Mariac walks

This walk takes in forests of chestnut, oak, beech and pine trees, two volcanoes, three types of lava, three typical hamlets and a 360° view of all the Boutières (at least twenty volcanoes in sight). 24/10/2023: Hike modified to avoid the Oppidum de la Farre, which is private property, classified as a historical monument and closed to the public (see practical information).

On the ridges of the Ardèche mountains in a sumptuous setting, this walk is also geological. On the programme: granite piles over ten metres high, five superimposed basalt flows and a view of some of the most famous volcanoes in France: Mont Gerbier-de-Jonc and Mézenc. A change of scenery guaranteed.

A beautiful half-day hike along a balcony path, which crosses ancient hamlets with panoramic views of the Eyrieux Valley. This route has been used for several years by the famous "Cheminote", a hike for the general public that connects Le Cheylard to Saint-Martin-de-Valamas. A hike proposed by the collective "Nos chemins ne sont pas à vendre" (Our paths are not for sale).

A hike proposed by the collective "Nos chemins ne sont pas à vendre" (Our paths are not for sale). A beautiful day-long hike along a south-facing balcony trail that passes through ancient hamlets with panoramic views of the Eyrieux Valley. This route has been used for several years by the famous "Cheminote", a popular hike that connects Le Cheylard to Saint-Martin-de-Valamas.

This hike starts off gently at the bottom of the valley, following an old railway line. It then climbs up to a rocky outcrop where the ruins of Rochebonne Castle stand proudly. And as if the ruins of this castle weren't enough, all the great peaks of the Ardèche (Mézenc, Gerbier des Joncs) are visible throughout the hike.

This route is dotted with varied landscapes and ends with superb panoramic views of all the surrounding mountains. This rock, less well known than Mont Mézenc or Gerbier de Jonc, nevertheless offers equally impressive views.

This route offers a beautiful sample of the landscapes of the high Ardèche valleys that radiate towards Le Cheylard. The environments are very varied: broom heaths on the southern slopes, forests of chestnut, conifer and beech trees depending on the orientation, and grassy meadows on the ridges. There are numerous signs of volcanic activity, such as the Rocher de Soutron and the Échamps maar.

Starting from Marcols, after a climb through woods and sheep pastures, the ascent to the summit of the Don volcano (basalt neck with the ruins of a castle built in the 12th century and an orientation table) offers an exceptional panorama of the Monts d'Ardèche (Gerbier, Mézenc, Sara) and, on a clear day, the Alps (Mont Blanc, Oisans, etc.). There are two options for the return journey. The one described in the description: if you're allergic to tarmac, choose thesecond option (practical information).

The Champ de Mars is a superb viewpoint over the Ardèche mountains. Easy to access, it offers a 360° panoramic view with an orientation table allowing you to see all the surrounding mountains as far as the Vercors.

This hike on the Ardèche plateau is relatively flat and takes you to a summit with superb 360° views of the Massif Central and the Alps, and even Mont Blanc on a clear day. Please note: the route on the way there has been designed to showcase the beauty of the paths and landscapes. The paths are not marked and can sometimes be difficult to find. A good knowledge of the area and maps is necessary. The return via theGR® de Pays is easier and more direct.

This is a beautiful hike through wild, unspoilt landscapes in the heart of the Ardéchoise mountains, with all their splendour and curiosities. The flora and fauna are rich and diverse, with some rare protected species. On a clear day, the summit of Montivernoux offers an exceptional panorama of the Cévennes, the Monts Lozère, the Tanargue, the knolls of the Ardèche plateau, Mont Gerbier de Jonc, Mézenc, Montfol, Mont Ventoux, the Alps and Mont Blanc.

This hike offers a beautiful introduction to the Boutières region, with its rugged terrain, rivers, diverse landscapes and views. It alternates between moorland, meadows and forests of beech and coniferous trees, ending on the Dolce Via, which allows you to pick up the pace after the numerous ascents and descents.

Beautiful climb up knoll d'Ourseyres via Col du Pranlet.

A beautiful hike in the Ardèche, sometimes along ridges and sometimes under chestnut trees. The hamlets of Tauzuc and Serre de Tauzuc are worth seeing... Especially when a deer appears and then disappears, as shy as ever.

The first stage of this two-day loop around the Rocher de Cheylard takes you from the edge of the Ray-Pic waterfall to Aizac, a small village in the Cévennes Ardéchoises, perched on a pass between Volane and Besorgues. Beech forests, broom-covered moors, chestnut trees, Roman roads, crystal-clear streams, passes with breathtaking views... you will walk from the Ardèche plateau to the lower Ardèche.

Two-day loop in the Cévennes Ardéchoises. The Besorgues and Bourges are two Cévennes rivers, or rather torrents, with crystal-clear waters.Between the two, a short walk from the famous Ray-Pic waterfall, the Rocher de Cheylard (1,412 m) offers a natural viewpoint over the surrounding landscape.On this two-day hike, you will discover these rugged landscapes, deep valleys, the edges of the Ardèche plateau, and small hamlets and villages nestled in the countryside.