Payzac walks

A magnificent hike in the Cévennes, mostly on trails through chestnut and arbutus trees.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

The gras are limestone plateaus characteristic of southern Ardèche. Here you can see low vegetation or trees: picards, junipers, Mediterranean shrubs, old mulberry trees left over from silkworm farming, various oaks and Montpellier maples. You will cross a karst landscape that is sometimes spectacular. This hike also offers a view from the top of the Beaume cliffs. You can stray from the path in search of karstic caves ( be careful at Réméjadou) and dolmens, sometimes lost in the woods.

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!

This hike is primarily a stroll along pretty trails in a relatively cool and humid area of the Plateau des Gras. The few points of interest marked on the map can be considered as a series of goals to achieve in what resembles an orienteering course. Avoid this route if you only hike on easy, well-marked routes. GPS and OpenStreetMap are recommended; see the practical information section.

After crossing a forest that could have been used as a location for scenes from Tolkien's novels, the return to the ridge runs alongside a necropolis of dolmens.

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.

This route offers beautiful views of the cliffs and gorges of the Chassezac, rocky terrain, ancient dry stone constructions and a return route through a landscape of heath that is perhaps less poetic but nevertheless typical of the southern Ardèche.

This family hike begins with magnificent views of the Chassezac gorges, then crosses a karstic rocky chaos in a Tolkien-esque forest. Further on, you will find drystone shelters, ancient dry stone shelters. The return journey offers a classic route through the limestone landscapes of southern Ardèche along a small road that is little used out of season (those allergic to tarmac will find some alternative routes through heath).

This vast south-facing valley surrounded by wooded areas (mainly pine trees) has retained its agricultural activities (vineyards, orchards, olive groves) and is dotted with several hamlets that are characteristic of southern Ardèche, even if there is some sprawl from recent residential developments. Streams and springs were equipped long ago with fountains and wash houses, sometimes in unexpected places.

This is a long hike that follows the Baume, first along the ledge on its left bank, then high up on its right bank (Falaise de Lunel). The final section, after point (21) , requires a lot of attention as the path entrances are often somewhat hidden, but after (23), the view is magnificent. From (12), you are in the middle of the heath and it can get very hot. I recommend setting off at dawn and taking plenty of drinks with you.

On this route, you will discover works of art, but also the use of slate in the construction of houses, paths and bridges. Don't hesitate to make a longer stop at Dompnac. On the way back, after Merle, crossing the Sueille stream can sometimes be tricky, especially after heavy rain, and you may get wet.

This hike will take you through an enchanting forest above one of the region's large underground water networks, which can be seen in several places: in an underground cistern, at the bottom of a karstic cave, in the bed of an almost dry river, or at a resurgence. You will also see one of the most beautiful dolmen sites in southern Ardèche. Please note that the Aven du Reméjadou is extremely dangerous.

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.

A pleasant loop, first through chestnut trees and then along the Roman road on the plateau above Montselgues.

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.

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.

A lovely loop starting from Pont du Gua, in the south of the Ardèche Méridionale. Along the banks of the Beaume River, this hike has a Mediterranean feel, surrounded by holm oaks, heather and black rocks. There is a steep climb and two short, slightly technical sections before reaching the iconic tower, steeped in history and legend, then a relaxing descent along a forest track in partial shade. You can swim at Pont du Gua and eat and drink at the restaurant in the hamlet of Gua.

According to an old legend, "every year the devil takes a stone" from La Tour de Brison. This restored medieval tower is now a very effective fire lookout post. For hikers, it offers a remarkable view of the mountain to the west and the wide landscape it overlooks to the east, stretching as far as Mont Ventoux on a clear day.

This circuit allows you to see the famous Gargantua's balls.