Saint-Étienne-de-Fontbellon walks

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.

This walk takes place almost entirely on the Plateau des Gras, a limestone plateau pierced by karstic caves, rather arid on the western side and more wooded on the eastern side. It will also give you an original view of the village of Vogüé, an old quarry whose stones were exported as far as Paris and, if you look carefully, the remains of dolmens.

This short hike offers beautiful views of the Ardèche plain, from Saint-Sernin to Aubenas. As a bonus, you can search for the remains of dolmens on the Serre Bastel, a treasure hunt that will delight children. On the way back, the trail passes by the Tour de Ville, the remains of a ruined castle that has unfortunately been abandoned.

An easy walk around the Luol River with beautiful panoramic views, passing through typical hamlets and the beautiful church of Saint-Julien-du-Serre.After the Houme signpost, the end of the route is very pleasantly original, taking a shaded path lined with box trees to the Croix des Lépreux and then walking between canals and the Ardèche river.

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.

Although the highest point is not very high, this hike, mostly along ridges, offers beautiful views of the Ardèche and the Aubenas region.

An easier variant of the "Louyre Canyon via the Dolmen de l'Houlme" hike, allowing you to discover this magnificent little wild spot without venturing into the canyon (reserved for experienced hikers or connoisseurs). Discover the ancient structures around a stream that had a greater and more regular flow in the last century, and enjoy beautiful views of the canyon.

A hike to the end of the world (although close to the city) where you will hardly meet anyone. You will feel like you are at the end of the world as you descend to the bottom of a canyon, part of which you will hike along its most interesting length. A feeling of adventure and action, Indiana Jones is not far away.

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.

Between limestone plateau and volcanic relief, this hike reflects the diversity of the southern Ardèche, including crossing areas that are still agricultural, from the impressive fortified village of Saint-Laurent-sous-Coiron, which dominates the route, to the inevitable dolmens, passing by magnificent views of the Louyre gorges.

This hike will take you to the remains of oppida dating from the first century BC. The Jastres Sud oppidum, "Le Camp de César", barely rises above the ground, but the Jastres Nord rampart is impressive. As a bonus, and for those who are not interested in historical remains, the path along the edge of the plateau offers magnificent views of the Ardèche.

A page of history for children and adults. 2,800 years ago, the Helvetii - long before the Gauls - settled in this region and built their first fortified villages on the cliffs. Julius Caesar himself described these enclosed and isolated places as "Oppidum". The Romans, who colonised the region from the 1st century AD onwards, finished the job. Further south is the "Camp de César", a Roman camp. The return path runs very close to the edge of the cliff, so please be careful.

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.

With its wild and exotic appearance, the Louyre Canyon is a classic destination for all hikers in the region. This circuit takes you from one end to the other, then back up the top with beautiful views. As a bonus, since this year, you can once again see traces of beaver activity. The climb up the canyon is not very easy, and in one or two places you have to use your hands, but it is quite doable, even with children.

A short, unpretentious hike along little-used paths on the Gras de Lanas. The cave itself is nothing spectacular, but it is a good destination for a walk and the little valley that leads to it is very pleasant. The rest of the route is a more classic walk on the Gras, but partly on unmarked paths, which are sometimes prettier.

Hike starting from the village of Vogüé through typical "gras" landscapes. Beautiful views of the village, listed as one of the Most Beautiful Villages in France, and the Aubenas plain.

An easy hike on a limestone plateau with few trees. Beautiful views of the Ardèche valley and the surrounding mountains.

A short circular loop above Vogüe, for an easy late-afternoon stroll (though with a bit of an incline) amidst the holm oaks.

This hike, alternating between passages in the woods and wide open spaces, will take you to the highest point of Gras de Vogüé, where you can enjoy a 360° view of the entire plateau. Many routes have already been described in this area. The chosen route takes less well-known paths, some of which are not marked on the IGN map (see practical information). This allows you to discover new paths, new viewpoints and encounter fewer people, especially in summer.

An easy hike in the hills above Vesseaux, where you will discover a few hamlets. Beautiful views of the mountains and surrounding villages. The route passes through beautiful chestnut groves and cherry orchards. Best seen in autumn when the chestnut trees change colour or in spring when the cherry trees are in bloom.