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Saint-Mélany walks
Lauzes route in Saint-Mélany
Visorando Member
9.11 mi
+1,955 ft
-1,955 ft
5h 55
Moderate
Departure from Saint-Mélany (Ardèche)
On this route, you will discover works of art, but also the use of slate in the construction of houses, paths and bridges. Don't hesitate to make a longer stop at Dompnac.
On the way back, after Merle, crossing the Sueille stream can sometimes be tricky, especially after heavy rain, and you may get wet.
Circular on the Espinasse ridge
6.92 mi
+2,064 ft
-2,060 ft
5h 00
Difficult
Departure from Sablières (Ardèche)
A long climb up the ridge with a balcony view of Sablières and the valley, and beautiful meadows at the top. The descent is through the forest on slightly stony paths, passing through the hamlets of Lacham de Merle and Granzial.
Planzolles - Saint-Mélany circular starting from Cornis
6.61 mi
+1,693 ft
-1,693 ft
4h 30
Moderate
Departure from Saint-Pierre-Saint-Jean (Ardèche)
Circular walking route from Planzolles to Saint-Mélany, at Pont de la Brousse. Return with beautiful views of the surrounding valleys.
Beaumont discovery trail through ridges and forests
3.99 mi
+725 ft
-725 ft
2h 30
Moderate
Departure from Ardèche
The Beaumont village discovery trail is perched in the Ardèche Cévennes. A circular route starting and finishing in the village, near the inn, offering superb scenery! On a clear day, you can see the snow-capped Alps and Mont Ventoux to the east; part of the walk takes you through pine and chestnut woods, etc.
Heading for the Beaume
4.86 mi
+1,280 ft
-1,302 ft
3h 20
Moderate
Departure from Ardèche
From the village of Beaumont, set off to explore the Beaume, the Gua Bridge, and the hamlets of Le Serre, L’Elze, Flacouze and more. Magnificent views and landscapes typical of the Cévennes in the Ardèche!
Thines... a jewel perched high above
6.12 mi
+1,362 ft
-1,362 ft
4h 00
Moderate
Departure from Saint-Pierre-Saint-Jean (Ardèche)
This hike takes you to the village of Thines and the Church of Notre-Dame, undoubtedly a jewel of Romanesque art in the heart of the Cévennes mountains. All along this trail, the view of the village and the wild mountains surrounding it is magnificent!
Le Chambon - Petit Paris circuit
7.35 mi
+2,205 ft
-2,192 ft
5h 20
Moderate
Departure from Sablières (Ardèche)
This circuit allows you to see the famous Gargantua's balls.
Moulin de Marceau and return via Bavancel from Planzolle
4.41 mi
+574 ft
-591 ft
2h 30
Easy
Departure from Planzolles (Ardèche)
A short walk with little elevation gain, allowing you to discover an old mill (5) hidden at the bottom of the valley, all in a very Mediterranean setting. The return trip through the hamlet of Bavancel offers magnificent views.
Viewpoint from the Brison Tower from the Pont du Gua bridge
5.81 mi
+1,755 ft
-1,742 ft
4h 10
Moderate
Departure from Sanilhac (Ardèche)
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 Beaume Gorges and the Tour de Brison as seen from the Pont du Gua
8.57 mi
+2,992 ft
-2,989 ft
6h 35
Difficult
Departure from Sanilhac (Ardèche)
This circular path begins with a beautiful path running alongside the Gorges de la Baume. From the Tour de Brison, a 360° view of the Ardèche mountains unfolds before you.
The Tower of Brison and the hamlets around Rocles and Beaumont
11.31 mi
+3,497 ft
-3,484 ft
8h 15
Difficult
Departure from Sanilhac (Ardèche)
A challenging route: the distance and elevation gain are significant. It’s a tough start with a 500-metre climb over the first 3 kilometres.Exceptional views from the Tour de Brison. Elsewhere, the scenery is less spectacular, but I really enjoy the succession of woodland, hamlets and streams.Very little tarmac and narrow, challenging paths that require you to be vigilant.
Valgorge circular loop
2.21 mi
+525 ft
-522 ft
1h 30
Easy
Departure from Valgorge (Ardèche)
A very pleasant circular route along the hillsides, particularly in hot weather as it is mostly shaded, with the opportunity to enjoy a nice swim at "La Baume" (or Beaume).
Old chestnut plantations, cobbled paths, terraces and landscapes characteristic of the Ardèche make this walk an opportunity to discover the region without any major difficulty.
This route follows yellow markings with fitness equipment that is no longer maintained.
From hamlet to bridge around Payzac
9.81 mi
+2,320 ft
-2,343 ft
6h 30
Difficult
Departure from Payzac (Ardèche)
A magnificent hike in the Cévennes, mostly on trails through chestnut and arbutus trees.
Tanargue – Beaume Valley: the paragliders’ ‘playground’
Tourism professional
11.38 mi
+2,844 ft
-2,828 ft
7h 45
Moderate
Departure from Valgorge (Ardèche)
In paragliding jargon, the ‘bocal’ is a local flying area from which the pilot knows they can always reach the official landing site.
For them, “leaving the bocal” means breaking free, changing valleys, and setting off on a cross-country flight.
This route, starting from the Chambon ‘atéro’ and then passing through the Col de Meyrand ‘déco’, could make for a great cross-country flight!
As you fly along the southern flank of the Tanargue (and its ridges), you’ll discover the magnificent Beaume Valley, upstream from Valgorge.
The Château de Valoubières at the start of Cédat
4.76 mi
+682 ft
-679 ft
2h 45
Easy
Departure from Planzolles (Ardèche)
A short hike around the hamlet of Cédat between Lablachère and Planzolles: a varied walk through vineyards and forests of chestnut, pine and oak trees. This hike is not difficult and is suitable for families with children. The route can also be done by mountain bike. The route takes in the magnificent Château de Valoubières and passes through the hamlets of Civade, Le Coulet and Le Cellier.
Thines - Montselgues circuit
11.10 mi
+2,149 ft
-2,123 ft
7h 00
Difficult
Departure from Malarce-sur-la-Thines (Ardèche)
A pleasant loop, first through chestnut trees and then along the Roman road on the plateau above Montselgues.
Ferme de l'Espinas circular loop
5.86 mi
+1,765 ft
-1,785 ft
4h 15
Moderate
Departure from Malarce-sur-la-Thines (Ardèche)
A very pretty path, mostly paved slanting street and mostly open, offering views of the valley, the village of Thines and the surrounding ridges.
At the top of the circular route, you will discover the Ferme de l'Espinas, dating from the 13th and 14th centuries and listed as a historic monument.
Sentier des Ferjasses loop trail through the Tanargue massif
7.38 mi
+2,526 ft
-2,523 ft
5h 35
Moderate
Departure from Valgorge (Ardèche)
This circular hike takes you to the Tanargue plateau via a magnificent trail. Once on the plateau, you can follow the ridge trail to discover superb views of the Ardèche mountains.
Les Ferjasses
12.23 mi
+3,130 ft
-3,127 ft
8h 20
Difficult
Departure from Laboule (Ardèche)
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.
The Tour de la Cham du Cros
9.26 mi
+3,114 ft
-3,104 ft
7h 00
Moderate
Departure from Laboule (Ardèche)
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.
Sentier des Gardes trail between Valgorge and Loubaresse
6.58 mi
+1,627 ft
-1,621 ft
4h 25
Moderate
Departure from Valgorge (Ardèche)
This historic trail was used by forest rangers who patrolled the paths between the valley and the Ardèche plateau. This route is ideal for starting or ending a stay in the area as the elevation gain is not particularly challenging. There is a breathtaking view of the Tanargue and a return trip on the old Valgorge road once used by carts. The people of the Ardèche usually take this route on 18 August, the day of the traditional Loubaresse fair.
Tour of the hilltop village of Laboule
6.69 mi
+1,775 ft
-1,759 ft
4h 35
Moderate
Departure from Laboule (Ardèche)
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).
The Sentier des Granges trail
9.06 mi
+2,536 ft
-2,507 ft
6h 20
Moderate
Departure from Laboule (Ardèche)
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.
The rock tombs at Ribes
4.66 mi
+948 ft
-948 ft
3h 00
Easy
Departure from Ribes (Ardèche)
This is a short route without any major difficulties and is well marked (yellow and white from point2).The path is a little technical after the tombs but not really difficult.
Rocles and the Tour de Brison
5.18 mi
+1,371 ft
-1,421 ft
3h 35
Moderate
Departure from Rocles (Ardèche) (Ardèche)
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 Montselgues chaos in sporty mode
9.41 mi
+2,172 ft
-2,165 ft
6h 10
Difficult
Departure from Montselgues (Ardèche)
A challenging first part of the walk:- Long descent to the Borne valley.- Ascent along the left bank of the river with a tricky but well-maintained section.- Long climb up to the plateau.Then it's a "stroll" with a beautiful crossing of the granite chaos near La Borie.
Montselgues - Fereyrolles route
5.57 mi
+1,893 ft
-1,870 ft
4h 10
Moderate
Departure from Montselgues (Ardèche)
A beautiful hike through the chestnut trees, starting from "Le Sentier des Morts qui tue les Vivants" (The Path of the Dead that Kills the Living).
Montselgues - Ourlette
5.83 mi
+984 ft
-1,919 ft
3h 30
Moderate
Departure from Montselgues (Ardèche)
This was the last stage of our tour of the Chap del Bosc national forest, a short stage to give us time to get home afterwards.It was a magnificent stage in ever-changing greenery, with mushrooms, flowers, forest and inviting streams.We didn't meet anyone there.
Circular above the Chamier valley.
8.05 mi
+1,598 ft
-1,591 ft
5h 05
Moderate
Departure from Montselgues (Ardèche)
A beautiful balcony hike with superb views of the Ruisseau de Chamier valley. In autumn, the colours are magnificent. We start from the Montselgues plateau and descend gently into the valley before climbing back up to the Montselgues plateau in a fairly strenuous climb.
La Cham du Cros via the Chemin Tortueux from Blaunac
7.20 mi
+2,766 ft
-2,736 ft
6 hrs
Very difficult
Departure from Joannas (Ardèche)
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.
From Grand Tanargue to the summit of Méjean via Ron de Coucoulude
10.25 mi
+1,411 ft
-1,394 ft
5h 55
Moderate
Departure from Ardèche
A hike on the highest part of the Tanargue ridge with magnificent panoramic views of the lower Ardèche, the Alps and the Ardèche plateau. The route has little elevation gain and is mostly on easy forest roads.
The forest and village of Les Chambons in Tanargue
12.75 mi
+1,562 ft
-1,585 ft
7h 15
Difficult
Departure from Ardèche
In the Tanargue massif, starting from the family ski resort of Croix de Bauzon, this hike takes you along trails in the heart of the Chambons National Forest, passing through the village of the same name.
La Croix de Beauzon - Abraham Rock
Association / Club / Walk leader
6.12 mi
+1,775 ft
-1,765 ft
4h 20
Moderate
Departure from Ardèche
For all hikers, the Rocher d'Abraham can only be reached from Mayres. The circuit described below is for people who want to reach the summit with less effort. It can be done in an afternoon, is not particularly difficult, apart from the final ascent, and offers vast and magnificent landscapes throughout the route.
The summit of Méjean via the Grand Tanargue plateau
9.63 mi
+1,132 ft
-1,122 ft
5h 25
Moderate
Departure from Ardèche
A hike on the highest part of the Tanargue ridge. With little elevation gain, you will enjoy magnificent views of the lower Ardèche, the Alps and the Ardèche plateau. In the height of summer, you will benefit from the coolness of the altitude and large shaded areas.
The unfinished church of Saint-Genest-de-Beauzon
7.05 mi
+1,047 ft
-1,043 ft
4h 10
Moderate
Departure from Saint-Genest-de-Beauzon (Ardèche)
Saint-Genest-de-Beauzon is a strange commune, made up of scattered hamlets in the southern foothills of the Cévennes Ardéchoises, with an isolated town hall near an unfinished church that has only its walls remaining. Landscapes, old houses, historical curiosities and geological sites punctuate this route.
The Bourbouillet Trail
9.22 mi
+413 ft
-404 ft
4h 35
Moderate
Departure from Lablachère (Ardèche)
Les Gras, the limestone plateaus of southern Ardèche, may seem monotonous at first glance. This route allows you to discover varied vegetation and sometimes surprising terrain. Walking here in spring, with the green of the woods, or in autumn, with the beautiful colours, may be preferable to summer, with its high temperatures; however, part of the route is shaded. The hike passes near a karstic cave (caution!) where the underground river of the Bourbouillet resurgence flows.
Circular route from Lablachère to Rosières along the edge of La Baume
8.84 mi
+568 ft
-558 ft
4h 35
Moderate
Departure from Lablachère (Ardèche)
This is an easy hike, but it includes a fairly slippery ford and two passages that may be submerged in the event of flooding or storms. In this case, simply stay on the west bank until you reach Rosières. Conversely, in hot weather, set off at dawn and take enough water with you. The section between Garel and Rosières is shaded by riparian vegetation and cliffs; only the climb after Le Freyssinet will be hot. After that, the cliff-top path (not at all vertiginous) is slightly windy and very pleasant.
Col des Langoustines from La Souche
4.87 mi
+2,280 ft
-2,267 ft
4h 15
Difficult
Departure from La Souche (Ardèche)
A beautiful, physically demanding trail through lovely forests and scree slopes, offering magnificent views of the Ardèche mountains from the ridge. See § practical information.
Circular loop around the village of La Souche
1.72 mi
+400 ft
-407 ft
1h 10
Easy
Departure from La Souche (Ardèche)
This walk takes you along one of the countless paths winding through the chestnut groves; best enjoyed in autumn, when the stunning colours are at their best. It is truly enchanting!
This walk is an invitation to continue exploring this magnificent Ardèche heritage.
April 2023: route modified at the request of a chestnut grove owner.
This change means walkers will have to cover a little more tarmac road (alas!)