Joannas walks

This hike is reserved for hikers with some climbing and balance skills, who are in good physical condition and have basic orienteering skills to navigate the old path. Vertigo may be an issue. Take great care on the section known as the "Chemin Tortueux" where you will need to use your hands to get through. Otherwise, there are some beautiful views, passing through chestnut groves, cherry orchards, pastures and even beehives.

Visit Rocles and its hamlets, pretty villages in the Ardèche. Walk in the chestnut grove. The Tour de Brison offers a fantastic 360° view for 100 km around.

The commune of Chassiers covers a large area, bordered by the River Ligne on the side of the Camping des Ranchisses / Largentière, and by the Lande, which flows through a pretty valley before joining the Ligne at Uzer; the Ligne then joins the Ardèche at Ruoms. Between the rivers lies a landscape of cultivated terraces (faysses), a multitude of hamlets and panoramic views of the Cévennes, Mont Ventoux, the Vercors and the Alps. Chassiers is a village with the “Village de caractères” designation, featuring narrow streets, a square where you can stop for a drink, chapels and a fortified church. Halfway along the route, a refreshing, shaded stop is available by the river.

According to an old legend, "every year the devil takes a stone" from La Tour de Brison. This restored medieval tower is now a very effective fire lookout post. For hikers, it offers a remarkable view of the mountain to the west and the wide landscape it overlooks to the east, stretching as far as Mont Ventoux on a clear day.

After the Sainte-Philomène Chapel, the highest point (3) of the forest road (890m) offers a stunning aerial view of Jaujac and its volcanic caldera. To the east, the foothills of the Vercors; closer by, the Coiron, the Escrinet and the Roche de Gourdon; below, to the north, Jaujac and the Lignon valley; and to the west, the Tanargue and the Cham du Cros.

This is a short family hike with no particular difficulties, marked in white and yellow from Largentière to Tauriers. Please note: there are no markings on the route from Tauriers back to Largentière. However, this does not pose any difficulty in terms of orientation if you follow the description carefully, as the direction and paths are fairly obvious.

The Col de Bonne Rencontre connects the two valleys of La Ligne and La Lande. Several hamlets perched on the heights offer magnificent views, on one side of the Cévennes, on the other of Mont Ventoux. You will pass through chestnut groves, olive groves, vineyards and sheep pastures. The hamlets, which bear witness to a thriving agricultural industry in the 19th century, have been beautifully restored and are well maintained.

A pleasant, shaded short walk through typical Vivarais countryside: pine forests, chestnut groves, olive trees and vineyards. You will pass through two hamlets on the heights of Chassiers: the hamlet of Montquoquiol, then the pretty hamlet of La Rouvière. The view stretches out on one side over the Val de Ligne with its peak, the Cham du Cros, and across the southern Ardèche as far as Mont Ventoux.

Between Prunet and Jaujac, the Col de la Croix de Millet offers a beautiful view of the Ligne valley to the south and the Lignon valley to the north. The climb to the Col du Merle and the return after Pissas are through woodland, while the bare ridges of the Cham du Cros offer beautiful views of the southern Ardèche from the Vagorge valley and the Tour de Brison in the Cévennes, the Rhône valley and Mont Ventoux to the east, and Mont Lozère to the west.

La Cham du Cros is the peak at the eastern end of the Tanargue massif. From there, the view stretches from the mountains of the south to the north of the Alps and, on a clear day, as far as Mont Blanc.

A challenging route: the distance and elevation gain are significant. It’s a tough start with a 500-metre climb over the first 3 kilometres.Exceptional views from the Tour de Brison. Elsewhere, the scenery is less spectacular, but I really enjoy the succession of woodland, hamlets and streams.Very little tarmac and narrow, challenging paths that require you to be vigilant.

A lovely loop starting from Pont du Gua, in the south of the Ardèche Méridionale. Along the banks of the Beaume River, this hike has a Mediterranean feel, surrounded by holm oaks, heather and black rocks. There is a steep climb and two short, slightly technical sections before reaching the iconic tower, steeped in history and legend, then a relaxing descent along a forest track in partial shade. You can swim at Pont du Gua and eat and drink at the restaurant in the hamlet of Gua.

This pleasant hike takes you along beautiful paths from the old village of Vinezac to the hilltop hamlet of Merzelet through a varied environment (terraces returned to natural vegetation, pine forests, but also areas cultivated with vines, olive trees, and fruit trees). The distant landscape is magnificent, particularly at the top of the loop. The entire route is very well marked in yellow and white, with often recent markings.

A hike that takes you along small roads and beautiful paths through a varied, little-known and still largely agricultural area of southern Ardèche. Best done on a clear day to admire the remarkable distant views in all directions.

This short family walk through pine and oak woods will take you to the unmissable Chapeau du Gendarme, where you can stop for a picnic if you wish. The walk ends along the little Toufache stream, with a few small fords to cross.

Discover the flora and, if you're lucky, the fauna, as well as the built heritage. This hike can be adapted to suit your preferences by following well-marked trails.

At the heart of the Monts D’Ardèche Regional Natural Park, Laboule is the ideal starting point for a walk with a variety of contrasting atmospheres. At the summit of the Sentier des Granges trail there is an unparalleled panoramic view (Mont Blanc, Mont Ventoux, Mont Bouquet, Mont Lozère...) a day’s walk across the third-highest summit of the Cévennes range (at 1,548 m) with its rocky mountains and luminous rivers.

Clinging to the southern slopes of the Tanargue, the hilltop village of Laboule is surrounded by a multitude of typical Cévennes hamlets, which you can discover one by one as you wind your way through centuries-old chestnut groves, streams and paved slanting streets (historic paths where the inhabitants used to walk every day).

This hike is for you if you want to spend a real day walking on a wild, little-known, airy and welcoming summit. The Tour de la Cham du Cros is a loop starting from Laboule. The route is a large loop that can be taken from the hamlet of Valousset if you are short on time. The picnic will feel like a "16:9" experience with breathtaking views of the Beaume valley, the Tanargue massif and the Vallon Pont d'Arc plain.

This trail is one of the most beautiful on the southern slope of Tanargue. It is characterised by its easy ascent, its aesthetic appeal, its aerial aspect and the historical authenticity of its route. Another beautiful day's walking on the third highest peak in the Cévennes (1,548 m).We stay at the bottom of the valley for the first half of the morning, then climb up the southern slope of Méjean, enjoying views of Mont Gerbier de Jonc, Mont Blanc, the Vercors, Mont Ventoux and the Gorges de l'Ardèche.

From the village of Beaumont, set off to explore the Beaume, the Gua Bridge, and the hamlets of Le Serre, L’Elze, Flacouze and more. Magnificent views and landscapes typical of the Cévennes in the Ardèche!

The Beaumont village discovery trail is perched in the Ardèche Cévennes. A circular route starting and finishing in the village, near the inn, offering superb scenery! On a clear day, you can see the snow-capped Alps and Mont Ventoux to the east; part of the walk takes you through pine and chestnut woods, etc.

Don't forget your cameras for this walk, which will take you up to a ridge where you can enjoy exceptional views of the Ardèche plateau, the Aubenas basin and the Vercors. You will then plunge into the undergrowth to discover the small hamlets of Lentillères.In spring, the flora is very interesting.

Between Jaujac and La Souche, the Lignon valley is an open valley, dominated to the north by the Rocher du Midi and to the south by the Tanargue massif. The hike takes you along the left bank, where you can admire old buildings and walk along beautiful, pleasant paths dotted with old bridges crossing streams, then back along the right bank and a succession of old hamlets.

Starting from Jaujac, there is a magnificent Roman bridge and impressive basalt columns on the banks of the Lignon. Tour via the Pont de l'Échelette, the Château de Rochemure (Maison du Parc Naturel Régional des Monts d'Ardèche) and finally climb the Coupe de Jaujac volcano with a tour of the crater.

A walk of no great difficulty, despite a few stony and somewhat steep sections, which will allow you to discover the village of Ailhon and the Crouzet complex. Much of the route is shaded by pine trees, which is a welcome relief on summer days.

A somewhat steep climb up an old paved slanting street, but once at the top, your efforts are rewarded with a superb view of the upper Ardèche valley at the Col de Fontfreyde, followed by a 360° view from the summit of the Rocher du Midi. After a beautiful stretch along the ridge, the less steep descent zigzags between the various hamlets of La Souche.

Starting from Jaujac, climb up to Pic de Ladenne and Rocher de Courcoussat and descend via a circular route to Pont de l'Echelette in Bonneval. Magnificent panoramic views of the ridge line.

This walk takes you along one of the countless paths winding through the chestnut groves; best enjoyed in autumn, when the stunning colours are at their best. It is truly enchanting! This walk is an invitation to continue exploring this magnificent Ardèche heritage. April 2023: route modified at the request of a chestnut grove owner. This change means walkers will have to cover a little more tarmac road (alas!)

A beautiful, physically demanding trail through lovely forests and scree slopes, offering magnificent views of the Ardèche mountains from the ridge. See § practical information.

This is a short route without any major difficulties and is well marked (yellow and white from point2).The path is a little technical after the tombs but not really difficult.

This vast south-facing valley surrounded by wooded areas (mainly pine trees) has retained its agricultural activities (vineyards, orchards, olive groves) and is dotted with several hamlets that are characteristic of southern Ardèche, even if there is some sprawl from recent residential developments. Streams and springs were equipped long ago with fountains and wash houses, sometimes in unexpected places.

A magnificent hike that will take you to the summit of Pic de Ladenne with a 360° view of Jaujac and its volcano, the Tanargue massif, the Thueyts valley, Pont de Labeaume, Sainte-Marguerite, Fabras...

This is a long hike that follows the Baume, first along the ledge on its left bank, then high up on its right bank (Falaise de Lunel). The final section, after point (21) , requires a lot of attention as the path entrances are often somewhat hidden, but after (23), the view is magnificent. From (12), you are in the middle of the heath and it can get very hot. I recommend setting off at dawn and taking plenty of drinks with you.

This hike takes you along country and forest paths south of Prades with beautiful views to the north-west over the Salindre valley and, further away, the Monts de Ladenne and Sainte-Marguerite, but also over the south of the Ardèche as you pass along the ridge overlooking Lentillères. The use of an IGN map and the Visorando app's GPS is essential.

The Plateau des Gras is a limestone plateau crossed by rivers, situated between the Bois de Païolive woods in the southwest and the slopes of the Coiron in the northeast. The northwestern edge of the plateau overlooks a depression extending from Aubenas to Les Vans. The footpaths along this edge of the plateau offer unspoilt views of the Monts d'Ardèche hills at the eastern edge of the Massif Central. The walk also takes you along beautiful paths amid oak trees and to a viewpoint overlooking the village of Balazuc.

A walk starting from Les Vernades, in the commune of Rosières, passing by the Maison Bulle, the Chapias Tower, the heights of Labeaume, the hamlet of Peyrole in Ruons, the submersible bridge at Labeaume, and returning via the Gorges de la Baume and the hanging gardens. (See practical information).

A varied hike that takes you along a small canyon. Not to be done on a very hot day. 13/02/2024: Route modified following a municipal order. See practical information.

The Plateau des Gras is a limestone plateau, cut by rivers, which stretches from the Païolive woods in the south-west to the slopes of Coiron in the north-east. The path along the edge offers unobstructed views of the entire Monts d'Ardèche mountain range and leads to several viewpoints over the Ligne valley. This route winds its way across a quasi-desert plateau dotted with numerous stone walls and piles of stones, evidence of a time when every square metre was exploited.

Between Baume, Ardèche and Ligne, vast stretches of stony ground have been and are still partly cultivated, with olive trees now reigning supreme. The former silkworm farms have now been converted into homes but retain their old-world charm. Along the river, hanging gardens are still maintained and clearly visible on the banks on the sunny side of La Baume. The Ardèche and Chassezac rivers have created a vast plain where vineyards, fruit trees and gardens occupy the space.

A short hike that will take you to many interesting sites around Chapias: the Notre-Dame Tower, the Maison Unal, the Remène waterfall and the Rocher des Curés site. Take care on certain tricky sections; please read the practical information carefully.

The gras are limestone plateaus characteristic of southern Ardèche. Here you can see low vegetation or trees: picards, junipers, Mediterranean shrubs, old mulberry trees left over from silkworm farming, various oaks and Montpellier maples. You will cross a karst landscape that is sometimes spectacular. This hike also offers a view from the top of the Beaume cliffs. You can stray from the path in search of karstic caves ( be careful at Réméjadou) and dolmens, sometimes lost in the woods.

A former mining town, Lalevade-d’Ardèche is neither the best known nor the most popular of the Ardèche’s towns. Its surroundings are nonetheless charming: unspoilt countryside, picturesque hamlets, and beautiful views over valleys, hills and mountains. This extensive route offers a glimpse of them.

North of Lalevade-d'Ardèche, a hilly area is heavily affected by agricultural desertification. It is little known, except to its inhabitants and local hikers, but is nevertheless worth a detour. In Ardèche, the landscapes are beautiful everywhere. And this hike allows you to discover a gem, the Romanesque church of Niègles, rescued from ruin around 1980 by the Association des Amis de Niègles.

This route allows you to discover very wild areas, evidence of the long-ago abandonment of agricultural activities (chestnut groves), beautiful paths, the remains of a dense network of non-motorised rural communications, and views of the many hamlets, valleys, hills and neighbouring mountains that will make you forget a few less poetic passages.

Although its altitude barely exceeds 500 m, the Chalancon hill offers extensive views to the north over the Ardèche and Fontaulière valleys and to the south as far as Mont Ventoux. Much of the hike follows shaded paths through pine woods. The entire route is marked in yellow and white.

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 short walk with little elevation gain, allowing you to discover an old mill (5) hidden at the bottom of the valley, all in a very Mediterranean setting. The return trip through the hamlet of Bavancel offers magnificent views.

The village of Chauzon is located at the end of a plateau surrounded by the Ardèche, the Ligne and the Gournier stream. Following the edge of this plateau, this hike will reveal beautiful views of these three valleys. These viewpoints are located on rocks at the top of cliffs. Access is not vertiginous, but please be careful with children.

A hilly walk through green oaks between Pradons and Lagorce. Beautiful views of the Ardèche cliffs on the final descent.

The spa town of Vals-les-Bains is situated in a partly volcanic and fairly steep landscape, particularly to the north. From the heights, you can still clearly see the old farm buildings in the valleys and on the slopes. Thieure is a small hamlet perched on a promontory overlooking Vals. To get there, you have to climb a steep slope, but the view that greets you at the top is well worth the effort.

The spa town of Vals-les-Bains is nestled within a fairly steep, partly volcanic landscape that largely overlooks it from the north-west and north-east. Up in the hills, the old farming settlements are still clearly visible in the valleys and on the slopes. Thieure is a hamlet perched on a promontory overlooking Vals. A steep climb leads up to it. The landscape is the reward.