The Madeleine Plateau, accessed via the Saint-Régnier Cave

This short hike takes you through a cave to reach the Madeleine volcanic plateau, which offers a 360° view. Views of the Loire Valley, the Mezenc, Meygal, Pilat and Forez massifs with three orientation tables.

Details

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  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 3.63 km
  • ◔
    Average duration: 1h 25 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Moderate

  • ⚐
    Back to start: Yes
  • ↗
    Ascent: + 121 m
  • ↘
    Descent: - 114 m

  • ▲
    Highest point: 969 m
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 868 m

Photos

Description of the walk

Park in the hamlet of Le Pédible, located between Retournac and Beauzac. Parking is available on the left as you enter the village.

(S/E) Start the hike by taking the lane on the right, at the top of the car park. Continue north-northeast on this small road until you reach the edge of the village, where it becomes a yellow-marked trail.

At the first junction, 150 metres after the last houses on the right, turn left.
Turn left again at the second junction 500 metres further on.

(1) At the third junction, turn left heading north-west, continuing to follow the yellow markings. The track now descends for 300 metres.

(2) At the fork, leave the yellow-marked downhill track and take the unmarked track on the left.

(3) After about 150 metres, look for a light blue mark on the trees on the left, which is a little faded, marking the start of a very discreet trail (not shown on the IGN map). Follow this trail to the foot of the cliff.

Walk along the cliff on the right for about 20 metres and look for a small entrance between two rocks, a sort of air vent, which leads to the cave with its vaulted ceiling open to the light. At the back of the cave, on the right, a very narrow passage ending in a "cat flap", requiring a little more flexibility, is the way out.
This passage is entirely possible if you follow the recommendations (see Practical Information).

At the exit, turn right and climb up this very steep path, which is often slippery as it faces north.
Roots, shrub branches and finally a rope make it easier to progress.

You will arrive at the Madeleine volcanic plateau, which you can cross from north to south via a well-maintained path. In the middle of the plateau is the small Sainte-Marie-Madeleine Chapel.

Continue along the plateau to its southern end: beautiful view, two orientation tables.
Retrace your steps, not forgetting a third orientation table to the south-east.

(4) At the chapel, take the path on the right that leads down to the hamlet of Le Pédible. When you reach the first houses, take the lane on the left that leads to the car park (S/E).

Waypoints

  1. S/E : km 0 - alt. 868 m - Car park in the hamlet of Le Pédible
  2. 1 : km 0.99 - alt. 917 m - At the crossroads, turn left, following the yellow markings
  3. 2 : km 1.32 - alt. 883 m - At the fork, turn left, unmarked
  4. 3 : km 1.51 - alt. 893 m - Turn left at the light blue markings
  5. 4 : km 3.13 - alt. 957 m - Chapel of Saint Mary Magdalene
  6. S/E : km 3.63 - alt. 868 m - Car park

Notes

Please note that, as indicated in this description, the route between points (3) and (4) presents two significant difficulties: the entrance to the St Régnier cave and the exit are very narrow (even a small rucksack cannot pass through), and the access to the plateau is very steep, even slippery, and exposed to the north.
A little flexibility, no excess weight, and no risk.

Alternative route.

The solution for those who might be apprehensive about this little interlude is to do the hike in reverse. At the top of the car park, take the lane on the left and then, about 100 metres further on, take the path on the right marked by clearly visible signs for "Plateau de La Madeleine".
This path leads to the plateau at the Chapelle de la Madeleine.
After crossing the plateau from south to north, you can descend from the plateau to the north by taking a small path that starts at the edge of the cliff between two rocks, to the right of a small rocky outcrop. This path is steep but less so than the one described in the previous itinerary. Then head to the point (1), heading north-east, and return to Le Pédible by taking the main track on the right.

Worth a visit

(4) The Chapel of Sainte-Marie-Madeleine is located on the site of a former 16th-17th century priory, owned by the Chalencon family.
Sights to see: the village of Chalencon and its castle, 17 km away.
The Meygal Massif with all its "knolls" (peaks) to be explored on foot, of course.

Reviews and comments

4.2 / 5
Based on 23 reviews

Reliability of the description
4.1 / 5
Ease of following the route
3.9 / 5
Route interest
4.7 / 5
lasmalarocher
lasmalarocher

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Oct 27, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A very beautiful little walk through the woods. Don't miss the entrance to the cave. The passage under the cave is great fun, but be warned if you're easily frightened. There are no difficulties apart from the cave and the 50 m steep slope that follows. Be sure to follow the route in the direction indicated.

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User 14385180
• Edited:

Overall rating : 3 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 18, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★☆☆☆ Disappointing
Ease of following the route : ★★☆☆☆ Disappointing
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

The description and signposting are not that straightforward. More realistic distance indicators are needed, especially at the point where the yellow trail leaves the path (marker 3). The sign is known to be inconspicuous and the exit is well before the estimated 150 metres. A more explicit sign, such as a "cave" sign, is needed. However, there is a sign for "grotte à 50m" (cave 50m) when it is actually 10m away. We missed the entrance, which is difficult to see from that direction, and higher up, we took the western path around the cave, confident that it was on the map, but it became increasingly steep and overgrown, and blocked at the top by brambles and tall grass. We had to turn back, but it wasn't easy and was quite risky as the ground was slippery.

On our way back, we finally saw the cave from above the path, which seems to be an attraction on the route but is of little interest as it is impossible to actually go through it unless you are a caver.

At the end of the yellow marked trail (landmark 3), there is a very useful orange paint mark, which is the one to follow, but this is not indicated anywhere in the description. We followed it by default at the beginning, especially as it does not lead to the cave, even though it is a landmark on the route. Intriguing.

The ropes are indeed a lifesaver but could even be extended further upstream. But what a joy to reach the top after these adventures!

You need to be really mobile to do this route, as it's still quite challenging, and you need a good sense of direction. In this respect, I think describing the difficulty as moderate is misleading. Otherwise, just do the walk in the opposite direction, which is very accessible. And you get to enjoy the view just as much.

My question is: would it be possible to create (and signpost!) an easier route around the cave to the west, as an alternative to the steep climb up the path marked with orange paint, to make a more accessible loop? Because the walk is definitely worth the effort.

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Azimut71
Azimut71

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of your route : Jun 13, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

As my size prevents me from passing through a cat flap, I did the route in reverse. To the north of the plateau, the passage is marked by a white-green marker.
The descent is then quite tricky (I didn't see any ropes) if the ground is wet. You arrive at the lower exit of the cave. At this point, you should no longer follow the white-green markings, but the blue markings, then the widest trail, which joins a yellow marking that takes you back to the starting village.
The passage through the cave is very narrow and is suitable for children or young teenagers.

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KatiaPhil
KatiaPhil

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of your route : Nov 27, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

We did the route in reverse, as suggested.
We started with the chapel and the magnificent views from the plateau
The descent to the cave is difficult and only suitable for athletic people. Not recommended for people with knee problems or the elderly.
The ropes are a real bonus, so a big thank you to those who installed them (and shame on those who complain about the maintenance – let's not get carried away!)
The rock-cut font and the entrance to the cave are worth seeing. The information sign says that you have to crawl to get to the cave chamber (Hermite Cave), so we didn't try.
Thank you for this beautiful route.

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Angie_43
Angie_43

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of your route : Jul 30, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A very beautiful, enjoyable hike (children aged 8 and 4). Crossing the cave is definitely not for everyone. The climb afterwards is on a fairly steep slope. The ropes are useful for climbing up! And it's important to follow the instructions. However, the question arises as to how these ropes are maintained, given that this is not a PR (preserved footpath)? A very nice hike, which delighted both children and adults!

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Voyageur 17
Voyageur 17

Overall rating : 3 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 14, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★☆☆ Average
Ease of following the route : ★★★☆☆ Average
Route interest : ★★★☆☆ Average
Very busy route : No

It should be emphasised that access to the cave is difficult both at the entrance and the exit.
The climb to reach the path at the cave exit is very steep and even challenging.
Not recommended for people who are overweight.

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gasty
gasty

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 09, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

The route through the cave is confusing. This is because there are green markings directing you onto a path that bypasses the cave. If you are not in front of the cave when you start the climb, stop. Explore the surrounding area and you will find it. After passing through the cave, the climb is not moderately difficult but rather difficult.
Although short, this hike is enjoyable. (I will post photos of the passage through the cave.)

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CYRIL TRONEL
CYRIL TRONEL

Overall rating : 4 / 5

Date of your route : Jul 24, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★☆☆ Average
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A very beautiful hike involving a cave crossing, which nevertheless requires flexibility.
Please note that although this is a short hike, it does contain two difficult sections (a steep path and the cave crossing).
The reward is a beautiful view.
A must-do!

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Yann Frmtx
Yann Frmtx

Overall rating : 4 / 5

Date of your route : Jul 03, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★☆☆ Average
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

A very beautiful hike!

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Geo Rock
Geo Rock

Overall rating : 3.3 / 5

Date of your route : Apr 16, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★☆☆ Average
Ease of following the route : ★★☆☆☆ Disappointing
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

Hello.
Our disappointment stems from the signposting: you have to find it! There are very few yellow markings...
Visorando has created an interesting information sheet, which is a positive thing. The signage on site is really like an "orienteering" course, where everyone has to find their own way forward!
Despite everything, the site is magnificent and, at the summit, offers views stretching as far as the eye can see. One thing to note: to get to the cave, you need to wear shoes with good grip.

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Mathieu76
Mathieu76
• Edited:

Overall rating : 3.7 / 5

Date of your route : Oct 27, 2022
Reliability of the description : ★★★☆☆ Average
Ease of following the route : ★★★☆☆ Average
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

Please note! The summary states that the walk is suitable for children. Although it is mentioned at the bottom of the description that there is an easier option, this does not appear in the summary. There is a very steep section with ropes to help you, which is unsuitable for young children or adults who are not physically fit! The passage through the cave is also only suitable for experienced hikers as it is not very wide! This should be mentioned in the summary of the walk as it can be misleading.
Otherwise, it is a very beautiful walk.

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Freddy 42
Freddy 42
• Edited:

Overall rating : 4 / 5

Date of your route : Oct 31, 2022
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : Yes

On the section leading to the foot of the cliffs (blue markings not clearly visible in the description), new markings appear to have been put in place (green)... and as a result, we missed the cave. Despite this, the route remains enjoyable..

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terrienc
terrienc

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Jun 11, 2022
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

Great hike with magnificent panoramic views. The cave isn't too difficult to find if you look around a bit, but the entrance and exit are indeed quite narrow!

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AlexianeS
AlexianeS

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Jan 16, 2022
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

The entrance to the cave is a little harder to find because the path is not very visible and is not marked.
Apart from that, the walk is great, with magnificent views once you reach the top!

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oponcin
oponcin

Overall rating : 3.7 / 5

Date of your route : Nov 08, 2021
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★☆☆ Average
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

the film of the hike: https://youtu.be/alttpfQJn4Y
Please note: do not miss the spot where you must leave the path to climb up onto the plateau
This is where the forest is at its most beautiful in autumn

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