The art of hiking, Ardèche style

In the Ardèche, hiking enthusiasts can have a field day on over 400 kilometres of signposted trails. Breathtaking panoramas, secret spots lost in the heart of nature, sumptuous villages ranked among the most beautiful in France and breathtakingly calm rivers are just some of the activities on offer in the Ardèche.

This exploration of the flora goes hand in hand with a discovery of the fauna, particularly the birds. Bonelli's eagle, Egyptian vulture and other majestic species can be seen right over the heads of walkers. For a few minutes, several hours or even several days, the world seems to stand still around the walkers, as if they were alone in the world... and facing the world!

Exploration for everyone

For the less experienced or the more adventurous, choosing to be accompanied by a local guide is a good choice. These experts know all there is to know about the Ardèche, and they'll even add a few tips that you won't find anywhere else!

If you decide at the last minute, there's no need to worry about venturing out on your own - all you need is the right equipment and a route suited to your physical condition. While novices should opt for half-day excursions, the more experienced can be tempted by multi-day escapades, stopping to bivouac or stay in refuges.

The Ardèche Gorges trails: the most majestic route

Undoubtedly the most spectacular and legendary of all the Ardèche trails, the historic Ardèche Gorges trail is for experienced hikers. Departing from the hamlet of Châmes, often the arrival point for canoe trips, participants set off on their own for 24 kilometres.

With more than 10 kilometres to cover in a day, the trails can be explored in two days, giving you the chance to spend a night in a bivouac. In the Réserve Naturelle des Gorges de l'Ardèche, two areas are dedicated to this practice: Gaud and Gournier, open during the summer season. All the necessary comforts are available for brave travellers, including showers, toilets, tables and even a barbecue. An enchanting 48-hour break!

The special features of the Chirouses volcano

More accessible but just as sporting, the Chirouses volcano trail takes hikers into chestnut paradise. Crossing small hamlets, exploring a variety of footpaths and climbing steep slopes are all part of this green walk.

Leaving Pranles, the Col du Muret, the Chirouses volcano and their chestnut woods offer a multitude of landscapes, each more remarkable than the last. On the outskirts of the volcano, a path winds through a scree of basalt rock, allowing you to explore the area in the footsteps of its volcanic past.

A classic in Ardèche postcard photos, this is THE summit of the Massif Central to climb. A major tourist attraction in the Ardèche, the summit of Mont Gerbier de Jonc is perched at an altitude of over 1,550 metres, making it a great stop-off point for visitors on their sporting holidays. Situated at the crossroads of the Loire's sources, it gives birth to the river itself.

Famous for its distinctive dome-shaped appearance, the mountain is actually a "suc", a type of formation resulting from an ancient volcano whose lava did not flow and accumulated at the outlet. Mont Gerbier de Jonc is classified as one of the Ardèche's sensitive natural areas, and is home to numerous species. From the summit, hikers can enjoy a unique panorama of the Ardèche, which takes their breath away a second time after the effort they have put in.

The Ray-Pic waterfall, an aquatic spectacle

To round off this selection of not-to-be-missed spots to visit as a hiking fan, here's another place adored by tourists. At the heart of the Monts d'Ardèche regional park, this natural wonder rises to a height of 60 metres and makes a hell of a noise! The Ray-Pic waterfall promises a refreshing escape of choice.

A listed volcanic site since 1931, the Ray-Pic volcano was still active several thousand years ago. Today, there's no reason not to get close to this dazzlingly beautiful site. The site is very well laid out, with a short path leading to the waterfall and wooden footbridges.

For those who enjoy hiking and meeting new people, the ideal place to spend the night is a gîte d'étape. Generally intended for groups of friends or families, these friendly accommodations are a real sensation. Right in the heart of the Monts d'Ardèche Regional Nature Park, tradition and authenticity take pride of place in the welcome given by the hosts, their food and their advice. A real moment of sharing and remarkable encounters!

Before venturing out on a hike, don't forget to equip yourself properly! The basis of any sporting outing is footwear, so opt for low-top trainers if the terrain is not too uneven and the gradient is not too steep. When the gradient gets rougher and rocks or roots get in the way, it's best to wear high-top shoes to support your ankle.