Rocles (Ardèche) walks

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.

At the heart of the Monts D’Ardèche Regional Natural Park, Laboule is the ideal starting point for a walk with a variety of contrasting atmospheres. At the summit of the Sentier des Granges trail there is an unparalleled panoramic view (Mont Blanc, Mont Ventoux, Mont Bouquet, Mont Lozère...) a day’s walk across the third-highest summit of the Cévennes range (at 1,548 m) with its rocky mountains and luminous rivers.

This hike is for you if you want to spend a real day walking on a wild, little-known, airy and welcoming summit. The Tour de la Cham du Cros is a loop starting from Laboule. The route is a large loop that can be taken from the hamlet of Valousset if you are short on time. The picnic will feel like a "16:9" experience with breathtaking views of the Beaume valley, the Tanargue massif and the Vallon Pont d'Arc plain.

This trail is one of the most beautiful on the southern slope of Tanargue. It is characterised by its easy ascent, its aesthetic appeal, its aerial aspect and the historical authenticity of its route. Another beautiful day's walking on the third highest peak in the Cévennes (1,548 m).We stay at the bottom of the valley for the first half of the morning, then climb up the southern slope of Méjean, enjoying views of Mont Gerbier de Jonc, Mont Blanc, the Vercors, Mont Ventoux and the Gorges de l'Ardèche.

Clinging to the southern slopes of the Tanargue, the hilltop village of Laboule is surrounded by a multitude of typical Cévennes hamlets, which you can discover one by one as you wind your way through centuries-old chestnut groves, streams and paved slanting streets (historic paths where the inhabitants used to walk every day).

Discover the flora and, if you're lucky, the fauna, as well as the built heritage. This hike can be adapted to suit your preferences by following well-marked trails.

This circular hike takes you to the Tanargue plateau via a magnificent trail. Once on the plateau, you can follow the ridge trail to discover superb views of the Ardèche mountains.

Don't forget your cameras for this walk, which will take you up to a ridge where you can enjoy exceptional views of the Ardèche plateau, the Aubenas basin and the Vercors. You will then plunge into the undergrowth to discover the small hamlets of Lentillères.In spring, the flora is very interesting.

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.

This historic trail was used by forest rangers who patrolled the paths between the valley and the Ardèche plateau. This route is ideal for starting or ending a stay in the area as the elevation gain is not particularly challenging. There is a breathtaking view of the Tanargue and a return trip on the old Valgorge road once used by carts. The people of the Ardèche usually take this route on 18 August, the day of the traditional Loubaresse fair.

Between Baume, Ardèche and Ligne, vast stretches of stony ground have been and are still partly cultivated, with olive trees now reigning supreme. The former silkworm farms have now been converted into homes but retain their old-world charm. Along the river, hanging gardens are still maintained and clearly visible on the banks on the sunny side of La Baume. The Ardèche and Chassezac rivers have created a vast plain where vineyards, fruit trees and gardens occupy the space.

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.

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

A hike on the highest part of the Tanargue ridge. With little elevation gain, you will enjoy magnificent views of the lower Ardèche, the Alps and the Ardèche plateau. In the height of summer, you will benefit from the coolness of the altitude and large shaded areas.

This beautiful and challenging hike will take you on a short journey to discover the passages invented by the locals to cross the basalt flows, take you to the old summer pastures of Fargebelle through steep chestnut groves, and as a bonus, show you the two magnificent bridges that span the Ardèche on either side of Thueyts.

An "airy" hike which will yield fine views over the Ardèche Cévennes, the Ardèche valley to the south and the Fontaulière valley to the north. The route follows some of the paths maintained for the "Giants' Causeway Trail" and overall is thus very practicable and without difficulty. A large part of the walk is waymarked white and yellow. Best done in May/June when the broom is in flower.

The Plateau des Gras is a limestone plateau crossed by rivers, situated between the Bois de Païolive woods in the southwest and the slopes of the Coiron in the northeast. The northwestern edge of the plateau overlooks a depression extending from Aubenas to Les Vans. The footpaths along this edge of the plateau offer unspoilt views of the Monts d'Ardèche hills at the eastern edge of the Massif Central. The walk also takes you along beautiful paths amid oak trees and to a viewpoint overlooking the village of Balazuc.

A varied hike that takes you along a small canyon. Not to be done on a very hot day. 13/02/2024: Route modified following a municipal order. See practical information.

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!

You are at the heart of the Ardèche. View of the Cevennes and the Gerbier de Jonc.

Family hike starting from the village of Balazuc. For children, there is a small, safe cave to visit and a walk along the water's edge. Easy route, mostly signposted but a little rocky in places.

Set off on a nature walk around the picturesque village of Balazuc, listed as one of the "most beautiful villages in France", nestled in the heart of southern Ardèche. This hike, accessible to all, invites you to discover the richness of the local biodiversity: wild orchids, fragrant heath, pollinating insects, cliff birds and traces of the discreet wildlife that inhabits this area. You will learn to recognise the plants that are emblematic of the Mediterranean landscape and observe the tiny inhabitants of this unspoilt environment. A sensory and educational immersion in an exceptional setting, between limestone, rivers and holm oaks.

A peaceful walk with no sporting challenges, through varied landscapes, a hamlet with beautiful houses and spectacular architecture, an easy climb up to a ledge with splendid views of the Ardèche. Return by wandering through the narrow medieval streets of old Balazuc with its craft shops May 2019. Thanks to Pb07 for helping me correct the route 624 May 2025. User comment: In the description, ignore the colours of the house and shutters, which have changed

Spectacular hike off the beaten track and unmarked trails on the limestone plateau of Labeaume, discovering the landscapes and vernacular heritage: engraved crosses, dolmens, cliff-side path to the confluence of the Ardèche and Ligne rivers. On the way back, pass by the splendid Mas de l'Abeille. :

The village of Chauzon is located at the end of a plateau surrounded by the Ardèche, the Ligne and the Gournier stream. Following the edge of this plateau, this hike will reveal beautiful views of these three valleys. These viewpoints are located on rocks at the top of cliffs. Access is not vertiginous, but please be careful with children.

A short circuit that will take you along beautiful trails to discover an underground cave and beautiful beaches on the banks of the Ardèche with breathtaking views of the Ruoms gorge and the Cirque de Gens.

Shortly before flowing into the Ardèche, the Beaume (or Baume) has carved out meandering gorges in the limestone plateau west of Ruoms. Two routes along paths, paved slanting streets and tracks, but also tarmac, run along one bank of the river and then the other between Labeaume and Ruoms. Here you will find the typical landscapes and vegetation of karst areas, between abandoned farmland and new developments, and the unspoilt charm of the old village of Labeaume.

A hilly walk through green oaks between Pradons and Lagorce. Beautiful views of the Ardèche cliffs on the final descent.

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

A pleasant hike along the banks of the Ardèche river, sometimes with overhanging cliffs on a magnificent path, and sometimes skirting the riverbed. There's also a cave within easy reach.

From Ruoms to Labeaume, the hike alternates between ancient villages and nature. This itinerary passes the Ardèche river, the heights of the Baume river gorge, the pretty village of Labeaume and the old town of Ruoms. Alternating between shady and sunny stretches. Several possibilities for swimming along the way.

An easy walk with beautiful views of Aubenas, the Sainte-Marguerite mountain, Saint-Julien-du-Serre and, in the distance, the Col de l'Escrinet and the Coiron volcanic massif. Take your time to stroll through the old fortified village of Vieil Ucel and don't miss a quick trip to the beautiful church of Saint-Julien-du-Serre.

A short walk from Montpezat to the hamlets of Les Grisières and Le Villaret, passing through a chestnut grove - the only slight difficulty on the route - and the humpback bridge, for a family outing.

Thanks to its geographical location, on the border between the southern Ardèche and the Monts d'Ardèche, Montpezat-sous-Bauzon is an ideal place to discover the astonishing lay and religious heritage of the area, from the fertile valley to the wild, rocky pastures, with remarkable views of the mountains and the Fontaulière plain. As you return to the valley, a rose garden awaits you for a moment of olfactory and visual pleasure.

An easy walk on the ridges between Ruoms and Pradons. Beautiful views over the Ardèche valley and the cliffs of the cirque de Gens in the second part. Avoid hot weather, as shade is scarce and there's no water.

Warning: do not attempt this hike until further notice (reopening scheduled for 2027)!The Cévenol storm in October 2024 caused a landslide above the point (4), which completely destroyed the communal path. A municipal notice prohibiting passage has been posted. There is no alternative route on this part of the circuit. A mid-season hike in spring or autumn starting from L'Air (or L'Herm), with varied landscapes and sections on quiet paved roads. Beautiful views of the Vauclare and Fontaulière valleys.

Sampzon, a small village perched on a promontory overlooking the Rocher and encircled by a loop of the Ardèche, (you have to see it from the top of the car park). A veritable natural belvedere, it offers a unique panorama of the meandering Ardèche. The old village has preserved its traditional houses. The route is very well signposted.