Vallon d'Imbours

Discover a wild and peaceful valley that contrasts with the festive atmosphere of the huge leisure area of the adjacent campsite. Descend via a small, damp path along the stream, then climb back up a very stony but well-shaded path. Not recommended for young children due to the rocky terrain.

Details

33915533
Creation:
Last update:
Last review:
  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 6.15 km
  • ◔
    Average duration: 2h 25 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Easy

  • ⚐
    Back to start: Yes
  • ↗
    Ascent: + 231 m
  • ↘
    Descent: - 223 m

  • ▲
    Highest point: 341 m
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 145 m

Photos

Description of the walk

Parking is available along the D262 towards the intersection with Chemin des Ricorts, about 700 m from the Larnas exit. This junction is marked by a stone cross, a solitary tree and a green hiking trail signpost.

(S/E) Go up the dirt track to the top.

(1) At the fork, take the path on the far right that descends into dense vegetation. It winds around a few bends for a faster descent into the valley. The holiday village appears on the other side of the valley. Walk past a group of small colourful houses until you see a small bridge over the stream.

(2) Before reaching the bridge, take the small path on the left that follows the stream closely through dense, damp vegetation. Pass under two power lines. The path moves away from the stream as it descends into a deep canyon. Cross a few scree slopes on a balcony. The vegetation changes, becoming very dry. Reach the lowest point of the route. On this flat area, there are crops, notably vines.

(3) Head back up the path on the left towards the north-west. This path is steep and very stony, but it remains in the shade of the forest. When the slope levels out a little, you will come across another path.

(4) The signposts invite you to turn left, but take the path on the right marked with a Yellow Cross and a White Cross. It continues to climb, becoming gentler, and ends at a wide path.

(5) Turn left to return to the junction you passed on the way up.

(1) Turn right and continue along the same path you took on the way there to return to the car park (S/E).

Waypoints

  1. S/E : km 0 - alt. 309 m - Car park D262. Near the - Fontaine des Buis
  2. 1 : km 0.52 - alt. 340 m - Crossroads of the circular loop
  3. 2 : km 1.82 - alt. 241 m - Fork before the bridge
  4. 3 : km 3.7 - alt. 146 m - Low point (vineyards)
  5. 4 : km 4.76 - alt. 281 m - Crossroads
  6. 5 : km 5.29 - alt. 335 m - Crossroads
  7. S/E : km 6.15 - alt. 309 m - Car park D262

Reviews and comments

4.3 / 5
Based on 7 reviews

Reliability of the description
4.6 / 5
Ease of following the route
4.4 / 5
Route interest
4 / 5
User 28681202

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Mar 09, 2026
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

Beautiful hike, lots of rocks but pleasant paths. At waypoint 2, take a short detour to the Imbours waterfall, it's worth the detour. From waypoint 4, the trail climbs steeply and is rocky, which is why I would classify this hike as moderate rather than easy.
The route is magnificent.

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Jipaipai
Jipaipai

Overall rating : 3.7 / 5

Date of your route : Mar 05, 2026
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★☆☆ Average
Very busy route : Yes

If it weren't for that exhausting climb with steep slopes covered in large rocks between markers 3 and 5, I could have fully appreciated this Ardèche outing, classified as "Easy" but which I personally would classify as "Moderate" due to that gruelling 2 km climb. It's true that my 110 kg don't make things any easier. I think doing this trip in the other direction would be more interesting.

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Francine84
Francine84

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Feb 17, 2026
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A very nice route that I modified slightly:
1) Starting from the car park behind the town hall/tourist office in Larnas, we made a round trip to the original 12th-century church of Saint Pierre. We then rejoined the route at point 5 and continued to point 1.
2) At point 2, we turned right after the bridge onto a PR trail (marked in yellow and white) which led us to the Imbours waterfall, which was magnificent in this very rainy period, and a little further up, the cave and hamlet of Imbours. This round trip added about 2 km to the route but was well worth it.
Thank you for sharing.

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Sebcader
Sebcader

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 31, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

Pleasant hike.
The end is quite steep in places.
Consider reversing the direction of the hike to achieve a more gradual elevation gain.

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Coco23
Coco23

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 27, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : Yes

Very well marked route, no risk of getting lost. Wear hiking boots as there are lots of stones.
Easy level, with the steepest climb in the last part of the route.

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Yse
Yse

Overall rating : 3 / 5

Date of your route : May 24, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★☆☆ Average
Ease of following the route : ★★☆☆☆ Disappointing
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

The directions for the end of the route were confusing. We got lost!

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SGGA
SGGA

This hike passes through an area that is sensitive for wildlife, so please remain discreet and respect the signs along the trail.

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mbaetens
mbaetens

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 03, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

A very pleasant hike that allows you to discover unexpected landscapes. The route is easy to follow (markings and signs) with no major difficulties. The climb, although rocky, is easy and shaded.
It made us want to explore the other paths we came across and venture closer to the stream!

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