Lake Villefort on the Altier side

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A challenging hike along the steepest section of Lake Villefort.

Details

n°15607876
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  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 6.42 mi
  • ◔
    Average duration: 4h 45 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Moderate
  • ⚐
    Back to start: Yes
  • ↗
    Ascent: + 2,047 ft
  • ↘
    Descent: - 2,047 ft
  • ▲
    Highest point: 2,694 ft
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 2,005 ft
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Photos

The village of Castanet
Villefort
Lake Villefort
The Gratassac Cross

Description of the walk

On the D901 towards Castanet, park in the car park near the road bridge over the lake.

(S) From the car park, cross the road and take the small path towards Gratassac. The steep path climbs to the summit where the cross stands. Enjoy the 360° view from here.

(1) Continue along the route, which can be difficult at times as it is not regularly marked. However, look out for the yellow markings or cairns that mark this path. Follow an almost horizontal traverse to reach the start of the descent.

(2) Turn right and begin the descent, passing close to the Via Ferrata. Cross two small streams, the Ravin du Combre and then the Ravin de Charebouisson, before reaching a tarmac road at a hairpin bend.

(3) Turn left until you reach another tarmac road.

(4) At the junction, turn right and cross a narrow bridge over the Altier at the far end of the lake to reach the Castanet car park.

(5) Follow the same route back to the car park at (S/E)

Waypoints

  1. S/E : mi 0 - alt. 2,024 ft - Car park on the D901 - Altier (rivière) - Affluent du Chassezac
  2. 1 : mi 0.48 - alt. 2,694 ft - Gratassac Cross
  3. 2 : mi 1.42 - alt. 2,615 ft - Ridge line
  4. 3 : mi 2.3 - alt. 2,093 ft - Hairpin bend
  5. 4 : mi 2.92 - alt. 2,087 ft - Junction with tarmac road
  6. 5 : mi 3.19 - alt. 2,005 ft - Castanet car park - Château de Castanet
  7. S/E : mi 6.42 - alt. 2,024 ft - Car park on the D901 - Altier (rivière) - Affluent du Chassezac

Notes

From the start of the hike to the Gratassac cross, the path is signposted but very steep.
Between (1) and (2), the route is a little more difficult as the path is poorly marked (or not at all in the rocky sections). You may sometimes need to take a detour when you come across a sheer drop. Several sections are steep, which justifies the hike’s ‘sporty’ rating
Between (3) and (4), two streams crossed in the woodland provide a chance to cool off.

Worth a visit

(1) Enjoy the 360° view from the Gratassac cross: the two parts of the lake to the north and west, the town of Villefort to the south with the hillside where the station is and the town centre on the road to Alès.

(E) On arrival, during the season, you can quench your thirst at the open-air café located at the entrance to the car park. Nearby, Castanet Castle is open to visitors in the summer. Swimming is possible in the lake at the foot of the castle.

Reviews and comments

4.4 / 5
Based on 4 reviews
Reliability of the description
4 / 5
Ease of following the route
4.5 / 5
Route interest
4.8 / 5
REMY BASELLI
REMY BASELLI

Overall rating : 4 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 27, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : Yes

We made the mistake of taking our bikes. At the start of the ride, on the eastern side of the lake, everything went well, but afterwards we regretted keeping our bikes, as the lakeside path is only suitable for walking.
Very good signage. Thank you.

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JCsoret
JCsoret

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of your route : Oct 16, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A lovely walk with stunning views of the lake and the plateaus above it. Please note, however, that the rocky outcrop you need to cross between points 3 and 4 is steep and may prove difficult for some people.

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KrisKriss
KrisKriss

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 20, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A lovely walk with views of the lake from the ridges – a bit steep, it’s true, but nothing too difficult (I did it in ordinary trainers) – best avoided in hot weather as it gets quite hot on the ridges – A little bonus: you can go for a swim at the start and end of the walk, though it’s less convenient elsewhere...

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Metalika
Metalika

Hello, and thank you for this review, which confirms what is stated in the "Practical Information" section of the hike description.

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AlexP
AlexP

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 08, 2022
Reliability of the description : ★★★☆☆ Average
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A lovely walk, but more challenging than described. It’s steep, so make sure you’re wearing proper footwear!

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