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Saint-Joseph-des-Bancs walks
Circular Loop of Antraigues-sur-Volane: from Bise to the Col d'Aizac
Visorando Member
13.65 mi
+3,563 ft
-3,353 ft
9h 25
Difficult
Departure from Genestelle (Ardèche)
First circular stage of the Grand Boucle d'Antraigues-sur-Volane, which takes you from Bise, a small hamlet at the bottom of the valley, to Aizac, a small village in the Cévennes of the Ardèche, perched on its pass between Volane and Besorgues.
With crystal-clear rivers, passes offering breathtaking views and numerous hamlets along the way, the mountains are far from barren: life, water and nature are everywhere.
The Roc de Gourdon
10.15 mi
+1,978 ft
-1,969 ft
6h 25
Difficult
Departure from Gourdon (Ardèche) (Ardèche)
A beautiful hike in a very wild setting. The Roc de Gourdon, with its ship’s prow-like silhouette—a remnant of intense volcanic activity—is a superb promontory offering a 360° panorama of the Boutières, the Cévennes and the Bas-Vivarais.Moderator’s note added on 09/06/2021: The Roc de Gourdon is no longer accessible (electrified fence)
See listingno. 427882: Saint-Étienne-de-Boulogne – Gourdon circular route – identical route (between points 6-7 for both hikes) but with access to the Roc de Gourdon!
Le Champ de Mars - on the heights of Antraigues-sur-Volane
11.34 mi
+2,740 ft
-2,713 ft
7h 35
Difficult
Departure from Antraigues-sur-Volane (Ardèche)
"Champ" is a deformation of "Cham": a rocky, bare plateau.
From this plateau, the Monts d'Ardèche appear as if shaped by geological forces, at the centre of a gigantic amphitheatre formed by the Cévennes, the volcanoes of Auvergne, the Vercors and the Alps. Monumental landmarks in the history of the Earth. A grandiose scene where the presence of man seems very discreet, yet his mark is clearly there, engraved in the landscape. Wild valleys with crystal-clear waters.
Saint-Julien-du-Gua: from Auzène to Intres, via Serre des Fontettes
7.91 mi
+1,765 ft
-1,768 ft
5h 10
Moderate
Departure from Saint-Julien-du-Gua (Ardèche)
Shaded route between the banks of the Auzène and the hamlet of Intre. From the Fontettes ridges, there is a beautiful view of the Ardèche mountains, the Rocher d'Ajoux, the Volcan des Chirouzes and the Roc de Gourdon.
Antraigues-sur-Volane, Jean Ferrat’s adopted village
2.60 mi
+407 ft
-407 ft
1h 35
Easy
Departure from Antraigues-sur-Volane (Ardèche)
Adopted by the famous singer Jean Ferrat, who made his home here, this charming little village overlooks the Volane Valley and offers an experience rich in history and emotion. A route that allows you to stroll through picturesque narrow streets, discover various geological sites, and pay your respects at the grave of this singer-songwriter.
Tour of Ranc Chabrier and Mas Valley
8.57 mi
+1,624 ft
-1,624 ft
5h 20
Moderate
Departure from Antraigues-sur-Volane (Ardèche)
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.
Around the volcano and Château de Craux
4.70 mi
+1,053 ft
-1,056 ft
3h 05
Moderate
Departure from Antraigues-sur-Volane (Ardèche)
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.
Loop of Saint-Étienne-de-Boulogne and Boulogne Castle
8.00 mi
+1,099 ft
-1,122 ft
4h 40
Moderate
Departure from Saint-Michel-de-Boulogne (Ardèche)
This is a lovely route that takes you from the village of Saint-Michel-de-Boulogne to Saint-Étienne-de-Boulogne via the fortified castle of Boulogne. The ruins, listed as a Historic Monument, date from the 11th century.
Circular Saint-Andéol-de-Vals via the Moulin de Raoul
8.63 mi
+1,444 ft
-1,427 ft
5h 15
Moderate
Departure from Saint-Andéol-de-Vals (Ardèche)
This walk consists of two short circular loops connected by a short return trip. It takes you through a relatively unknown area of central Ardèche where the agricultural footprint is still clearly visible. You will pass from slopes to ridges and valleys following the north-south orientation of the mountain ranges. You will enjoy the wide views and landscapes.
At the northernmost point, you will stop at an ancient mill dating back several centuries, known as "Le Moulin de Raoul" (see below).
Saint-Étienne-de-Boulogne - Gourdon circular
8.54 mi
+1,827 ft
-1,827 ft
5h 30
Moderate
Departure from Saint-Étienne-de-Boulogne (Ardèche)
This south-facing route offers beautiful views of the Tanargue to Mont Lozère via the Aubenas basin. It is also a geological discovery trail with information signs placed at regular intervals. After Gourdon, at the top of the tarmac road, the Alps stand out on the horizon.
Climbing up to the summit platform of Roc de Gourdon is not accessible to everyone, but the 360° view is remarkable.
A short walk around Greytus
2.55 mi
+656 ft
-663 ft
1h 45
Easy
Departure from Ajoux (Ardèche)
Panoramic view of the Ardèche mountains. View of the Rocher d'Ajoux. Walk through a chestnut grove.
A walk with no difficulty whatsoever.
The summit of Blandine from Escrinet
3.85 mi
+748 ft
-748 ft
2h 25
Moderate
Departure from Saint-Priest (Ardèche)
This is a short hike, but it will give you a magnificent view of the Coiron plateau and the entire Alpine range, from Ventoux to Mont Blanc on a clear day.
Picnic at the Rocher de Casse-Noix
6.78 mi
+1,788 ft
-1,791 ft
4h 40
Moderate
Departure from Aizac (Ardèche)
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.
Rocher de Cheylard - from the Col d'Aizac to the Ray-Pic
11.84 mi
+4,206 ft
-2,972 ft
9h 05
Difficult
Departure from Aizac (Ardèche)
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.
The tour of the Basse Volane in the Cévennes of the Ardèche
12.50 mi
+3,054 ft
-3,064 ft
8h 25
Difficult
Departure from Aizac (Ardèche)
The Volane rises on the edge of the Ardèche plateau, at an altitude of 1,400 m, near Lachamp-Raphaël (the highest village in the Ardèche).
In its upper reaches, it is a mountain torrent, rushing southwards down steep slopes.
At Antraigues-sur-Volane, the gradient eases and the more docile torrent becomes a river, eventually joining the waters of the Ardèche.
This hike will take you on a journey through this section of the Volane and the surrounding ridges around Antraigues.
Between Volane and Besorgues, Aizac - Rouyon
8.26 mi
+2,562 ft
-2,562 ft
6h 00
Moderate
Departure from Aizac (Ardèche)
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 Aizac Volcano ... commonly known as the "Aizac Volcano Cup"
3.90 mi
+869 ft
-876 ft
2h 35
Easy
Departure from Aizac (Ardèche)
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.
The river and hamlets of Labastide-sur-Besorgues
10.61 mi
+2,621 ft
-2,621 ft
7h 10
Moderate
Departure from Aizac (Ardèche)
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.
Between Besorgues and Bourges: La Tour
10.63 mi
+3,379 ft
-3,402 ft
7h 50
Moderate
Departure from Aizac (Ardèche)
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!
The Three Valleys - From Aizac to Saint-Julien-du-Serre
12.33 mi
+2,195 ft
-3,173 ft
7h 35
Moderate
Departure from Aizac (Ardèche)
This second stage of the Three Valleys circular walk takes you to Saint-Julien-du-Serre, the starting point of the previous day’s walk, via a different route.
Following the ridge for the first part, you will once again descend into the coolness of the three valleys. You’ll pass through the magnificent hamlet of Thieurre, perched on its rocky outcrop offering breathtaking views of the Lower Ardèche, the Volane Valley and the Besorgues Valley.
Circular loop from Aizac to Rouyon
3.96 mi
+1,168 ft
-1,168 ft
2h 50
Moderate
Departure from Aizac (Ardèche)
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.
Pourchères - Rocher d'Ajoux - Serre de Pied de Bœuf circular loop
8.08 mi
+1,847 ft
-1,831 ft
5h 20
Moderate
Departure from Pourchères (Ardèche)
The hike is located on volcanic terrain, allowing you to approach the Rocher d'Ajoux, which is part of a lava flow. On the last section of the circular route, we follow a ridge line with panoramic views of the Alps.
Around the Ajoux Rock
8.54 mi
+2,096 ft
-2,080 ft
5h 45
Moderate
Departure from Pourchères (Ardèche)
A beautiful and varied hike in the Monts d'Ardèche Regional Nature Park. The superb site of the Rocher d'Ajoux.
Circular of Pourchères via Ajoux
6.07 mi
+1,450 ft
-1,421 ft
4h 05
Moderate
Departure from Pourchères (Ardèche)
A hike with beautiful views, passing through chestnut forests and overlooking the Rocher d'Ajoux. Well marked.
Le Serre Pied de Boeuf and its hamlets
12.39 mi
+3,025 ft
-3,022 ft
8h 20
Difficult
Departure from Pourchères (Ardèche)
A lovely route at the foot of the Ardèche mountains with views of the Alps.
Charray Mountain and ruins of the former Priory
3.27 mi
+797 ft
-774 ft
2h 10
Difficult
Departure from Pourchères (Ardèche)
A beautiful route offering magnificent panoramic views of the Coiron, the Ouvèze and Mézayon valleys, Baronnies and Vercors. An interesting discovery of the site of the former Priory of Charray.
Between Oize and Sandron, the Moulin des Prés from Saint-Julien-du-Serre
4.84 mi
+558 ft
-535 ft
2h 45
Easy
Departure from Saint-Julien-du-Serre (Ardèche)
This is a short, easy hike with a wide variety of landscapes: meadows at the bottom of the Oize valley, more austere wooded slopes of the Sandron valley, pine forests and sandstone rocks towards Champestève or Fromenteyrol.
The ridges of Labastide-sur-Bésorgues
7.93 mi
+2,123 ft
-2,119 ft
5h 30
Moderate
Departure from Labastide-sur-Bésorgues (Ardèche)
Superb hike on the Cime de Rouyon and the Rocher de Faux-Fay. Splendid panorama on the sides of the Bésorgues valley where paths, paved slanting streets, terraces and pastures draw the Ardèche mountain landscape: exceptional and wild landscape, magnificent basalt rocks, streams, torrents, impetuous waterfalls.
Vals-les-Bains - Thieure circular
6.61 mi
+1,936 ft
-1,909 ft
4h 45
Moderate
Departure from Vals-les-Bains (Ardèche)
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.
The Cheylard rock in Labastide-sur-Bésorgues
10.35 mi
+2,831 ft
-2,844 ft
7h 15
Difficult
Departure from Labastide-sur-Bésorgues (Ardèche)
This magnificent hike in Vivarais Cévenol follows trails and ridge paths offering beautiful views. The Bésorgues river, blocked by basalt flows, has shaped some remarkable sites. The ancient lava lake of Ranc Ranier and the prismatic neck of the Cheylard rock, from which you can enjoy a vast and exceptional 360° panorama, are geological curiosities not to be missed.
The Don Volcano from Marcols-les-Eaux
8.98 mi
+1,614 ft
-1,624 ft
5h 30
Moderate
Departure from Marcols-les-Eaux (Ardèche)
Starting from Marcols, after a climb through woods and sheep pastures, the ascent to the summit of the Don volcano (basalt neck with the ruins of a castle built in the
12th century and an orientation table) offers an exceptional panorama of the Monts d'Ardèche (Gerbier, Mézenc, Sara) and, on a clear day, the Alps (Mont Blanc, Oisans, etc.).
There are two options for the return journey. The one described in the description: if you're allergic to tarmac, choose thesecond option (practical information).
The three valleys: Volane, Sandron and Oize
24.17 mi
+4,836 ft
-4,843 ft
2 days
Difficult
Departure from Saint-Julien-du-Serre (Ardèche)
A circular two-day tour in the Ardèche Cévennes. Three valleys, three magnificent rivers with pure, crystal-clear waters, nature all around... Antraigues-sur-Volane, the home of Jean Ferrat, the steep slopes between the Lower Ardèche and the Ardèche Plateau, the deep valleys, the young volcanoes of the Ardèche and... the chestnut groves! All just ten kilometres north of Aubenas.
The Three Valleys - From Saint-Julien-du-Serre to Aizac
11.84 mi
+2,612 ft
-1,670 ft
7h 45
Moderate
Departure from Saint-Julien-du-Serre (Ardèche)
This first stage of the circular Three Valleys Loop takes you from Saint-Julien-du-Serre to Aizac. After a gentle warm-up on flat terrain in the Oize Valley, discover the land of the chestnut in the Cévennes of the Ardèche! Pass through hamlets tucked away along the paths and picturesque villages: Saint-Andéol-de-Vals, Genestelle, Antraigues-sur-Volane, Aizac. Sometimes at the bottom of the valley, sometimes along the ridge... often in the shade.
La Cham de Mars from Mézilhac
7.07 mi
+873 ft
-863 ft
4h 00
Moderate
Departure from Mézilhac (Ardèche)
This hike on the Ardèche plateau is relatively flat and takes you to a summit with superb 360° views of the Massif Central and the Alps, and even Mont Blanc on a clear day.
Please note: the route on the way there has been designed to showcase the beauty of the paths and landscapes. The paths are not marked and can sometimes be difficult to find. A good knowledge of the area and maps is necessary. The return via theGR® de Pays is easier and more direct.
The Champ de Mars and the Col des Quatre Vios
Association / Club / Walk leader
8.00 mi
+1,535 ft
-1,509 ft
5h 00
Moderate
Departure from Mézilhac (Ardèche)
The Champ de Mars is a superb viewpoint over the Ardèche mountains. Easy to access, it offers a 360° panoramic view with an orientation table allowing you to see all the surrounding mountains as far as the Vercors.
Loop from the Col de Mézilhac to Lachamp-Raphaël, Knoll of Montivernoux
9.62 mi
+2,326 ft
-2,303 ft
6h 25
Moderate
Departure from Mézilhac (Ardèche)
This is a beautiful hike through wild, unspoilt landscapes in the heart of the Ardéchoise mountains, with all their splendour and curiosities. The flora and fauna are rich and diverse, with some rare protected species.
On a clear day, the summit of Montivernoux offers an exceptional panorama of the Cévennes, the Monts Lozère, the Tanargue, the knolls of the Ardèche plateau, Mont Gerbier de Jonc, Mézenc, Montfol, Mont Ventoux, the Alps and Mont Blanc.
The Louyre ravine on the right bank
8.88 mi
+1,690 ft
-1,663 ft
5h 35
Moderate
Departure from Vesseaux (Ardèche)
The route through the Louyre stream ravine and back along the left bank is a well-known walk (see The Louyre Canyon, from L'Échelette to L'Évent des Grenouillettes). The route suggested here takes you along paths overlooking the right bank, with beautiful views of the cliffs at the Combasses climbing site.
Louyre and the Col de Valaurie from Vesseaux
7.97 mi
+1,634 ft
-1,611 ft
5h 05
Moderate
Departure from Vesseaux (Ardèche)
Hike through varied environments, bare hills, wooded valley bottoms and ridge trails with beautiful views.
The hamlet of Louyre, which was deserted in the middle of the last century, is once again inhabited and very much alive.
Col des Croix de Creysseilles
5.42 mi
+1,237 ft
-1,237 ft
3h 35
Moderate
Departure from Creysseilles (Ardèche)
Short hike with panoramic views of the Monts d'Ardèche, Bois Laville and Vercors.
Tour of Serre des Champs
4.47 mi
+673 ft
-682 ft
2h 40
Easy
Departure from Vesseaux (Ardèche)
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.
Suc de Montivernoux
3.54 mi
+653 ft
-636 ft
2h 10
Easy
Departure from Mézilhac (Ardèche)
A short, easy walk offering a stunning 360° view from the summit of the knoll of Montivernoux.
Loop via Tauzuc from Saint-Pierreville
5.85 mi
+1,155 ft
-1,152 ft
3h 40
Moderate
Departure from Saint-Pierreville (Ardèche)
A beautiful hike in the Ardèche, sometimes along ridges and sometimes under chestnut trees. The hamlets of Tauzuc and Serre de Tauzuc are worth seeing... Especially when a deer appears and then disappears, as shy as ever.
Circular of hamlets starting from Ucel
6.90 mi
+863 ft
-853 ft
3h 55
Moderate
Departure from Ucel (Ardèche)
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.
From Viel Ucel to Saint-Julien-du-Serre via the Hermitage
5.40 mi
+732 ft
-719 ft
3h 05
Easy
Departure from Ucel (Ardèche)
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.
Lalevade - Montgrand - Niègles
9.27 mi
+1,614 ft
-1,614 ft
5h 40
Moderate
Departure from Lalevade-d'Ardèche (Ardèche)
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.
Route between Lalevade and Fabras
7.60 mi
+1,152 ft
-1,152 ft
4h 30
Moderate
Departure from Lalevade-d'Ardèche (Ardèche)
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.
Lalevade, Fabras and Bonneval circular loop
9.63 mi
+1,506 ft
-1,486 ft
5h 45
Moderate
Departure from Lalevade-d'Ardèche (Ardèche)
A former mining town, Lalevade-d’Ardèche is neither the best known nor the most popular of the Ardèche’s towns. Its surroundings are nonetheless charming: unspoilt countryside, picturesque hamlets, and beautiful views over valleys, hills and mountains. This extensive route offers a glimpse of them.
Saint-Laurent-sous-Coiron: the learning path
6.49 mi
+1,001 ft
-988 ft
3h 50
Moderate
Departure from Saint-Laurent-sous-Coiron (Ardèche)
A route starting at a hilltop village, Saint-Laurent-sous-Coiron, with a wonderful, panoramic 180° view over the Ardèche mountains and plains, from Villeneuve de Berg to the Col de l'Escrinet (the Cham du Cros, Rocher d’Abraham, Montagne Sainte-Marguerite, Mont Lozère). In addition, educational panels depicting the history, geology and life on the Coiron adorn this hike.
The terrain: valleys, gorges and streams around Saint-Laurent-sous-Coiron
11.94 mi
+1,801 ft
-1,804 ft
7h 05
Moderate
Departure from Saint-Laurent-sous-Coiron (Ardèche)
A long but very beautiful hike offering varied landscapes and superb panoramic views. This route follows paths and tracks leading from greenhouses to gorges, with small fords and abundant little streams to cross.
Please note, however, that some sections of the circuit are unmarked and require a good knowledge of map reading and orientation.
The paths of Prades
6.44 mi
+1,188 ft
-1,184 ft
4h 00
Moderate
Departure from Ardèche
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.
More walks in Saint-Joseph-des-Bancs
Select a point of interest below: