiking signpost, take the track on the left and follow it until you come to a small road on a bend (Lyonnès hiking signpost).

(5) Go down the path on the left, which is well marked and easy to follow. After a few fords (no problem), you will reach a road. Follow it to the left for about 150 m, then leave it and take the path on the right, which leads down to an old sawmill.

(6) Take care: the signposting is faulty. Simply cross the road at the wooden barrier and the path continues opposite, downhill. You will come to a small road; follow it to the right.

(7) Cross the Besorgues and continue to the next junction. Go about 20 metres to the right and you will reach the "Le Vialat" hiking signpost.

(8) Head north on the path on the right, where a long climb awaits you. Cross the road twice while climbing, and you will come to it again shortly before a bridge.

(9) Follow the road to the right for a few dozen metres, then take the path on the left which continues to climb up the right bank of the Besorgues, then leaves the river to follow a stream on the left bank.
As you leave the beech forest, with the old farm just ahead, cross the stream and climb up the meadow heading due west until you reach the Les Granges de Sausses signpost.

(10) Take the track on the right, then 50 m further on, in front of the farm, turn left uphill and join a track. Follow it to the right in a north-easterly direction. The difficult part is behind you; you will arrive on the Ardèche plateau and the blueberry fields.

(11) You can make a round trip to the summit of Rocher du Cheylard, which rises up on the left. Otherwise, continue along the track, which descends slightly.

(12) At a small telephone line, turn left twice in succession over 20 metres to take a wide unmarked track heading due west. Stay on the main track, ignoring any secondary tracks that may branch off on either side.

(13) The track turns into a path and the slope becomes steeper. Descend steeply to the road (orientation table).

(14) Take the road downhill to the right and return to the car park at the Ray-Pic waterfall (S/E).

- Rocky paths: wear good walking shoes.
- A few easy fords. However, be careful if there is a risk of thunderstorms or during very rainy periods.

- Drinking water and supplies available in Burzet, Labastide-sur-Besorgues and Aizac.

- (S/E) Aizac: end of the first stage and start of the second.
Restaurants, bar and small grocery store in the village.
Accommodation available at the "Le Volcan d'Aizac" lodge and guest rooms - +33 (0)4 75 38 77 81 - breakfast and picnics available.

- (S) Col d'Aizac: Pretty village, peaceful and natural... At the foot of the Volcan d'Aizac!
You can take a themed walk about the former activity of the Volcan d'Aizac. A short hike of 1 to 2 hours takes you to the summit, with information panels along the way. Please contact the "Le Volcan d'Aizac" lodge and guest rooms, who will be happy to provide you with information and lend you documents and guidebooks on this 80,000-year-old volcano, which is now extinct... unfortunately!

- (S/E) Aizac: visit the artisan vinegar factory

- At the point (11) on the^second day: option to make a round trip to the summit of Rocher de Cheylard... breathtaking views!

- Ray-Pic waterfall - allow 2 hours for the round trip from the car park.

- Peyrères: blueberry festival in July.

- Burzet... worth a visit