An easy hike along the ridges of Pilat linking three major summits, via trails through forests and moors. Along the way we discover magnificent views of the Alps, the Massif Central and the Rhône Valley.
Calculated time: 2h30[?] 
Distance : 6.86km
Vertical gain : 184m
Vertical drop : 175m
Highest point : 1421m
Lowest point : 1319m 
Difficulty : Easy
Back to starting point : Yes
Walking
Areas : Massif central, Massif du Pilat 
Location : Véranne
(42520)
Starting point : N 45.391105° / E 4.608123° Car park.
From Pélussin take the D63 to the Col de l'Oeillon, climb up on the right to access the car park located just below the transmitter.
The markings are infrequent. There are some signs at key intersections
Take the forest path (not the road) which rises slightly and leaves the forest at the end of the car park. This path follows the contours of the Crêt de la Botte. On leaving the forest we arrive at a small pass (1) on the moor. Leave the forest path and take the path that heads into the undergrowth on the left toward the pylon. Arrive at the tower, enjoy your first view of the Alps.
Continue on this path until it joins the forest road, continue on the path. At the GR7 (2) (here the path follows alongside fenced meadows) turn onto the path on the left and a few moments later on the right towards the small rocky summit. This is the Crêt de la Perdrix (3) the highest point of Le Pilat (1,432 m). Enjoy the views of the Alps and the Massif Central.
To return, take the outbound path but at the first fork go straight toward the forest. Arrive at Bourguisan Chalet, take the path on the left. Continue on this path and turn left at the intersection. Reach the forest path taken on the outbound section. Turn right and follow a it for a few moments to the edge of the forest where the trails start, take the trail opposite (the one by which we arrived). Fallow it as far as a small pass (1). From there follow the path that rises to the building constructed on the Crêt de la Botte, and head around to the right. Arrive on a small road, follow it up to the first hairpin bend and take the path down to the left. Find yourself back at the forest path. Head right to reach the car park, hopefully with your mind filled with wonderful images.
Waypoints :
D/A : km 0 - alt. 1319m - Col de l'Œillon (1235m)
1 : km 0.86 - alt. 1342m - Col de la Botte
2 : km 1.13 - alt. 1370m - Crêt du Rachat (1380m)
3 : km 2.02 - alt. 1364m - Col d'Etançon (1365m)
4 : km 2.94 - alt. 1391m - GR7
5 : km 3.38 - alt. 1421m - Crêt de la Perdrix - Crêt de la Perdrix (1432m)
6 : km 4 - alt. 1419m
D/A : km 6.86 - alt. 1319m
Best in very weather for the best views and during the flowering season for the gorse and heather.
We advise taking IGN maps with you on this walk. Click here to buy : 2933ET, 2934ET.
Visorando and this author cannot be held responsible in the case of accidents or problems occuring on this walk.
Several variants are possible, from the car park you can also head up to the television station where there is an orientation table (about 15 minutes). You can also go down to the Trois Dents (about 1.5 hours).
9.65km
+204m
-205m
3h20
Average
Starting point in La Valla-en-Gier - 42 - Loire An easy walk to enjoy as a family. Very popular in summer, it is worth the detour to admire the panoramic view over the Alps and the summits of Mont Blanc, the Lyonnais mountains and the Giers valley, the Vercors massif and those of northern Vivarais. With a wealth of flowers in spring, you can gather bilberries in August and raspberries in September. Unless you choose to go ski touring or cross-country skiing here in winter.
12.25km
+658m
-658m
5h25
Average
Starting point in Saint-Appolinard (Loire) - 42 - Loire Another original way to get to this beautiful viewpoint that is the Saint-Sabin chapel on a small bluff in the heart of the Pilat Park, pouring into the Rhône Valley, with some of the best views of the Alps and pre-Alps (especially across the south). At the chapel, many signs and indications tell the story of the place and its flora.
21.57km
+707m
-710m
8h10
Difficult
Starting point in Villevocance - 07 - Ardèche Climb and ramble along the ridges above Annonay. Beautiful view of the Alps and Pilat.
6.13km
+101m
-103m
2h00
Average
Starting point in Saint-Joseph - 42 - Loire This hike is primarily along clear paths with views over le Pilat and Sainte-Catherine. An easy trek with some slight up and downhill slopes. Be careful, as non-stone tracks can get muddy in the rainy season.
11.6km
+281m
-280m
4h05
Average
Starting point in Saint-Christo-en-Jarez - 42 - Loire A circuit primarily on small paved and sunny roads.
9.3km
+228m
-230m
3h20
Average
Starting point in Fontanès (Loire) - 42 - Loire Beautiful route along the ridges around the village of Fontanès. Free parking in the castle grounds.
8.61km
+180m
-182m
3h00
Easy
Starting point in Saint-Héand - 42 - Loire Family-friendly walk in the hills of Saint-Héand among the horses and cows.
9.44km
+210m
-205m
3h20
Average
Starting point in Vienne (Isère) - 38 - Isère A hike that almost exclusively uses small roads without traffic, providing a route where the paths are not an option.
We start in Vienne and experience its panoramic views of Notre-Dame de Pipet and the Vienne hills with beautiful views of the Rhône Valley and the Pilat massif at the bottom.
The return journey takes you through the homes on the Vienne heights while maintaining good views of the Viennoise hills.
For more walks, use our search engine.
The GPS track and description are the property of the author.
IGN Map (