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Head to Le Mas, a small hamlet north of Antraigues-sur-Volane. Park before the bridge, on the right (space for 2 or 3 cars). Avoid parking in the hamlet if possible.
(S/E) Cross the bridge over Le Mas and enter the hamlet.
(1) Between the houses, turn left (signposted "le Mazoyer") to take a very pleasant, clear path heading north. Follow the stream to the hamlet of Le Mazoyer.
(2) At the entrance to the hamlet, climb steeply to the right between a few houses to reach a track; cross it and take the path that climbs gently (at the beginning) under the chestnut trees. You are now leaving civilisation behind... Follow the Lavanches stream.
The climb, often in the shade and sometimes steep, leaves the chestnut grove for a beautiful beech forest. Follow the well-marked yellow signs.
(3) Cross the stream and immediately afterwards, turn right heading south before continuing on a steep climb towards the north-east.
(4) After a steep climb to the edge of the Ardèche plateau, you will come to a small track on the left. Gradually, it turns into a proper track suitable for vehicles. About 200 metres further on, at a junction, keep to the left.
(5) Be very careful at this point, as it is easy to continue straight ahead. On a slight descent, turn right at a right angle, heading east onto a steeply ascending path under the canopy of majestic beech trees. You will reach an old Roman road.
(6) Junction with theGRP® Haute Cévenne d'Ardèche (yellow and red markings). Follow this beautiful path to the left, heading due north. Magnificent views to the south, over the Mas valley, Antraigues-sur-Volane and the whole of the Basse Ardèche.
(7) Leave theGRP® and turn right (due east) onto the path leading to the highest point, the Champ de Mars. Due to recent logging, the path is a little unclear at the start. It leads you to the north of this summit; at a wooden post, climb to the right to reach the orientation table.
(8) Champ de Mars: 1,343 m. You are now in the heart of the amphitheatre! This is the highest point of the hike.
Retrace your steps.
(7) Take theGRP® trail on the right. 500 m further on, at an intersection, leave it towards Mézilhac and take the track on the left. After going around the Knoll de Pradou, the descent begins. Stay on this main track for several kilometres. After a sharp hairpin bend to the right, you will reach a hiking post.
(9) Take the steeply descending path on the left. Follow the Ruisseau le Fédou stream downhill. There are several fords before you reach a wide track.
(10) Turn left for about 20 metres and then immediately take the path on the right, which descends under the vegetation. There are more fords to cross before you reach civilisation, namely Le Mazoyer.
(11) Overlooking the hamlet, you will come to a very small road, which you should take to the right. It goes around a few gardens before returning below the hamlet.
(2) Take the path on the right, which descends slightly and runs alongside the Ruisseau du Mas stream to the start/finish point (S/E).
Visorando member
Moderate 
Easy 
