The hamlets of Valouse and Cessenades as seen from Le Frontal

An easy walk that allows you to discover the isolated hamlets typical of this region of the Cévennes, as well as its vast chestnut groves.

Details

26005065
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Last update:
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  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 7.32 km
  • ◔
    Average duration: 3h 10 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Moderate

  • ⚐
    Back to start: Yes
  • ↗
    Ascent: + 376 m
  • ↘
    Descent: - 374 m

  • ▲
    Highest point: 854 m
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 547 m

Photos

Description of the walk

Access via the village of Les Vans, taking the D216 then the D251 towards Brahic. On leaving the village, turn right towards Malons-et-Elze.
The start of the walk is in the hamlet of Le Frontal, where there are several places to park.

(S/E) Continue on foot along the road until you reach the first fork, where you take the right-hand road until you reach a second fork. Continue straight on (the right-hand road leads to the village centre).

(1) Leave the road and take the path on the left to the hamlet of Playsse.

(2) After the houses, just before reaching the junction with the road, take the path that descends to the left, crosses the footbridge over the Redon and leads to the hamlet of Valouse. Turn left onto the road and follow it for about 150 m.

(3) A few metres before the bend to the left, follow a path that branches off to the right (not necessarily visible at first glance as it leads off at a sharp angle) and joins a road.

(4) At the signs at the entrance to Cessenades, continue uphill to the centre of the village. A lovely little rest area with a fountain and a bench is well worth a stop.

(5) Just before leaving the village, take the narrow lane on the left which becomes a path and crosses a road a few dozen metres further on. Cross a stream and continue along the path to the village of Pialouzet.

(6) On leaving the village, follow the road for a few metres. Leave it to take the path branching off to the right, leading to the footbridge over the Redon.

(7) After the footbridge, the path branches off to the right. Then continue straight on, following the markings until you reach a road.

(8) Head up the road to the left and continue straight on to reach the starting point (S/E).

Waypoints

  1. S/E : km 0 - alt. 593 m - The hamlet of Frontal
  2. 1 : km 0.87 - alt. 652 m - Path on the left
  3. 2 : km 1.47 - alt. 638 m - The hamlet of Playsse
  4. 3 : km 2.35 - alt. 720 m - Hairpin bend on the right
  5. 4 : km 3.69 - alt. 839 m - Signs at the entrance to Chassenades
  6. 5 : km 3.94 - alt. 853 m - Small rest area with fountain and bench
  7. 6 : km 5.24 - alt. 646 m - Pialouzet
  8. 7 : km 6.11 - alt. 547 m - Footbridge
  9. 8 : km 6.98 - alt. 579 m - Crossroads of path and road
  10. S/E : km 7.32 - alt. 590 m - The hamlet of Frontal

Notes

Water point in the hamlet of Chassenades

Worth a visit

The hamlet of Chassenades turns out to be a beautiful little village where hikers are welcome, as evidenced by several very welcoming signs. A rest area has been set up with a bench over 5 metres long next to a fountain adorned with flowers. There is even a glass available for visitors.
The hamlet is full of flowers, which is a delight to behold.

Reviews and comments

4.2 / 5
Based on 5 reviews

Reliability of the description
4.2 / 5
Ease of following the route
3.8 / 5
Route interest
4.6 / 5
User 3198374

Overall rating : 3.7 / 5

Date of your route : Jul 14, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★☆☆ Average
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

lacks maintenance, but otherwise very nice

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Wjj
Wjj

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Sep 10, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

Hello and thank you. A lovely walk through the forest; a highlight is the little hamlet at the end of the circular walk, with a fountain and a bench. Only two residents out of season. Beautiful stream crossings over footbridges. Thanks again to the author. Best regards.

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la mede
la mede

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Oct 24, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

a superb, easy walk with stunning views

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la mede
la mede
• Edited:

a superb, easy walk with stunning views

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titouver
titouver

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 11, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A lovely walk in the sweltering heat, but thankfully in the shade. One or two steep climbs off the old paths

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PF
PF

Overall rating : 3.7 / 5

Date of your route : Sep 20, 2022
Reliability of the description : ★★★☆☆ Average
Ease of following the route : ★★★☆☆ Average
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A lovely walk from hamlet to hamlet, especially in fine weather. You do, however, need to be an experienced walker as signposts are often hard to find or non-existent. A rugged walk requiring a good level of fitness. Be careful on the footbridges, most of which are in very poor condition. If the water level is low (which was the case), it’s better to cross directly via the stream where the crossing is easy. A very rewarding experience and a chance to meet some friendly locals. I didn’t come across any other hikers. If we’re not mistaken, the estimated time given is spot on!!!!

Patrick

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