Montselgues - Ourlette

(S) Departure from the Lodge de Montselgues: turn right to join the road, then right again towards the village. Leave the hamlet via a gentle climb. You will then reach a crossroads with several directions.

(1) Turn right onto a dirt road that follows the^GRP®® Tour de la Montagne Ardéchoise, marked in red and yellow. Follow it until you reach a new intersection at Serre de Teste Rouge.

(2) Keep left on the^GRP®® to begin a descent, cross the Ruisseau de Tencous and then arrive at the hamlet of Pradon.

(3) Cross the hamlet and continue on the GRP®^®. Cross the road and continue straight ahead, continuing downhill. Finish the descent when you reach the Chamier river.

(4) Turn left, then right to cross the stream via a pretty bridge. At the entrance to the hamlet, turn right. Then climb up the Ruisseau de Chalendas valley through the forest. Finish the climb by reaching a crossroads of paths at the top of a ridge.

(5) Turn left and descend via a pretty path. Walk to reach the point on the Ruisseau d'Ourlette.

(6) Cross the bridge, then stay on the right bank of the Ruisseau d'Ourlette. Climb above the gorges on the well-marked and maintained path, which is quite wide. Pass above the cliffs to return to the Ourlette car park (E).
See explanations in Practical Information.

(E) Ourlette car park: from Ourlette to return to Saint-Laurent-les-Bains, we used a car that we had left there before setting off.

Note: our only regret is not finding a stopover lodge between Laval d'Aurelle and Saint Laurent les Bains to make a final stop in the chestnut groves.
Between (3) and (4): this is a lovely trail with beautiful views which, after a very short climb, descends gently to the bottom of a valley with a pretty stream and beautiful pools that invite you to take a dip.
(6) Ourlette stream: before crossing a pretty stone bridge. The area is delightful, with clear water and pools that make you want to swim or dip your feet in the water. An idyllic spot for a picnic.