Gravières walks

A circular with varied landscapes that uses the beautiful paths created and maintained by the municipality of Gravières.This route is impossible in heavy rain as the Chassezac river can cover La Pontière. On 29 May 2024, there was quite a lot of water at La Pontière, but it was still possible to cross (I preferred to take my shoes off anyway). The weather forecast is looking better, so conditions should improve.

Short circular loop in a cirque near the charming village of Naves, next to Les Vans. You can combine this outing with the Cirque du Bourdaric. A great outing for geology enthusiasts.

Contrasting landscapes between the southern scrubland and the deep gullies in the clay-limestone marl. Fossil footprints, botanical path, abrupt change of vegetation between limestone strata and Cevennes shale, and return by a path overlooking the Chassezac river. Very pretty and picturesque village of Naves. That's what's on the menu of this spectacular hike which takes you around the west of Les Vans.

This is an easy hike that takes you to the summit of the Pays des Vans at an altitude of 910 metres. Beautiful 360-degree panoramic views.

One of the most beautiful routes in the Vans region, both in terms of scenery and heritage. Balcony paths, chestnut groves and drying rooms, a gold-bearing river, low walls and beehives carved into chestnut tree trunks: everything invites you to discover this enclave of the Ardèche and its hamlets, which were once only accessible on foot. Be careful, there are steep and very steep ascents and descents. Allow 5 hours for the route, plus extra time for wandering around.

Discover a particularly interesting wood above the town of Les Vans.Comments about this route: I did this route in 2013, and it turns out that some signs have been added since then (signposts and probably markings), which is to be expected. Hikers can then explore other trails but will always find something unique and interesting in this remarkable wood, with no chance of getting lost.

A magnificent hike in the Cévennes, mostly on trails through chestnut and arbutus trees.

This unmarked route, which sometimes even leaves the trails, requires an IGN map and GPS, and leads to remote and wild areas of the Bois de Païolive and the upper part of the Ruisseau du Granzon.

The Païolive forest is an ancient forest in the south of the Ardèche, occupied since prehistoric times, with a remarkable geological context and biodiversity. It overlooks the Chassezac gorges. In this karstic landscape, there are numerous zoomorphic rocks, a multitude of trails and viewpoints, not to mention many caves. Much of the walk is shaded. Really very nice.

After crossing the Bois de Païolive, the route follows the Ruisseau du Granzon. After climbing out of the canyon, the return journey is via the plateau. An enchanting route and landscape. The use of GPS and the Visorando app may be necessary.

The Granzon stream canyon is a magical place that tour operators won't take you to. Go there, but don't tell anyone... The return route is via the plateau and a small road. Those allergic to tarmac may prefer to do a round trip.

A very pleasant hike along the Chassezac, then on the Sentier des Drystone Shelters. Return via the Sentier Roche and a small wood in Païolive. Superb landscape of the Ardèche Cévennes.I recommend using the GPX track as there are countless small paths.Hike for experienced hikers. I rated the walk as difficult not because of its length or elevation gain, but because of the many rocky areas and scree slopes to cross. It is physically demanding between (9) and (10) and from (15) to (S/E) Warning: do not attempt this hike in rainy weather as the rocky, limestone terrain is very slippery.

This hike will take you to a megalithic necropolis and a desert plain inhabited long ago by those who were buried there. It will take you to the village of Berrias, up to the Païolive woods, which you will cross, and then to the hermitage of Saint-Eugène, which is still in use, before allowing you to admire the Chassezac gorges from the magnificent cliff.

A beautiful loop that allows you to discover the Chassezac Gorges with passages at river level and others on the heights with beautiful views. For the more adventurous, there is the possibility of exploring caves. And to wash off (depending on the season), you can relax in the river. Ideal for children, although the cliff passages require parents' full attention.

A short hike around the hamlet of Cédat between Lablachère and Planzolles: a varied walk through vineyards and forests of chestnut, pine and oak trees. This hike is not difficult and is suitable for families with children. The route can also be done by mountain bike. The route takes in the magnificent Château de Valoubières and passes through the hamlets of Civade, Le Coulet and Le Cellier.

A pleasant loop, first through chestnut trees and then along the Roman road on the plateau above Montselgues.

This hike takes you to the village of Thines and the Church of Notre-Dame, undoubtedly a jewel of Romanesque art in the heart of the Cévennes mountains. All along this trail, the view of the village and the wild mountains surrounding it is magnificent!

The Granges Necropolis is one of the most important dolmen sites in Ardèche. This short, easy circuit allows hikers to discover some of them while enjoying the landscape, vegetation and waterways of the limestone plateaus of lower Ardèche.

Une randonnée proposée par le Parc Naturel des Cévennes. Le sens de la randonnée a été inversé pour éviter une fin de parcours en forte côte, et très chaude.