Lagorce walks

Leaving from the centre of the small village of Lagorce (Ardèche), we set off along the usual roads to the entrance to Vallon Pont d'Arc. The return journey is a pleasant one, through the countryside of the Ardèche, on a small road with no (or almost no) vehicles, along farm tracks, stony or slightly rocky, to arrive on the other side of the village.

A somewhat long route with the advantage of bringing together several must-see spots in the area, which are also offered separately as shorter circular routes on Visorando: Le Gour de l’Oule, Le Ranc de l’Arc, Pertus de Fabria, panoramic views of the Ibie Valley and the Ardèche mountains, and of course, Le Gour de la Sompe. For those who aren’t afraid of getting their feet wet now and then (there are numerous fords), this walk along the water’s edge is best undertaken outside the summer dry season, when the rains feed the Ibie and the streams of the Sompe and Salastre.  

From Lagorce, the route climbs to the Notre-Dame d'Ajude chapel, through holm oak woods to the Ibie cliffs, past the Gour de la Sompe (waterfall and plunge pool), and returns to the village through more open farmland. This hike requires a good awareness of the environment, reading IGN maps and/or GPS indications.

Following small roads and tracks through the Ardèche countryside, at the foot of the village of Lagorce, we join a path that goes deep into the trees to climb to the summit of Sigaud. We then continue to link the various summits of the Ranc, sometimes on footpaths, sometimes on forest tracks. The view of this superb region of the Ardèche opens up regularly from one side to the other. After a steep, stony descent of around 200 m, we return to small roads and country lanes. In spring, all this is amply covered with a multitude of varied flowers.

The Ibie Valley and its cliffs are full of geological curiosities. The Ranc de l'Arche is the best known, with the Trou de la Lune rock. It is easily accessible via this route. The second part takes you along a section of the botanical trail, and the third part takes you to the Salastre stream canyon and its famous gour, where you will be alone in the world. Allow 3 to 3½ hours to take your time and enjoy the scenery.

From the Ibie Valley, make your way to and explore the little village of Lagorce by a route other than the road, setting foot on the land that nourishes the vineyards and, further on, the fields and meadows. At the end of the day or early in the morning, startle a wild boar rooting around in a field and approach the village gently, making your way up to the church from below and winding your way up the narrow cobbled streets before returning via an old path between the houses.

Walk in the Bois d'Ajude near Lagorce. The Gour de la Sompe is not well described in guidebooks and is not on a marked path, but the site is worth a visit for its green water and waterfall (when there is enough water). Beautiful view of the Ibie valley from the Pertus de Fabria.

This walk, starting from Les Salelles, will take you through the woods along well-maintained paths. It offers a chance to get away from it all and is a great way to discover the charms of this woodland. There is a short climb at La Combe Billiaire, which you’ll need to go over.

A very beautiful hike starting from the hamlet of Les Salelles. You will first take a short tour of the hamlet to see the two bread ovens, then continue into the forest and pass by a lavender field. The return trip will be less shaded.

A beautiful hike on easy trails, with numerous magnificent views of the Ardèche mountains, the Vercors and the Ventoux, discovering the remains of ancient cultures and the forgotten and abandoned hamlet of Les Pallières. A route through areas that were inhabited and cultivated until the 19th century. As a bonus, if the water is flowing, finish with a swim in the Ibie.

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

A circular route starting from the "La Digue" campsite, leading to the village of Chauzon and then to the viewpoint overlooking the Ardèche valley. The route alternates between limestone paths, stretches of heath and riverbanks. The viewpoint above Chauzon offers unobstructed views of the Cirque de Gens and the Ardèche cliffs.

Hike along clear paths with beautiful views of the Ardèche valley and the Massif Central on one side, and the forests of Lagorce and the Dent de Rez massif on the other.

The first part of this circular path descends into a forest of tall conifers, in the refreshing Tiourre Stream valley, known for its turquoise pools. The path then takes you along a balcony above the Ardèche Gorges road, offering views of one of the famous river’s meanders and its cliffs. The second section, which is more challenging, climbs above the hamlet of Châmes, mostly through woodland, with a more Mediterranean feel as you approach the Serre de la Desferre. A complete change of scenery guaranteed! Recommendation: in the Tiourre valley, there are numerous unmarked trails and mobile network coverage is patchy. Remember to download the technical sheet or the GPX file before setting off.

This walk, starting from the Camping du Sous-Bois, takes you along paths through woodland. There is a ford as you cross through the village. The path then climbs again. You can pick wild thyme and sage.