Sceautres walks

The magnificent little village of Sceautres is nestled against the imposing basalt neck, the remains of a volcanic eruption. This immense block is the lava contained in the volcano's chimney, whose cone has disappeared due to erosion.

This route runs along the foothills of the Coiron massif on existing but not very obvious paths. Follow the yellow markings carefully. The route passes through some beautiful basalt columns, crosses the plateau with its superb panoramic views, then descends via a rocky ridge to Roche Chérie: a remnant of the massif's significant volcanic past. A small chapel is built against the neck.

This route runs along the foothills of the Coiron massif on paths that are not marked on IGN maps but nevertheless exist, with very improbable markings. The path runs alongside the beautiful basalt columns or Orgues de Bauzon parallel to the Chaix stream, then climbs back up to the plateau where the panoramic views are superb. The descent via a rocky ridge leads to Roche Chérie: a remnant of the massif's significant volcanic past. A small chapel is built against the neck.

Le Coiron is a wild basalt plateau. On the southern side, near Saint-Jean-le-Centenier, troglodyte dwellings were built in the medieval period in the basalt cliffs of Montbrun. From Saint-Gineis-en-Coiron, a small road winding across the plateau takes you to Mirabel, where you can enjoy magnificent views from the keep. The only downside is that two-thirds of the route is on paved roads, although there is very little traffic.

From the ancient city to the largest basalt neck in Europe, this beautiful hike takes you along a route with varied terrain: limestone plains, petrified lava blocks and the volcanic plateau of the Coiron Massif. The Sceautres neck, the jewel of the Coiron, is a basalt plug resulting from an eruption 8 million years ago. Cleared by erosion, it rises 150 metres above the valley.

This hike will take you back in time as you pass by the Croix de Saint-Philippe, the Col de l'Épine and Mont Juliau, offering magnificent views along the way. Please note that you will be crossing parks with livestock. Be sure to close the gates behind you.

This lovely hike offers magnificent viewpoints over the Montmirail Dentelles, Mont Ventoux, the Baronnies, the Vercors, the Montagne Ardéchoise, the Coiron, the Necks of Sceautres, of Roche Chérie, of Roche, and a 360° panoramic view from the summit of Croix Juliau. The superb medieval hamlet of Roche is well worth the detour.

This hike will allow you to discover wonderful landscapes throughout the hike. You will see the Château de Rochemaure and enjoy a breathtaking view of the Rhône valley.

This hike around the Lérou plateau will enchant you with its diverse views. This route will allow you to discover various geological phenomena: basalt blocks, basalt veins, etc.

Walked and re-walked by families from the villages around Mirabel, this easy walk is renowned for its exceptional views, including 180° views from the top of the basalt cliffs and the tower. The walk ends in the medieval village, where you can stroll through the labyrinth of narrow streets, cul-de-sacs and vaulted passageways.

Lovely view of the 11th and 12th century medieval castle of Rochemaure. Passage via the Himalayan footbridge over the Rhône. Beautiful 360° view at Pic de Chenavari, over the Vercors mountains, the Rhône valley and the Coiron plateau.

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.

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.

An easy family walk to the "Forêt des sens" (forest of senses), arboretum and interpretive trail created under the impetus of the municipal children's council. A few welcome benches punctuate this playful and instructive walk for all ages.

An easy walk to an oppidum with spectacular views over Aubenas and back with equally spectacular views of the Louyre canyon, the promontory of Saint-Laurent-sous-Coiron and the Mirabel tower. Variations to the route are suggested, shortening or lengthening the walk.

A magnificent circular walk from Alissas with a detour to the Gournier waterfall and a view of the Château de Rochessauve.

A beautiful hike on the ridges of the Monts de Berg, offering some lovely views. A visit to the well-restored village is a must: cobbled streets with arcades connecting the façades, shops at the bottom of old houses, an old oven. In terms of nature, the town is built at the foot of a typical Mediterranean forest, which offers an astonishing spectacle as you walk through its plots, separated by clapas, lavender, almond trees, mulberry trees and olive trees.

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.

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.

On this route, you will overlook the Ouvèze valley and walk along the Grads plateau, a unique natural area.

A long and beautiful hike through vineyards, then along the ridges of the Berg forest, offering stunning panoramic views of the Dent de Rez, the Dentelles de Montmirail, Mont Ventoux, the Baronnies, the Vercors, the Montagne Ardéchoise, and more. There are also beautiful views of the villages of Alba, Saint-Andéol de Berg, Saint-Thomé, and the Rhône Valley. To the north is the Coiron plateau with the Tour de Mirabel and Neck de Sceautres.

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.

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 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.

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

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.

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.

Apart from the distance, this is an easy hike on good trails through typical Ardèche landscapes. At the summit, there are beautiful views of the Rhône and Ouvèze valleys and, at the end of the walk, you can discover the famous Jaubernie caves, which served as troglodyte dwellings for Protestants driven out of Privas during the Wars of Religion.

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.

View of Flaviac and the Ouvèze valley on one side and Chomérac and the Vercors (on the horizon) on the other.

A very beautiful hike offering exceptional and magnificent panoramic views of the Alps, Mont Blanc, Dévoluy, Vercors, etc., and allowing you to alternate between varied basalt and agricultural landscapes. You will also pass by the site of an ancient tomb, which is well worth a visit.

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.

A beautiful and varied hike in the Monts d'Ardèche Regional Nature Park. The superb site of the Rocher d'Ajoux.

Head for the heights of the village of Châteauneuf-du-Rhône and the ruins of its medieval past before reaching Navon, the peak marking the boundary between Malataverne and Châteauneuf-du-Rhône: a strategic and sensational location!

This history-rich circuit starts at the foot of the old village of Rochecolombe, which you will discover on your return, before reaching Sauveplantade and its Romanesque church and continuing along a section of the Royal Road that linked Villeneuve-de-Berg to Vallon-Pont-d'Arc.

A pleasant hike with multiple panoramic views, open to all, allowing you to discover the village of Rochecolombe and its surroundings.

This medium-difficulty hike in the Ardèche mountains will take you to the Col de Reboul with a nice climb, some lovely shaded sections and a descent towards Reboul. You will cross several fords, meet some interesting people and enjoy some beautiful views.

A beautiful hike in a very wild environment. The Roc de Gourdon, with its ship's bow-like relief, 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: Roc de Gourdon is no longer accessible (electrified fence)

This is a very pleasant walk that quickly takes you to the Grads plateau, which overlooks Pouzin and the confluence of the Ouvèze and Rhône rivers. The path overlooking the Ouvèze valley is very pleasant but may be vertiginous for some. The ridges offer a beautiful panoramic view of the Baronnies and the Vercors. Never stray from the route, which is now very well marked.

Discover the ruins of the Couvent des Chèvres overlooking the Rhône valley and then the hamlet of Vieux Rompon. The return trail is a pleasant walk along the cliffs above the Ouvèze with magnificent views.

This hike is ideal for lovers of old buildings and nature. It takes you to the heights of Allan and its old village and 12th-century castle, now in ruins. It then leads into the heart of the forest, along small paths to La Croix de Siméon, erected in honour of a monk from Aiguebelle who was a missionary in Africa. Aimed at experienced hikers, this hike also offers panoramic views of Savasse and the Montélimar plain.

A very beautiful hike starting from the hamlet of Les Salelles. You will first take a short tour of the hamlet to see the two bread ovens, then continue into the forest and pass by a lavender field. The return trip will be less shaded.