Le Cheylard - Saint-Prix

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On the route of an old Ardèche railway line that linked Le Cheylard to Lamastre.
Here, take the tunnels and majestic old bridges, the likes of which are no longer built, for a day to (re)discover the Sumène valley in a different way.

Details

n°11850
Creation:
Last update:
Last review:
  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 15.73 km
  • ◔
    Average duration: 5h 40 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Moderate
  • ⚐
    Back to start: Yes
  • ↗
    Ascent: + 402 m
  • ↘
    Descent: - 399 m
  • ▲
    Highest point: 644 m
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 437 m
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Photos

The artificial lake at Le Cheylard.
The blackberry bridge on the way back.
Return via the same route.
The return journey.

Description of the walk

This route, which was originally designed to return to the valley, has been modified on site due to the condition of the path, despite it being signposted. We therefore advise you to follow the same route on your return, unless you prefer to come back by road.

That said, it is pleasant to discover the same landscape from a different angle.

(S/E) Take the greenway path at La Couarde, where it is very easy to park (there is a sign for the Eyrium water sports centre at this location). After crossing a bridge over the road you have just left, meander gently along this path, which is sometimes made of stones (remnants of the Vivarais railway line), grass and a small section of tarmac. It is slightly uphill to Nonières and then gently downhill to Saint-Prix.

(1) The return journey is gentle, taking you back to the Couarde car park (S/E).

Waypoints

  1. S/E : km 0 - alt. 452 m - La Couarde car park
  2. 1 : km 7.87 - alt. 605 m - Saint-Prix
  3. S/E : km 15.73 - alt. 452 m - La Couarde car park

Notes

Bring a torch (head torch or other) for crossing the Nonières tunnel.
There are no water sources, so remember to bring enough with you.
The route is exposed, so remember to bring hats and sun cream in summer.
Can be done by mountain bike or on horseback.
Along the route: Discover ancient, vertiginous bridges, characteristic rock-cut gorges, three tunnels (including the 321-metre Nonières tunnel – ah, the light at the end of the tunnel!) and panoramic views of the Ardèche mountains.
A few strategically placed benches invite you to enjoy a refreshing snack while admiring the panoramic views of the Sumène valley. Take the time to admire the rich flora.

Worth a visit

The Ardèche, where the steam engine was invented, is a department that is no longer crossed by the French national railway network (except for freight along the Rhône). There are still a few private lines where small slow trains offer beautiful journeys through unspoilt countryside.
Eyrium water sports centre.
L'Arche des Métiers in Le Cheylard, Centre for Scientific, Technical and Industrial Culture in Rhône-Alpes.

Reviews and comments

4.7 / 5
Based on 5 reviews
Reliability of the description
4.8 / 5
Ease of following the route
4.8 / 5
Route interest
4.6 / 5
DidierA
DidierA

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 28, 2021
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

A pleasant walk to occupy half a day. It is indeed better by bicycle, and there are many to choose from.
The walk takes you through the pretty villages of Les Nonières and Saint-Prix.
The Nonières tunnel has automatic lighting.

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Pinkiewicz
Pinkiewicz

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Jul 09, 2020
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

Great with birdsong
very relaxing and easy

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let-452
let-452

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Jul 15, 2017
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good

The Nonières tunnel has ceiling lighting, so there is no need for a torch.

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gomariz
gomariz

Overall rating : 4 / 5

Date of your route : Feb 19, 2017
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good

I cycled the route (trekking) and went as far as Lamastre. It was a pleasant 40 km round trip and the track is very suitable for both walking and cycling. I should point out that you don't need a mountain bike with a telescopic fork.

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Philippekfp
Philippekfp

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Jul 22, 2013
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good

Hello,
A beautiful route that I used as the basis for a trail run.
I stopped after the Nonières tunnel to head back down towards Le Cheylard. A fork in the road allows you to take a path towards Saint Jean Roure. Please note that the short version of this route leads to a dead end.
Phil

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Charlie07
Charlie07
• Edited:

I wasn't familiar with the concept of geocaching...
If it was what I saw, I thought it might belong to a homeless person... given that there were also traces of a fire in some of the alcoves. At the same time, I thought that with the wind blowing, there were surely better places to spend the night.

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gpamaletoi
gpamaletoi

Take advantage of this hike to go geocaching! The Noniéres tunnel hides a treasure!

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