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Les Salelles walks
Pontière and Pailhères from Les Sallelles
Visorando Member
5.35 mi
+715 ft
-715 ft
3h 05
Moderate
Departure from Les Salelles (Ardèche)
A circular walk starting from Les Sallelles, which follows the River Chassezac and climbs up to the foothills of the Serre de Barre at Gravière. You’ll cross footbridges, pass through typical hamlets and visit the sanctuary via a mix of local roads, tracks and footpaths. Suitable for all, with an easy-to-follow route. There is one fairly challenging section, but overall it is not particularly difficult.
Submersible bridges and Serre du Cocu
8.41 mi
+1,549 ft
-1,568 ft
5h 15
Moderate
Departure from Gravières (Ardèche)
A circular with varied landscapes that uses the beautiful paths created and maintained by the municipality of Gravières.This route is impossible in heavy rain as the Chassezac river can cover La Pontière.
On 29 May 2024, there was quite a lot of water at La Pontière, but it was still possible to cross (I preferred to take my shoes off anyway). The weather forecast is looking better, so conditions should improve.
The Bourdaric cirque from Naves
3.36 mi
+804 ft
-784 ft
2h 15
Easy
Departure from Les Vans (Ardèche)
A very beautiful walk from the charming village of Naves. This walk can be combined with the Malarce cirque.
Cirque de la Malarce in Naves
2.23 mi
+669 ft
-679 ft
1h 35
Easy
Departure from Les Vans (Ardèche)
Short circular loop in a cirque near the charming village of Naves, next to Les Vans. You can combine this outing with the Cirque du Bourdaric. A great outing for geology enthusiasts.
From garrigue to Cévennes shale landscapes, departing from Les Vans
6.17 mi
+1,450 ft
-1,463 ft
4h 05
Moderate
Departure from Les Vans (Ardèche)
Contrasting landscapes between the southern scrubland and the deep gullies in the clay-limestone marl.
Fossil footprints, botanical path, abrupt change of vegetation between limestone strata and Cevennes shale, and return by a path overlooking the Chassezac river.
Very pretty and picturesque village of Naves.
That's what's on the menu of this spectacular hike which takes you around the west of Les Vans.
Serre de Barre - Croix de Bancillon - Alauzas
4.57 mi
+2,037 ft
-2,044 ft
3h 55
Moderate
Departure from Gravières (Ardèche)
A moderately challenging walk leading to the highest peak of the Serre de Barre, where a watchtower is manned during the summer months for fire surveillance.
From the summit, you can enjoy a beautiful view over the plain and the Ardèche mountains.
Serre de Barre from Brahic
4.21 mi
+1,407 ft
-1,391 ft
3h 10
Moderate
Departure from Les Vans (Ardèche)
This is an easy hike that takes you to the summit of the Pays des Vans at an altitude of 910 metres. Beautiful 360-degree panoramic views.
The hamlets of Valouse and Cessenades as seen from Le Frontal
4.55 mi
+1,234 ft
-1,227 ft
3h 10
Moderate
Departure from Malons-et-Elze (Gard)
An easy walk that allows you to discover the isolated hamlets typical of this region of the Cévennes, as well as its vast chestnut groves.
The upper Ganière valley and the Sentier du Facteur
7.25 mi
+2,205 ft
-2,178 ft
5h 15
Difficult
Departure from Les Vans (Ardèche)
One of the most beautiful routes in the Vans region, both in terms of scenery and heritage. Balcony paths, chestnut groves and drying rooms, a gold-bearing river, low walls and beehives carved into chestnut tree trunks: everything invites you to discover this enclave of the Ardèche and its hamlets, which were once only accessible on foot.
Be careful, there are steep and very steep ascents and descents. Allow 5 hours for the route, plus extra time for wandering around.
The Païolive Woods
5.69 mi
+509 ft
-499 ft
3h 05
Moderate
Departure from Les Vans (Ardèche)
Discover a particularly interesting wood above the town of Les Vans.Comments about this route: I did this route in 2013, and it turns out that some signs have been added since then (signposts and probably markings), which is to be expected. Hikers can then explore other trails but will always find something unique and interesting in this remarkable wood, with no chance of getting lost.
Amidst sandstone and olive trees, the church of Payzac and the Chapel of Sainte-Appolonie
6.99 mi
+1,001 ft
-1,004 ft
4h 05
Moderate
Departure from Les Assions (Ardèche)
An easy walk through woods, vineyards and olive groves at the foot of the Ardèche Cévennes. Beautiful views at both ends of the route.
From the Rochers de Païolive to the resurgences of the Ruisseau de Granzon
7.88 mi
+561 ft
-531 ft
4h 05
Difficult
Departure from Les Vans (Ardèche)
This unmarked route, which sometimes even leaves the trails, requires an IGN map and GPS, and leads to remote and wild areas of the Bois de Païolive and the upper part of the Ruisseau du Granzon.
The Bois de Païolive (small loop)
3.20 mi
+256 ft
-256 ft
1h 40
Easy
Departure from Les Vans (Ardèche)
The Païolive forest is an ancient forest in the south of the Ardèche, occupied since prehistoric times, with a remarkable geological context and biodiversity. It overlooks the Chassezac gorges. In this karstic landscape, there are numerous zoomorphic rocks, a multitude of trails and viewpoints, not to mention many caves. Much of the walk is shaded. Really very nice.
From hamlet to bridge around Payzac
9.81 mi
+2,320 ft
-2,343 ft
6h 30
Difficult
Departure from Payzac (Ardèche)
A magnificent hike in the Cévennes, mostly on trails through chestnut and arbutus trees.
Circular loop through the Bois de Païolive and Ruisseau du Granzon
10.20 mi
+709 ft
-696 ft
5h 20
Moderate
Departure from Les Vans (Ardèche)
After crossing the Bois de Païolive, the route follows the Ruisseau du Granzon. After climbing out of the canyon, the return journey is via the plateau. An enchanting route and landscape. The use of GPS and the Visorando app may be necessary.
Malons-et-Elze – Crète – Ponteils-et-Brésis – Bournaves
11.53 mi
+2,336 ft
-2,339 ft
7h 20
Difficult
Departure from Malons-et-Elze (Gard)
A fairly challenging route as the bulk of the climb comes at the end, and therefore in the heat. Walking along the old drovers' road is a real pleasure, as it is so unspoilt (apart from a few watchtowers...). From the point (11), the route is magnificent, with a succession of paths and the crossing of Bournaves, which has some lovely houses.
Crète, Ponteils-et-Brésis, Bournaves via the Col du Péras
13.67 mi
+2,982 ft
-2,989 ft
8h 55
Very difficult
Departure from Malons-et-Elze (Gard)
A circular loop starting from Malons-et-Elze with very little tarmac and a significant elevation gain. I’ve rated it as very difficult because the paths between (4) and (5) are very treacherous. What’s more, the route finishes with the climb up to Bournaves, and at the end of the walk, if it’s hot, it’s quite gruelling. But what a pleasure these walks are, out in the middle of nowhere!
Circular Banne route via Le Mazel and Montgros
3.69 mi
+522 ft
-525 ft
2h 10
Easy
Departure from Banne (Ardèche)
A short walk that climbs up to the heights above the charming little village of Banne and descends back down via a pretty paved slanting street.
Combe Longue, Bannelle and Le Mazel
4.17 mi
+971 ft
-997 ft
2h 45
Difficult
Departure from Banne (Ardèche)
A pleasant hike offering the chance to discover, first and foremost, a typical landscape of lush vegetation (particularly holm oaks) interspersed with limestone formations.
Also particularly interesting is the crossing of a sharp limestone pavement at the summit of Bannelle. This is a limestone plateau that has been eroded over time, forming joints that give it a ruin-like appearance.
The unfinished church of Saint-Genest-de-Beauzon
7.05 mi
+1,047 ft
-1,043 ft
4h 10
Moderate
Departure from Saint-Genest-de-Beauzon (Ardèche)
Saint-Genest-de-Beauzon is a strange commune, made up of scattered hamlets in the southern foothills of the Cévennes Ardéchoises, with an isolated town hall near an unfinished church that has only its walls remaining. Landscapes, old houses, historical curiosities and geological sites punctuate this route.
Short loop around the Granzon stream
5.68 mi
+591 ft
-564 ft
3h 10
Moderate
Departure from Banne (Ardèche)
The Granzon stream canyon is a magical place that tour operators won't take you to. Go there, but don't tell anyone... The return route is via the plateau and a small road. Those allergic to tarmac may prefer to do a round trip.
Short circular loop in Banne
1.16 mi
+233 ft
-249 ft
0h 45
Easy
Departure from Banne (Ardèche)
The village of Banne is charming and the view from the ruins of the castle, destroyed during the Revolution, is quite breathtaking. The walk described here is very short and easy, unless you prefer not to walk on a stony path. Perfect as a pre-dinner or after-dinner stroll.
From Chassezac to Sentier Roche via Sentier des Drystone Shelters
8.05 mi
+1,342 ft
-1,319 ft
4h 50
Difficult
Departure from Berrias-et-Casteljau (Ardèche)
A very pleasant hike along the Chassezac, then on the Sentier des Drystone Shelters. Return via the Sentier Roche and a small wood in Païolive. Superb landscape of the Ardèche Cévennes.I recommend using the GPX track as there are countless small paths.Hike for experienced hikers. I rated the walk as difficult not because of its length or elevation gain, but because of the many rocky areas and scree slopes to cross. It is physically demanding between (9) and (10) and from (15) to (S/E) Warning: do not attempt this hike in rainy weather as the rocky, limestone terrain is very slippery.
The steps of Sabuscles – Malbosc – Pont de Malbosquet
2.88 mi
+866 ft
-856 ft
2h 05
Easy
Departure from Malbosc (Ardèche)
A short walk along pleasant Cévennes paths. A route that begins with a magnificent staircase made of splendid schist slabs, and a series of small steps allowing you to cross the various accols (or faïsses: terms meaning terraced farmland) once maintained for cultivation.
Also worth noting is a distinctive feature of the Malbosquet Bridge, where one of the parapets has a pointed section in the middle, into which a slab has been set to form a seat.
Around Païolive: from necropolis to hermitage, from desert to forest
7.15 mi
+623 ft
-640 ft
3h 50
Moderate
Departure from Berrias-et-Casteljau (Ardèche)
This hike will take you to a megalithic necropolis and a desert plain inhabited long ago by those who were buried there. It will take you to the village of Berrias, up to the Païolive woods, which you will cross, and then to the hermitage of Saint-Eugène, which is still in use, before allowing you to admire the Chassezac gorges from the magnificent cliff.
Casteljau Peninsula - La Grotte du Renard
2.48 mi
+741 ft
-738 ft
1h 45
Moderate
Departure from Berrias-et-Casteljau (Ardèche)
A beautiful loop that allows you to discover the Chassezac Gorges with passages at river level and others on the heights with beautiful views. For the more adventurous, there is the possibility of exploring caves.
And to wash off (depending on the season), you can relax in the river.
Ideal for children, although the cliff passages require parents' full attention.
The forgotten drovers' roads in Bonnevaux
Local authority7.19 mi
+1,719 ft
-1,703 ft
4h 50
Moderate
Departure from Bonnevaux (Gard) (Gard)
Whilst roads have often been built along the valley floor, shepherds have chosen the ridge paths to lead their flocks to the lush pastures. This long circular walk offers breathtaking views.
Heathland, chestnut trees and old drovers' roads in Bonnevaux
7.19 mi
+1,693 ft
-1,683 ft
4h 45
Difficult
Departure from Bonnevaux (Gard) (Gard)
Set off to explore ancient drovers' roads (transhumance routes for herds) across arid, windswept plateaus. Chestnut trees (almost) everywhere, broom a little higher up, and then high-altitude moorland covered in heather and pine trees – that’s what this hike has in store! As well as magnificent views of the surrounding countryside. There are also quite a few stones on the ascents (up to the junction with theGRP® 4) and descents – take particular care between (8) and (9).
Paved slanting streets and trails near Malbosc among the chestnut trees
3.88 mi
+784 ft
-784 ft
2h 30
Easy
Departure from Malbosc (Ardèche)
A very pleasant hike in Malbosc among chestnut trees, taking paths and pretty paved slanting streets.
Moderator's note Please note that the red bridge appears to have disappeared. See reviews
Moulin de Marceau and return via Bavancel from Planzolle
4.41 mi
+574 ft
-591 ft
2h 30
Easy
Departure from Planzolles (Ardèche)
A short walk with little elevation gain, allowing you to discover an old mill (5) hidden at the bottom of the valley, all in a very Mediterranean setting. The return trip through the hamlet of Bavancel offers magnificent views.
The Château de Valoubières at the start of Cédat
4.76 mi
+682 ft
-679 ft
2h 45
Easy
Departure from Planzolles (Ardèche)
A short hike around the hamlet of Cédat between Lablachère and Planzolles: a varied walk through vineyards and forests of chestnut, pine and oak trees. This hike is not difficult and is suitable for families with children. The route can also be done by mountain bike. The route takes in the magnificent Château de Valoubières and passes through the hamlets of Civade, Le Coulet and Le Cellier.
The Étang du Serre d’Aubrias from the Col de Péras
5.36 mi
+1,243 ft
-1,247 ft
3h 35
Moderate
Departure from Aujac (Gard) (Gard)
A round-trip hike, much of which follows the ridge, offering magnificent panoramic views of the peaks of the Cévennes in the Gard and the Monts d’Ardèche. Route along theGRP® Haute Vallée de la Cèze and the Cévenol.
From Chams en Hameaux via the Col de Peras
11.52 mi
+2,851 ft
-2,851 ft
7h 45
Difficult
Departure from Aujac (Gard) (Gard)
Les Chams de Bonneveau, Cassenade and Malbosquet, and the hamlets of Malbosquet and Les Escoussous as seen from the Col de Peras. Beautiful views of the Cévennes, the Alps, Mont Ventoux, the Tanargue Massif and, closer by, the Berrias Plain. Varied terrain on this fairly demanding hike.
The Granges Necropolis
3.64 mi
+167 ft
-167 ft
1h 50
Easy
Departure from Berrias-et-Casteljau (Ardèche)
The Granges Necropolis is one of the most important dolmen sites in Ardèche. This short, easy circuit allows hikers to discover some of them while enjoying the landscape, vegetation and waterways of the limestone plateaus of lower Ardèche.
Planzolles - Saint-Mélany circular starting from Cornis
6.61 mi
+1,693 ft
-1,693 ft
4h 30
Moderate
Departure from Saint-Pierre-Saint-Jean (Ardèche)
Circular walking route from Planzolles to Saint-Mélany, at Pont de la Brousse. Return with beautiful views of the surrounding valleys.
Around Berrias-et-Casteljau
7.57 mi
+433 ft
-417 ft
3h 50
Moderate
Departure from Berrias-et-Casteljau (Ardèche)
A hike to discover the banks of the Chassezac, the villages of Berrias and Casteljau, Ardèche hamlets with, as a bonus, a passage through the Bois de Païolive and a view of the Gorges du Chassezac.
At the start, when you walk along the Chassezac and in the Bois de Païolive, there are many paths. A GPS may be useful.
Dolmen Trail in Saint-Paul-le-Jeune
3.14 mi
+285 ft
-262 ft
1h 40
Easy
Departure from Saint-Paul-le-Jeune (Ardèche)
A short walk through the heath dotted with a few dolmens in varying states of repair, but nonetheless interesting for their burial mounds and magnificent limestone slabs, which have unfortunately partially collapsed.
You can also see two shepherds’ drystone shelters, known locally as ‘drystone shelters’, one of which is in good condition.
Thines... a jewel perched high above
6.12 mi
+1,362 ft
-1,362 ft
4h 00
Moderate
Departure from Saint-Pierre-Saint-Jean (Ardèche)
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!
Ferme de l'Espinas circular loop
5.86 mi
+1,765 ft
-1,785 ft
4h 15
Moderate
Departure from Malarce-sur-la-Thines (Ardèche)
A very pretty path, mostly paved slanting street and mostly open, offering views of the valley, the village of Thines and the surrounding ridges.
At the top of the circular route, you will discover the Ferme de l'Espinas, dating from the 13th and 14th centuries and listed as a historic monument.
Thines - Montselgues circuit
11.10 mi
+2,149 ft
-2,123 ft
7h 00
Difficult
Departure from Malarce-sur-la-Thines (Ardèche)
A pleasant loop, first through chestnut trees and then along the Roman road on the plateau above Montselgues.
The Vignal Circular Route
2.72 mi
+272 ft
-269 ft
1h 30
Easy
Departure from Lablachère (Ardèche)
A short walk above Le Vignal, in the commune of Lablachère, with views of the village, Notre-Dame de Bon Secours, the Plateau des Gras, the Rocher de Sampzon and, in good weather, the Trois Becs and Mont Ventoux.
Le gué d'Hiverne au départ d'Aujac
8.19 mi
+1,555 ft
-1,552 ft
5h 05
Difficult
Departure from Aujac (Gard) (Gard)
Une randonnée proposée par le Parc Naturel des Cévennes. Le sens de la randonnée a été inversé pour éviter une fin de parcours en forte côte, et très chaude.
Short circular loop starting from Aujac
4.80 mi
+663 ft
-659 ft
2h 45
Easy
Departure from Aujac (Gard) (Gard)
A short route, suitable for families, on decent paths with good signposting. A lovely apiary at Les Bouchets and superb views of the Monts de la Lozère. It’s (relatively) cool in the morning.You can enhance the walk with a meal at the little restaurant opposite the church (closed on Wednesdays).
The rock tombs at Ribes
4.66 mi
+948 ft
-948 ft
3h 00
Easy
Departure from Ribes (Ardèche)
This is a short route without any major difficulties and is well marked (yellow and white from point2).The path is a little technical after the tombs but not really difficult.
From Sénéchas to the Tour d’Olivon via the Cèze dam reservoir
3.36 mi
+938 ft
-955 ft
2h 20
Moderate
Departure from Sénéchas (Gard)
Perched on a ridge between the steep-sided valleys of the Cèze and the Homol, the village of Sénéchas lies with its feet in the reservoir created by the dam that bears its name. The suggested route takes you down from the heights of the village to the shores of the lake, and on to an old medieval tower that stands watch over the lake’s meandering waters. Along the way, you’ll discover some marvels of the earthworks that once shaped this corner of the Cévennes.
Two bridges and a balcony at the start in Sénéchas
11.22 mi
+2,326 ft
-2,346 ft
7h 10
Difficult
Departure from Sénéchas (Gard)
A challenging hike on often stony paths, but the scenery is well worth the effort and the signposting is excellent.
The two old bridges – one over the Cèze, the other over the Homol – are magnificent, and the path running along the cliff edge above the Luech is very pleasant.
Finally, there’s a climb for the fit, but it can be avoided.
The Cotepatière Cave, starting from Saint-André-de-Cruzières
5.62 mi
+594 ft
-581 ft
3h 05
Moderate
Departure from Saint-André-de-Cruzières (Ardèche)
An unusual walk and nothing too complicated if you’re not claustrophobic.
The Combe de Blanc in Chadouillet
4.82 mi
+262 ft
-259 ft
2h 25
Moderate
Departure from Saint-André-de-Cruzières (Ardèche)
A short hike with no major difficulties, but best avoided during hot weather. The elevation gain is low, and overall the paths are not too difficult and are often marked in yellow. It is possible to descend to the Cotepatière resurgence and back, preferably after rain, otherwise it is dry.
I am providing the details of the "les résurgences" hike, which you walk along for a while.