Refine your search for walks in Saint-Clair
Saint-Clair walks
Circular route from Saint-Clair via Charézy
A lovely walk in the hills above Saint-Clair and Boulieu-lès-Annonay. There’s a little bit of tarmac road, but not too much. On the other hand, there are magnificent views of the Vercors range – from the Grande Moucherolle to the Veymont, then from the Trois Becs to the Rhône valley – followed by the Sécheras and Quintenas plateaus and the whole of the Annonay plain.
The Croix de Chirol from Boulieu-lès-Annonay
A long walk to a magnificent viewpoint on the border between the Loire and Ardèche regions. In good weather, you can see as far as Mont Blanc, the Alps, the Vercors and even Mont Ventoux.
The Mont Chaud loop
An easy walk with views of the Rhône valley and the Alps on a clear day.
West of Savas in the Annonay Basin
A circular route to the west of Savas from the Col du Fayet to the hamlet of Éteize, offering beautiful views of the Annonay Basin.
The Bois de Chapellon from Peaugres
A very pleasant walk through the countryside and forest with panoramic views of the Rhône valley and the Alps. The route is on good paths with an easy climb. The route is fully marked in either red/yellow or white/yellow.
Loop around Montmiandon with a view of Annonay
This is a lovely little loop to enjoy Montmiandon, with a beautiful view of the Annonay basin. The elevation gain is low, but it offers a very pleasant view of Annonay. Much of the trail is in the woods, making it possible to do this loop even when it's hot.
From Combalat to Bois de Chapellan via Beauregard in Félines
This is a short hike that complements the Ravin de Haut Gaillard hike, which starts from the same place. As with the previous hike, this route can be done in the middle of summer as it is entirely in the woods.TO ALL HIKERS (SES) WHO FOLLOW MY HIKES, you can post photos indicating the location on the route.
Loop between Croix-de-Chirol and Boulieu-lès-Annonay
This is an easy, short walk on good stony paths. There are beautiful views of the surrounding mountains. Tip: best done in mid-May when the broom is in bloom. Be careful, there is little shade, so avoid the hottest times of day.
Chatinais - Toissieu
This is a beautiful hike in the hills, offering superb views of the Rhône valley and the Alps, as well as the northern Vivarais mountains. On the way back to Annonay, the trail winds above the Cance valley before it becomes a gorge once you have passed Annonay.
The crossing of the ridges with broom in bloom in late spring will not leave nature lovers indifferent.
Ascent of the Col du Fayet from Félines
This hike will take you to the Col du Fayet via the paths, starting from the small village of Félines.
Around Brossainc via Vinzieux
A walk with no particular difficulty, offering beautiful views of the Rhône Valley and the villages in this part of the Pilat Natural Park. The route takes you through forests, offering shaded areas, and along open paths, offering varied landscapes.
Loop around Lake Ternay starting from Brossainc
A walk that leads along paths via the Col du Fayet to Lake Ternay, where you can, if you wish, enjoy the pleasant surroundings and take your lunch out of your rucksack.
The old mines of Éteize from Saint-Julien-Molin-Molette
This hike will take you on a journey through the Pilat mountains but also into the past, to a unique site resulting from the former lead mines.
Lac de Vert via Midon
A short walk through small valleys, ending by the tranquil lake.
Lac du Ternay from Saint-Julien-Molin-Molette
In the Pilat Mountains, this walk will take you through fields and wooded paths to Lac du Ternay.
Around Saint-Julien-Molin-Molette
Saint-Julien-Molin-Molette is a village located in the heart of the Pilat Regional Park. The hike takes you along streams and wooded hills to the Menhir du Flat, then to the Croix de Sainte-Blandine on the Way of St James. Along the route, in certain places, weather permitting, you will be treated to beautiful views stretching all the way to the Alps.
The Cance Valley, its Péréandre rock and beautiful footbridges
Set off to explore the famous Roche Péréandre rock and the nearby river called the Cance, as well as the Marc Seguin footbridge, named after the inventor of suspension bridges!
Put on your trainers, it's time to set off on an adventure!
The Menhir du Flat and the Colombier from Saint-Julien-Molin-Molette
Saint-Jullien-Molin-Molette is a typical village in the Pilat Mountains. Starting from this village, the route will take you to the Menhir du Flat, a geological curiosity. After passing through the village of Le Colombier, you will walk through woods where, from time to time, you will be treated to beautiful views of the Pilat Mountains and valleys.
The Col du Banchet starting from Saint-Julien-Molin-Molette
A village in the heart of the Pilat Massif, set in a mid-mountain environment with beautiful views along this hike.
Around fifteen factories were built along the banks of the Ternay. All this industry was linked to the Lyon silk weavers. Some of these buildings have been taken over by artists to set up studios. Information taken from Wikipedia.
TO ALL HIKERS (SES) WHO FOLLOW MY HIKES: you can post photos indicating their location on the route.
La Roche Péréandre and the Marc Seguin suspension bridge
A circular route starting from Vernosc-lès-Annonay, offering views of the rocky peak of Roche Péréandre (a climbing site), as well as the suspension bridge designed by Marc Seguin, a native of Annonay. His technique was, in fact, used all over the world, such as on the Tancarville Bridge in Normandy, the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco and the Brooklyn Bridge in New York.
Cance Valley in Vernosc-les-Annonay
Take a short detour through the Cance Valley, Roche Péréandre and the legend of André, then cross the suspension bridge over the Cance.
From Vernosc-les-Annonay to Quintenas
This hike will take you on a journey through the Cance Valley. Along the way, you will discover the industrial past of this region, now surrounded by nature, including the old disused railway line, the Marc Seguin suspension bridge and the remains of the old spinning mills. You will pass by Roche Péréandre, which is an astonishing geological feature.
From Verlieux in the municipality of Peyraud to the hamlets of Bogy
Stunning views over the Rhône valley, but also inland towards the remarkable valleys and plateaus.
This is a unique route as it has very little elevation gain in this part of the Ardèche, alternating between fields and woods several times. It can also be shortened to 7.6 km for afternoon hikers in winter.
To all walkers: please feel free to post photos, specifying the location on the route.
WARNING! A hiker has warned me to take great care, following heavy rain, as the section along the stream is very difficult.
I advise hikers to wait four or five days after the rain before undertaking this hike.
The Masse valley between the Ardèche and the Loire
Between the departments of Ardèche and Loire, follow La Masse to reach Burdignes, continuing towards Croix Fleurie and then Toissieu, traversing the ridges with superb views.
Between Annonay and Burdignes
Climb and ramble along the ridges above Annonay. Beautiful view of the Alps and Pilat.
Mer de Glace - Toissieux
A short walk off the beaten track. Short but intense at the start, it follows paths that have almost been forgotten, including one along a cliff edge.
On the heights of Villevocance
A short, easy hike around Villevocance which, on a clear day, offers panoramic views of the Rhône Valley, the Alps, Burdignes and the Vocance Valley.
Thorrenc Castle - Lac de Vert
This hike will test your sense of direction, because nothing looks more like a dirt track than another dirt track.
A varied route with beautiful views of the Ardèche and Loire (Loire 42) peaks from the Vernos plateau.
Roche Péréandre route starting from Thorrenc
Hike in the Cance Valley. Crossing small bridges over the river, you will arrive at Roche Péréandre, which I am sure will amaze you if you have never seen it before.
Your adventurous spirit will lead you through the old railway tunnel and over the Thorrenc viaduct without hesitation.
The two tunnels of Thorrenc and Lac de Vert
Set off to explore Thorrenc, a tiny picturesque village with a medieval feel, as well as the tunnel of an old regional railway line and, finally, the beautiful Lac de Vert!
Thorrenc, castle, tunnel and viaducts
Charming village with a beautiful castle (private), a large viaduct from an old railway line that ran from Firminy to Saint-Rambert d'Albon.
The heights of Serrières
A short, easy walk offering beautiful panoramic views of the Île de la Platière Nature Reserve, the Rhône and the vineyards.
On the heights of Serrières
This hike will take you to the heights overlooking the Rhône valley around the village of Serrières. Clear paths offering beautiful views of the Rhône valley and the Alps, and pleasant wooded paths will follow one another throughout the route. The start of the walk will take you through the old village of Serrières, which is well worth a detour.
The Saint-Sabin chapel from Saint-Appolinard
Another original way to get to this beautiful viewpoint that is the Saint-Sabin chapel on a small bluff in the heart of the Pilat Park, pouring into the Rhône Valley, with some of the best views of the Alps and pre-Alps (especially across the south). At the chapel, many signs and indications tell the story of the place and its flora.
Bourg-Argental - Les Sétoux
Twelfth stage of the Way of St James. This stage leads to the watershed between the Atlantic and the Mediterranean, at the point where the last foothills of the Rhône valley meet the volcanic plateaus of the Velay. Setting off from Bourg-Argental, you will follow the Via Fluvia for several kilometres before beginning the climb to the Col du Tracol through the Taillard forest.
The Rhône River from Sablons to Serrières via Peyraud
Discovering the banks of the Rhône. The route passes along the left and right banks via the Peyraud SNCF bridge. It introduces us to the river's developments, its floods, and its flora and fauna. Graduated markers indicate the various flood levels along the way.
Notre-Dame du Châtelet in Saint-Désirat
A short, easy walk overlooking Saint-Désirat and the Rhône valley, taking you to the statue of Notre-Dame du Châtelet and the truffle fields. From the paragliding launch site with its orientation table, there is a superb view of the Rhône. The descent is through vineyards and orchards.
In the woods on the heights of Peyraud
The heights of Peyraud through woods and vineyards, with spectacular views of the Rhône and the Alps.
Village of Bogy from Peyraud
Walk in the hills around Peyraud and Serrières. The climb up the Crémieux stream valley will take you to the small village of Bogy. The hike offers numerous viewpoints overlooking the Rhône valley and the Alps, visibility permitting.
From Chante Caille north of Champagne aux Granges to Saint Désirat
A lovely walk offering views of the Rhône Valley. Plenty of vineyards on the hillsides, where every square metre is precious. Part of the route follows the embankment of an old freight railway line.
The Chirol Cross in Burdignes
A relatively easy walk to a viewpoint overlooking the Rhône valley, the Pilat and Ardèche mountains, and a superb view of the Alps on clear days.
The Balconies of Champagne
A lovely walk from the beautiful church in Champagne, taking in the abbey, the old railway line, the Roman bridge and the vineyards of Saint-Joseph.
The hillsides of Maclas
fairly easy hike on the foothills of Mont Pilat, facing it and the Rhône plain
The banks of the Rhône and the hills around Champagne
A short walk, yet very varied, as it takes you along the banks of the Rhône, up onto the plateau via a heavily wooded path, through the plateau’s farmland, back down into the heart of the Saint-Désirat vineyards, and finishes on the old railway line linking Saint-Rambert d’Albon to Vernosc-lès-Annonay. This walk may be of interest to young children aged 6 to 12.
The description was updated on 13 September 2020 and should no longer cause any issues
The Chapel of Saint-Sabin at the start of the Colombier route
Following unpaved footpaths and a few very quiet tarmac roads, this walk takes you to a beautiful 16th-century chapel with a lovely view over the Rhône Valley.
The Bessey Plateau and the Batalon
A lovely circular route that takes you from Maclas to the beautiful medieval village of Malleval via the Bessey Plateau and the Épervier river valley, then back up the Batalon river.
No particular difficulty (apart from the length of the route); the paths are mostly easy and gently sloping.
The second half of the route (from the River Épervier to Maclas) is mostly cool and shaded.
Circular des Roches and Crêt de la Garde starting from La Fargère
Come and explore the paths of the commune of Colombier-sous-Pilat as you pass through some of its hamlets.
Saint-Julien-Molin-Molette circular via the GR®65
Hike to the outskirts of Saint-Julien-Molin-Molette along part of the Way of St James.
Le Mont – Les Oriols – La Crapaudière circular loop
A short walk linking a few hamlets on the heights of Bourg-Argental via paths reopened by the Pilat Regional Nature Park.
The Maclas hills
A route between hills and foothills, between forests and orchards.
Some sections are on roads, which are unavoidable but not very busy.
Lac de Vert, tunnels and viaduct from Talencieux
Starting from Talencieux, the route passes by Lac de Vert, then the Midon tunnel and a short detour through the countryside before returning to the old railway line to cross the Thorrenc Viaduct, the Thorrenc Tunnel and the Thorrenson Viaduct. Don't forget a headlamp or other light for crossing the two tunnels.
The Cance Valley starting from Talencieux
This hike will take you to the Cance Valley, where beautiful wild landscapes await you.
You will need to descend into the Cance Valley, the Combes Druisseau de la Goueille, de la Manoha and the Pralong stream. And of course, you will need to climb back up, which makes this hike varied and challenging at the same time.
You will learn a little history as you pass by the ruins of Oriol Castle.
(Please read the practical information section for a warning about a landslide on this route.)
Around Quintenas
An easy route around the village of Quintenas with beautiful views, well-maintained trails and heritage sites restored by volunteers from the local community.
From Quintenas to the streams of Goueille and Manoha
Walk on the plateau between Quintenas and Ardoix with an exploration of the Goueille and Manoha streams.
Moderator's note Difficulty between (3) and (4), see reviews.
Quintenas circular loop
A short family hike along pretty little paths and trails in Quintenas, including the "Pont des Amis" bridge.
Circular from Véranne to the Saint-Sabin Chapel
A very pleasant hike. It offers varied landscapes, on ancient mossy paths, dotted with houses typical of the Pilat region. You will have beautiful views of the surrounding and even distant peaks on numerous occasions.
From Véranne to Saint-Julien-Molin-Molette
A route through the Pilat mountains that takes you along a short stretch of the Way of St James and offers beautiful views of the Rhône valley in places. You can also visit the villages of Véranne and Saint-Julien-Molin-Molette along the way.
From Véranne to Sainte-Blandine
From the village of Véranne, shaded paths will take you through the hills of the Pilat Natural Park to the Croix de Sainte-Blandine, which overlooks the Rhône valley, offering a beautiful view of the Alps on a clear day.
The return journey is via theGR®65, which is also part of the Way of St James from Geneva.
Les Trois Dents from Véranne
This hike allows you to discover the Trois Dents rocks, which give this area of Pilat an alpine character and offer magnificent views. As an option, the Saint-Sabin chapel offers a beautiful view of the Véranne area. The Pilat Natural Park's signposts and directional signs will be a great help in following the route.
The heights of Limony and the Limony valley
An easy hike starting from the village of Limony. Once you have climbed to the top, weather permitting, you will have a beautiful view of the Alps to the east. The return journey will take you along the Limony.
On the heights around Andance
Hike along the banks of the Rhône and on the heights overlooking the Rhône valley, around the village of Andance. This walk offers beautiful views overlooking the valley of this majestic river.
Crest de L'Oeillon from Veranne
This hike takes you through several different landscapes in Pilat. It starts at the foot of the hills, rich in orchards, and reaches the highest point of the massif, where the view is spectacular.
From Sablons to the north of Île de la Platière
A beautiful, easy hike on Île de la Platière that is a feast for the eyes.
The inland area is a protected natural zone. Don't forget to read the signs in this area and their explanations.
TO ALL HIKERS (SES) WHO TRAVEL MY HIKES, you can post photos indicating the location on the route.
North-west of Saint Alban d'Ay
A hike in the Ardèche countryside at the foot of the Roche des Vents.
The Ardèche countryside south-west of Ardoix
Walk in the Ardèche foothills with interesting heritage sites.
The Pilat circular: Chapelle Saint-Sabin, Trois Dents and Route des Crêtes
The Mont Pilat massif is very popular and criss-crossed by numerous trails. This circular loop combines several of them to pass by the site of the Chapelle St Sabin, then climb up to cross the Trois Dents on a fun route, before reaching the ridge and following it through the various crests stretching from the Œillon to the Perdrix. The return journey is via a descent that favours paths through the woods.
The Saint-Sabin Chapel from the cross
A very short, easy stroll (apart from the rocky path).
At the chapel, you can enjoy an exceptional view of:
- the Rhône Valley,
- the Pre-Alps (Chartreuse & Vercors),
- the Alps (on a clear day, you can even see Mont Blanc...)
... and when you turn around, you'll see the peaks of Pilat: Les 3 Dents, Crêt de l'Oeillon, etc.
Crêt de l'Œillon from Saint-Sabin
This route, consisting of three circular loops, is one of the most beautiful hikes in Pilat.
You will discover the Chapelle Saint-Sabin, a viewpoint over the Rhône valley, the Pic des Trois Dents and the Crêt de l'Œillon, dominated by its television transmitter.
Crêt de l'Oeillon from Saint-Sabin
A lovely hike in the Pilat hills offering 360° views of Pilat, the Alps, the Monts du Lyonnais and the Monts du Forez.
Ardoix circular route via Fourany
A circular loop starting from the entrance to the L’Oasis campsite, in the hamlet of Le Petit Chaléat. It leads to Ardoix via the small hamlet of Fourany, crossing the River Ay twice: at the Minodier bridge and at the L’Oasis campsite bridge.
The panoramic views from Graix
A lovely circular route that takes you through a magnificent beech forest and then along a balcony path where you can admire the Monts d'Ardèche and the Alps.
The southern Pilat from Graix to La Perdrix
The Pilat massif on its southern slope with a passage at its highest point, the Crêt de la Perdrix.
From Sarras to Ardoix through forests and streams to the north, then the southern ridge.
A rural hike along small paths that run alongside streams on the right bank of the Cance valley to near Ardoix and back via the classic ridge route leading back to Sarras.
Béaliaire trail and Grande circular via Riverand
Circular through the Ay valley along the river, passing through the vineyards on the plateau and then descending through the undergrowth on the Rhône valley side via the Chemin des Roches. Varied landscapes, pretty views of different valleys and very little tarmac.
Loop in the Ay Valley starting from Sarras
On the outskirts of Sarras, the Ay river winds its way through a gorge that can be seen from certain points along the route, offering beautiful views of a unique landscape of cliffs and rocks.
Between the Cance and Ay rivers
Hike between the Cance and Ay valleys with beautiful views.
Circular around the Sarras stream.
Short hike starting from Sarras, mainly on paths and trails through the Saint-Joseph vineyards and woods. Unofficial route and therefore not marked, so bring your GPS or the Visorando app.
Avoid during the grape harvest so as not to disturb the winegrowers.
The Three Springs Route
A refreshing summer walk to enjoy with the family, discovering the three springs of the Sucs de Barry and de Vent.
Tour of the Crêt de l'Aireiller
A short, varied tour in the Pilat Massif around the Crêt de l'Aireiller, with a 360° view from the Crêt de la Perdrix as the grand finale.
The Screes and Mont Chaix
An oppidum, a mushroom discovery trail and a 12th-century church punctuate this superb route, which promises beautiful panoramic views from the heights of the various screes and Mont Chaix overlooking the Ay valley.