Sentier des Ferjasses loop trail through the Tanargue massif

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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.

Technical sheet

n°2148195
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  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 11.87 km
  • ◔
    Average duration: 5h 35 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Moderate
  • ⚐
    Return to departure point: Yes
  • ↗
    Vertical gain: + 770 m
  • ↘
    Vertical drop: - 769 m
  • ▲
    Highest point: 1,440 m
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 690 m
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Photos

Trail down to Valgorge.
Descent to Valgorge
Tanargue Plateau
Ascent trail.

Description of the walk

Update 29 September 2022:
Having redone this hike in spring 2022, I would like to point out that the location of waypoint (6), which was critical, has been modified and made safer. The rock on the ground has been hollowed out to create footholds and, what's more, a cable has been installed to make it easier to cross the stream.

Access:
Cross Valgorge and continue to Saint-Martin. Take a small road on the right towards Chalas. After about 1.2 km, you will come to a fork; a black sign indicates "Le Chalas". Turn right. After about 100 metres, there is a grassy car park on the right.

(S/E) The Ferjasses trail starts at the car park. This white and yellow marked trail leads to the plateau. It is impossible to go wrong during the entire climb as there is only this trail.

(1) When you reach the plateau at a signpost, turn left towards the Croix de Bauzon. Follow thisGRP® marked in white and yellow, which looks like a well-marked trail for most of the way but then merges into an old pasture. However, just keep going straight down a slope and follow the frequent white/yellow markings. You will come out onto a well-marked trail again.

(2) The trail ends at a track, which you take on the right. Continue along this track until you reach the signpost "La Grangette".

(3) Then take the leftmost track towards Loubaresse.

(4) Reach the signpost for Escoutour. Leave the track on your right and take the one on the left towards Valgorge.

(5) After a rock on the left of the track, you will come to a signpost at an altitude of 1282 metres. Take a narrow path that descends steeply towards Chalas.

(6) Cross a stream flowing over extremely slippery rocks that are difficult to cross, even for experienced hikers (caution).

(7) You will arrive at a fork in the path. Take the left path towards Valgorge.

(8) Continue along the trail to the Denave stream, which you can cross easily over some beautiful rocks and with the help of a cable if necessary. A beautiful pool may attract swimmers. Continue along the trail until you reach the car park (S/E).

Waypoints

  1. S/E : km 0 - alt. 692 m - Grassy car park at a place called Chalas
  2. 1 : km 5.78 - alt. 1,408 m - Arrival on the Tanargue plateau
  3. 2 : km 6.93 - alt. 1,343 m - Arrival on the trail
  4. 3 : km 7.67 - alt. 1,365 m - Signpost "La grangette"
  5. 4 : km 8.88 - alt. 1,325 m - Escoutour signpost
  6. 5 : km 9.47 - alt. 1,280 m - Altitude 1282
  7. 6 : km 10.13 - alt. 1,045 m - Crossing a stream
  8. 7 : km 10.97 - alt. 827 m - Valgorge fork
  9. 8 : km 11.1 - alt. 769 m - Denave crossing
  10. S/E : km 11.87 - alt. 691 m - Grassy car park at a place called Chalas

Practical information

The Ferjasses trail is a bit steep at the beginning, but once you reach the switchbacks, the slope becomes much gentler.
The descent via La Grangette is shorter but much steeper.
There are no particular difficulties on this route other than the distance. (6) The only tricky part is crossing the stream flowing over a rock, which makes this section extremely slippery and quite difficult to cross. Ideally, this hike should be done during the dry season when the stream is dry.
It should also be noted that there are no water sources along this hike.

Reviews and comments

4.7 / 5
Based on 22 reviews
Reliability of the description
4.7 / 5
Clarity of route map
4.6 / 5
Route interest
4.9 / 5
User 1808512

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of walk : Jul 24, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Busy trail : No

A magnificent hike, mostly shaded! The hike begins with a very long climb (3 hours) on a fairly steady slope up to the plateau, but the effort is rewarded at the top with an exceptional view. The descent is a little technical at the end but not too difficult! I recommend this hike, to be done in temperatures of 25⁰ maximum!

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ed102
ed102

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of walk : Jul 13, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Busy trail : No

A beautiful hike. Physically demanding at first, but rewarded with stunning views. Be careful on the way back, as the descent is very steep.

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Fouyan
Fouyan

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of walk : Jan 03, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Busy trail : No

I really enjoyed this hike in Les Ferjasses, which offers a good balance between physical effort and discovering the Ardèche countryside. The start from Valgorge is very pleasant, with its typical atmosphere and stone houses. The climb, although steep in places, passes through magnificent chestnut groves and offers some remarkable panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. The trail is well marked and varied, alternating between scrubland, agricultural terraces and small hamlets.

The panoramic views from the summit are particularly noteworthy and well worth the effort! The descent is a little technical in places, especially after rain, but remains accessible provided you are well equipped.

Be careful during hunting season, though: several sections of the trail are used by hunters, so wear visible clothing and stay alert.

I recommend this hike, especially in autumn for the colours of the chestnut trees, or in spring for the flora.

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ARDECHOU
ARDECHOU

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of walk : Aug 17, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Busy trail : No

What a beautiful hike!!! Wonderful, varied landscapes, each one as beautiful as the next.
the climb is a bit long but very pleasant, winding its way up for about three hours.
the upper part is very easy, but the descent is quite steep.
it is classified as moderate, but I would rate it moderate ++ or even difficult for inexperienced hikers.
we did it with our dog, who enjoyed swimming in the streams and pools.
To be done again and again, sooooooo beautiful, really!!!!

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martinepoup
martinepoup

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of walk : Jul 25, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Busy trail : No

A very pleasant route uphill, more difficult downhill..

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jessica raillard
jessica raillard

Overall rating : 4 / 5

Date of walk : May 16, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Clarity of route map : ★★★☆☆ Average
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Busy trail : No

Done in early May - Magnificent landscapes - a long but really not difficult climb, very pleasant. A slightly steep descent but nothing crazy either. A magnificent view from the plateau, I 100% recommend this hike! We got lost twice but nothing serious. Very few people around, at least at this time of year. Thank you very much!

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jo26200
jo26200

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of walk : Nov 26, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Busy trail : No

A pleasant hike that took 5 hours and 10 minutes, including photo breaks and at a normal pace.
The "aerial" sections are secure (cables)
The descent via the path through the woods is not particularly interesting
Be careful not to miss the fork to the left (point 7), which is a small path that is not very visible..

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Kwiss07
Kwiss07

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of walk : Jul 14, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Busy trail : No

Magnificent views, the climb is easy. The descent is a little steep but well rewarded by the gourmet meal at the end. Big shout out to ESAT de la Chapelle for maintaining the trails!
Thank you for suggesting this hike!

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millim
millim

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of walk : May 26, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Busy trail : No

A beautiful and varied hike. A thought for those who created the trails, not forgetting those who maintain them.
I did the circuit in reverse, lingering on the plateau. It was just two weeks too early for the broom to be in full bloom at this altitude

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leguen
leguen

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of walk : May 28, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Busy trail : No

a magnificent trail, a little tough going uphill but nothing too bad... superb views, arrival on the plateau!!! Magnificent. Easy descent, a few sections requiring caution but always in teams... we had to eat in stormy weather, but we were well wrapped up and only just avoided getting caught out. On the plateau, it's no joke.In conclusion, almost luxurious. Easy to read and very enjoyable with the possibility of swimming at the end

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RydArdech
RydArdech

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of walk : May 28, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Busy trail : No

A magnificent mixed and varied route, with some climbing and aerial passages (but well protected), requires good physical condition but the effort is rewarded with magnificent views of the mountains and chestnut forests. The sections marked below have been treated and made safe, but the area in question is certainly more enjoyable when everything is dry. The end of the circuit is on a par with the rest of the trail and offers pleasant swimming in summer. This circuit guarantees a wonderful day out where you can take the time to breathe.

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bececoste
bececoste

Hello,
Thank you, Randohauteloire, for pointing out the change made to waypoint no. 6.
I actually did this hike again in the spring of this year and noticed it myself. I intended to make a change to my description, but... I completely forgot! It has now been updated in my guide.
Best regards

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Randohauteloire
Randohauteloire

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of walk : Sep 25, 2022
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Busy trail : No

superb hike. Magnificent stone paths and numerous viewpoints throughout the climb
which makes you forget the elevation gain.
I would like to point out for those who might be hesitating that point 6 is currently not difficult at all (this year's drought has almost completely dried up the small stream).
i highly recommend this typical hike in the Ardèche mountains.

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DALLIERE CHRISTIAN
DALLIERE CHRISTIAN

Overall rating : 3.3 / 5

Date of walk : Sep 07, 2022
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Clarity of route map : ★★★☆☆ Average
Route interest : ★★★☆☆ Average
Busy trail : No

Hello, I did the Sentier des Granges trail from the village of Laboule. The first part of this hike is not easy, but the signage is good. However, the return trip to the Col de l'Aygues was more complicated due to the descent via the DFCI trail, which has a lot of rocks. Best regards.

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joorange
joorange

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