Saint-Désirat walks

Charming village with a beautiful castle (private), a large viaduct from an old railway line that ran from Firminy to Saint-Rambert d'Albon.

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.

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.

Take a short detour through the Cance Valley, Roche Péréandre and the legend of André, then cross the suspension bridge over the Cance.

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.

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.

In a wood near Saint Barthélémy de Vals, these rocks form a group of 51 blocks arranged in three roughly concentric circles covering nearly 6 hectares, hence the name "Cromlech de la Roche qui danse" (Dancing Rock Cromlech). Legend has it that "at the stroke of midnight on Christmas Eve, the rocks begin to dance". Please note: see the practical information section.

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.

Hike near the Rhône, to the north of Ardèche. You will be surprised to find areas that are this "wild" so close to the Rhône Valley (Ardennes). At the end, the view of the Rhône and the Arras tower is a definite plus.

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.

Start by exploring a botanical cactus trail, then climb up to the cemetery and enjoy the view. Follow the cool Épervier stream upstream. Discover wooded paths followed by sunny trails with superb 360° views, then descend through the vineyards. Finish by discovering the Saut de Laurette. Return via the old village (church, salt storehouse, former commandery) and the trails.

An easy hike that allows you to discover Lac des Meinettes and the trail that runs around it. A beautiful view of the Ardèche plateau above the nearby Rhône valley.

This is an easy hike between the village of Roisey and Malleval. At the start of the hike, you can see the Saut de Lorette waterfall when there is water in winter and, on the way back, before arriving in Malleval, you will pass through the woods along the Ruisseau de l'Épervier stream, which will provide welcome refreshment if you are hiking in summer. (!) Please note: access is prohibited along the stream at (8) due to a municipal by-law. Reported on 31 July 2025.

The route skirts the Rhône valley through valleys, streams and orchards. A very pleasant corner of the Drôme.

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.

Over the Rhone balconies between grape vines and apricot trees, with pretty little streams.

A lovely hike in the Pilat hills offering 360° views of Pilat, the Alps, the Monts du Lyonnais and the Monts du Forez.

This is a lovely hike for exploring the Pilat ridges, with superb panoramic views of the entire Alpine range. The route takes you through a variety of landscapes, from scree slopes to coniferous forests and heathland covered with heather and broom. In season, you can pick wild raspberries and blueberries. This route offers a return via a less frequented path through a deciduous forest.

An easy hike along the ridges of Pilat linking three major summits, via trails through forests and moors. Along the way we discover magnificent views of the Alps, the Massif Central and the Rhône Valley.