Saint-Cirgues-de-Prades walks

Between Jaujac and La Souche, the Lignon valley is an open valley, dominated to the north by the Rocher du Midi and to the south by the Tanargue massif. The hike takes you along the left bank, where you can admire old buildings and walk along beautiful, pleasant paths dotted with old bridges crossing streams, then back along the right bank and a succession of old hamlets.

Starting from Jaujac, there is a magnificent Roman bridge and impressive basalt columns on the banks of the Lignon. Tour via the Pont de l'Échelette, the Château de Rochemure (Maison du Parc Naturel Régional des Monts d'Ardèche) and finally climb the Coupe de Jaujac volcano with a tour of the crater.

Starting from Jaujac, climb up to Pic de Ladenne and Rocher de Courcoussat and descend via a circular route to Pont de l'Echelette in Bonneval. Magnificent panoramic views of the ridge line.

A magnificent hike that will take you to the summit of Pic de Ladenne with a 360° view of Jaujac and its volcano, the Tanargue massif, the Thueyts valley, Pont de Labeaume, Sainte-Marguerite, Fabras...

La Cham du Cros is the peak at the eastern end of the Tanargue massif. From there, the view stretches from the mountains of the south to the north of the Alps and, on a clear day, as far as Mont Blanc.

After the Sainte-Philomène Chapel, the highest point (3) of the forest road (890m) offers a stunning aerial view of Jaujac and its volcanic caldera. To the east, the foothills of the Vercors; closer by, the Coiron, the Escrinet and the Roche de Gourdon; below, to the north, Jaujac and the Lignon valley; and to the west, the Tanargue and the Cham du Cros.

Between Prunet and Jaujac, the Col de la Croix de Millet offers a beautiful view of the Ligne valley to the south and the Lignon valley to the north. The climb to the Col du Merle and the return after Pissas are through woodland, while the bare ridges of the Cham du Cros offer beautiful views of the southern Ardèche from the Vagorge valley and the Tour de Brison in the Cévennes, the Rhône valley and Mont Ventoux to the east, and Mont Lozère to the west.

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 hike takes you along country and forest paths south of Prades with beautiful views to the north-west over the Salindre valley and, further away, the Monts de Ladenne and Sainte-Marguerite, but also over the south of the Ardèche as you pass along the ridge overlooking Lentillères. The use of an IGN map and the Visorando app's GPS is essential.

A somewhat steep climb up an old paved slanting street, but once at the top, your efforts are rewarded with a superb view of the upper Ardèche valley at the Col de Fontfreyde, followed by a 360° view from the summit of the Rocher du Midi. After a beautiful stretch along the ridge, the less steep descent zigzags between the various hamlets of La Souche.

This route allows you to discover very wild areas, evidence of the long-ago abandonment of agricultural activities (chestnut groves), beautiful paths, the remains of a dense network of non-motorised rural communications, and views of the many hamlets, valleys, hills and neighbouring mountains that will make you forget a few less poetic passages.

North of Lalevade-d'Ardèche, a hilly area is heavily affected by agricultural desertification. It is little known, except to its inhabitants and local hikers, but is nevertheless worth a detour. In Ardèche, the landscapes are beautiful everywhere. And this hike allows you to discover a gem, the Romanesque church of Niègles, rescued from ruin around 1980 by the Association des Amis de Niègles.

A pleasant, shaded short walk through typical Vivarais countryside: pine forests, chestnut groves, olive trees and vineyards. You will pass through two hamlets on the heights of Chassiers: the hamlet of Montquoquiol, then the pretty hamlet of La Rouvière. The view stretches out on one side over the Val de Ligne with its peak, the Cham du Cros, and across the southern Ardèche as far as Mont Ventoux.

A beautiful, physically demanding trail through lovely forests and scree slopes, offering magnificent views of the Ardèche mountains from the ridge. See § practical information.

This hike is reserved for hikers with some climbing and balance skills, who are in good physical condition and have basic orienteering skills to navigate the old path. Vertigo may be an issue. Take great care on the section known as the "Chemin Tortueux" where you will need to use your hands to get through. Otherwise, there are some beautiful views, passing through chestnut groves, cherry orchards, pastures and even beehives.

A circular route starting from Thueyts, leading to the Col de Fontfreyde, where you can enjoy a beautiful panoramic view, and returning to the starting point via the magnificent stone staircase known as the Queen's Ladder.

The route passes through the ruined hamlet of Fargebelle and crosses the northern flank of the Ardèche via a track that offers panoramic views of the peaks overlooking the opposite bank. You will also discover the splendid sites of the Devil's Bridge and the magnificent paved slanting streets of the Queen's Ladder and the King's Ladder.

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.

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.

Although its altitude barely exceeds 500 m, the Chalancon hill offers extensive views to the north over the Ardèche and Fontaulière valleys and to the south as far as Mont Ventoux. Much of the hike follows shaded paths through pine woods. The entire route is marked in yellow and white.

Starting from the Pont de Veyrières silk mill eco-museum, climb towards Chirols and then the Sainte-Marguerite Chapel, a summit bristling with various antennas and the highest point of the route, offering a magnificent view of the Coiron and the Ardèche Cévennes. Return via the Revescu ridges, with views over the plateau, and descend via the hamlet of Aubignas to the starting point.

Visit Rocles and its hamlets, pretty villages in the Ardèche. Walk in the chestnut grove. The Tour de Brison offers a fantastic 360° view for 100 km around.

The spa town of Vals-les-Bains is nestled within a fairly steep, partly volcanic landscape that largely overlooks it from the north-west and north-east. Up in the hills, the old farming settlements are still clearly visible in the valleys and on the slopes. Thieure is a hamlet perched on a promontory overlooking Vals. A steep climb leads up to it. The landscape is the reward.

After a glimpse of the upper Ardèche valley, this hike enters one of the many small valleys of the complex terrain of the Ardèche Cévennes. Take care on the RN102 (be careful when walking alongside it and crossing it).

This hike provides access to the Sainte-Marguerite Chapel via a less well-trodden route. It passes through several authentic hamlets and offers stunning views throughout the route.

Clinging to the slopes of the Bourges valley, on the gentlest of hillsides, the hamlets bear witness to a way of life that has vanished, traces of which remain in a landscape that is gradually closing in: beautiful buildings, meadows, fields and vineyards still tended, chestnut groves and blueberries. This is the heart of the Ardèche Hautes Cévennes.

From Le Ranc to Aubignas, Aubignas to Le Libonès, and Le Libonès to Les Terrisses, there were once footpaths that were essential for life and trade between these hamlets. This hike offers the chance to rediscover these traces. You may have to search around a bit, either because the paths have been abandoned or because work has altered their course. The path between Cros du Libonès and Les Terrisses, long abandoned, is once again passable with a modified route.

This easy walk allows you, over a short distance, to discover beautiful landscapes and places that bear witness to the former rural way of life in the Ardèche: hamlets, farms, meadows, chestnut groves, terraced vineyards and a mill.

A route between Saint-Étienne-de-Fontbellon and Ailhon offering a variety of landscapes. Some lovely views, with just one slightly steep and slippery climb.

Walk along the banks and heights of the Bourges River, which is well exposed to the south and offers beautiful panoramic views.

This circular route starts at Ucel church and climbs up to the château and then the hermitage, taking you to the hamlet of Fromenteyrol. It then passes the hamlet of Crottes de Saint-Julien-du-Serre, leading you to Sandron and then the communal woods of Ucel. Ideal for enjoying the colours of autumn or the blooms of spring.

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.

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).

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.

This is a short family hike with no particular difficulties, marked in white and yellow from Largentière to Tauriers. Please note: there are no markings on the route from Tauriers back to Largentière. However, this does not pose any difficulty in terms of orientation if you follow the description carefully, as the direction and paths are fairly obvious.

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.

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 pleasant hike takes you along beautiful paths from the old village of Vinezac to the hilltop hamlet of Merzelet through a varied environment (terraces returned to natural vegetation, pine forests, but also areas cultivated with vines, olive trees, and fruit trees). The distant landscape is magnificent, particularly at the top of the loop. The entire route is very well marked in yellow and white, with often recent markings.

A hike that takes you along small roads and beautiful paths through a varied, little-known and still largely agricultural area of southern Ardèche. Best done on a clear day to admire the remarkable distant views in all directions.

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.

Seen from the Col d'Aizac, the summit of La Tour is an almost perfect pyramid. The advantage is that, once at the top, you have 360° views without moving from the spot, simply by turning your head. It overlooks the Besorgues and Bourges valleys, the Juvinas and Moucheyre passes... as well as its little sister, Sainte-Marguerite, just to the south. A few sections off the beaten track, with no markings... for a bit of adventure!

From chestnut trees to the moorland that precedes the Ardèche plateau, along beautiful paths with wide views, this is a relatively short but varied circular route with a slight elevation gain and a somewhat challenging start to the descent.

A beautiful walk through the chestnut groves on both the Volane and Besorgues sides. On the upper part, around the Cime de Rouyon, there is an unobstructed view of the Ardèche plateau to the north and west, and to the east and south, the Coiron, the Alps, the Cévennes and the Tanargue.

The Besorgues is one of many rivers, not to say "torrents" during Cévennes phenomena, which rises on the edge of the Ardèche plateau, then flows southwards down the steep slopes of the Ardèche Cévennes, ending its course in the Ardèche. Halfway along its course, north of Freyssenet (a small hamlet of Labastide/Besorgues), lies a little treasure, hidden away in the middle of unspoilt nature: secret swimming spots in a heavenly setting.

Second stage of this two-day loop around the Rocher de Cheylard, which takes you back to your starting point from the previous day via a different route: the Ray-Pic waterfall.After passing the summit of the Rouyon massif, descend towards the Besorgues river and climb up the other side towards the Ardèche plateau, where broom gives way to wild blueberries.

At a height of 808m, the Aizac Volcano is of the Strombolian type: eruption, explosion, lava flows. It towers over the village from its height of 80,000 years. The basalt flow resulting from its activity has a remarkable prismatic structure, which can be seen in particular near Antraigues-sur-Volane. This is an easy, themed walk that is suitable for families and will interest children: information panels are placed along the route to educate young and old alike.

A short, easy hike in the Ardèche Cévennes, to discover a few hamlets, pretty chestnut groves, a few streams with crystal-clear water and, above all, one of the lesser-known highlights of the Besorgues valley: the Rocher de Casse-Noix (854 m). The name alone makes us want to go there for a picnic.

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.

The ancient Vestide du Pal volcano is what is known as a filled maar crater! Approximately 1,700 m in diameter and 150 m deep, it could be the largest maar crater in Europe. This route will take you along ancient Roman roads that connect the valley to the plateau, passing through various levels of vegetation. In addition to this first volcano, there are two others to discover along the way: Lac Ferrand (a maar filled with water) and Le Chambon, which is completely dry. A volcanic hike, then...

You will discover a magnificent view of the Hautes Cévennes Ardéchoises and the land of young volcanoes. The Château de Craux is located in the commune of Genestelle, at an altitude of around 650 m. It is built on the crater of the volcano (neck). It stands in the middle of vast meadows, surrounded by a superb chestnut grove, and overlooks the Volane and Sandron valleys. 6/10/2023 Moderator's message: at point (4) hike modified because the educational trail around the neck plateau has been closed.

A very beautiful hike in volcanic Ardèche: magnificent scenery, rocky peaks, scree, clapas. The lava flow at Antraigues, from the young Aizac volcano (approximately 80,000 years old), invaded the Mas, Bise and Volane valleys due to the steepness of the terrain, leaving numerous traces of this eruptive period. The promontory on which the village is built, with its variety of colours and shapes, is surprising.

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.