Laboule walks

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.

This circular hike takes you to the Tanargue plateau via a magnificent trail. Once on the plateau, you can follow the ridge trail to discover superb views of the Ardèche mountains.

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 historic trail was used by forest rangers who patrolled the paths between the valley and the Ardèche plateau. This route is ideal for starting or ending a stay in the area as the elevation gain is not particularly challenging. There is a breathtaking view of the Tanargue and a return trip on the old Valgorge road once used by carts. The people of the Ardèche usually take this route on 18 August, the day of the traditional Loubaresse fair.

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.

Hike above the Col de la Croix-de-Bauzon, with the first part of the route in the forest and the second part on the ridge offering beautiful views. If you are lucky enough to do this short trip on a clear day, you will be able to see the Alps and Mont Ventoux on the horizon.

On this route, you will discover works of art, but also the use of slate in the construction of houses, paths and bridges. Don't hesitate to make a longer stop at Dompnac. On the way back, after Merle, crossing the Sueille stream can sometimes be tricky, especially after heavy rain, and you may get wet.

A hike on the highest part of the Tanargue ridge with magnificent panoramic views of the lower Ardèche, the Alps and the Ardèche plateau. The route has little elevation gain and is mostly on easy forest roads.

For all hikers, the Rocher d'Abraham can only be reached from Mayres. The circuit described below is for people who want to reach the summit with less effort. It can be done in an afternoon, is not particularly difficult, apart from the final ascent, and offers vast and magnificent landscapes throughout the route.

A hike on the highest part of the Tanargue ridge. With little elevation gain, you will enjoy magnificent views of the lower Ardèche, the Alps and the Ardèche plateau. In the height of summer, you will benefit from the coolness of the altitude and large shaded areas.

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.

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.

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.

You are at the heart of the Ardèche. View of the Cevennes and the Gerbier de Jonc.

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 beautiful and challenging hike will take you on a short journey to discover the passages invented by the locals to cross the basalt flows, take you to the old summer pastures of Fargebelle through steep chestnut groves, and as a bonus, show you the two magnificent bridges that span the Ardèche on either side of Thueyts.

The route passes through the ruined hamlet of Fargebelle and crosses the northern flank of the Ardèche via a track that offers panoramic views of the peaks overlooking the opposite bank. You will also discover the splendid sites of the Devil's Bridge and the magnificent paved slanting streets of the Queen's Ladder and the King's Ladder.

An "airy" hike which will yield fine views over the Ardèche Cévennes, the Ardèche valley to the south and the Fontaulière valley to the north. The route follows some of the paths maintained for the "Giants' Causeway Trail" and overall is thus very practicable and without difficulty. A large part of the walk is waymarked white and yellow. Best done in May/June when the broom is in flower.

This circuit allows you to see the famous Gargantua's balls.

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!

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.

Starting from the Pont de Veyrières silk mill eco-museum, climb towards Chirols and then the Sainte-Marguerite Chapel, a summit bristling with various antennas and the highest point of the route, offering a magnificent view of the Coiron and the Ardèche Cévennes. Return via the Revescu ridges, with views over the plateau, and descend via the hamlet of Aubignas to the starting point.