Panoramic loop between Vachères, Cossanges and Alleyrac

Reach Vachères via the D38, from Présailles to the north or Issarlès to the south. Park on Place de la Fontaine.

(S/E) Take the D38 south for 150 metres, passing the château.

(1) Turn right onto the road towards Costechaude and continue for about 400 m.

(2) Take the path on the left that descends towards the entrance to the Présailles Tunnel, a remnant of the "Transcévenole" railway line project, which was to link Le Puy to Aubenas. Cross the small bridge, then rejoin the road and follow it to the left.

(3) At Costechaude, follow the road to the right, which quickly becomes a path. This path gradually climbs until it reaches a plateau. Admire the peaks of Mézenc and Meygal and the village of Issarlès. Continue downhill towards Cossanges. Cross the small bridge, then climb back up to a crossroads.

(4) Continue straight ahead along the street, which becomes a path leading into a small wood. Further down, wade across a cool stream (a chance to dip your feet in the water).

(5) Immediately afterwards, turn right onto the path that climbs towards L'Herm.

(6) After the drinking trough (the "bachat") and the calvary, take the street on the left, which becomes a path. New panoramic view. Follow the path to the entrance to Maiguezin.

(7) Turn right onto the road for 200 metres, then take the path on the left (marked PR® Yellow). Continue straight ahead, ignoring the PR® that branches off to the left, then continue straight ahead until you reach the village of Alleyrac.

(8) Follow the main street to the right, pass the pizzeria, the town hall and the church and continue for another 200 m.

(9) Leave the main street when it turns sharply to the left and continues straight ahead towards the peatland. Continue straight ahead, passing several crossroads and walking alongside the Bois de Breysse woods.

(10) Note the half-crater of Grand Knoll de Breysse on your left. Continue along the path which, after the woods, climbs between the pastures to offer a new panoramic view of the Mézenc mountains: from left to right, Roche du Bachat, Mont d'Alambre, Mont Mézenc, Rocher Tourte, Knoll de Taupernas, Knoll de la Lauzière. Ignore several paths on the right and left. Join a road on the left to reach Vachères (S/E).

Good hiking boots are recommended.

There are few water sources along the route (Cossanges, Alleyrac): plan accordingly.

Please respect livestock and wildlife: keep your dogs on a leash at all times.

Food available in Alleyrac (Pizzeria L'Ecole - +33 (0)4 71 00 20 62) or Présailles (Le Présaillou - +33 (0)6 19 86 72 34) - book ahead!

The Château de Vachères (13th century) is not open to visitors but is worth a look from the outside, so take your time!

Find out more about the Transcévenole.