Hiking in the Ardèche Cévennes

Starting from the gîte, in a Mediterranean setting, vegetation of holm oaks, strawberry trees, and tree heath gradually gives way to bare ridges offering magnificent panoramas over a large part of southern Ardèche. The Val du Roubreau, Joannas, and Leyval are all hidden gems that offer visitors a sense of tranquility and serenity in a preserved, human-scale environment that seems to have stood still for much of the past. The return to Eaux Marèches follows old mule tracks connecting, among others, the hamlets of Joannas, Blaunac, and Champussac. Meals and overnight stay at the gîte. +600m elevation gain, 5 to 6 hours of hiking

The hike begins in the hamlet of Chalas. Following the paved Ferjasses path on foot, we reach the ridges of the Tanargue massif. Located south of the Ardèche Mountains, the gentle Cévennes atmosphere already prevails here. The Tanargue, towering above the deep Ardèche valleys, offers a magnificent panorama stretching from the Mediterranean to the Alps. Each summer, the Taranis mountain provides alpine meadows dotted with granite boulders for farmers and their herds. +800m elevation gain, 6 hours of hiking

Today, we'll be exploring the picturesque villages and hamlets clinging to the slopes of the Tanargue and Cham du Cros massifs. Following cobbled paths (trails built of dry stone), we'll head towards the village of Laboule, then Bouteillac, charming villages mostly built with dry-stone houses using construction techniques unique to this region. We'll also cross numerous tributaries and small rivers that feed the vast Beaume Valley. Throughout the day, a few well-hidden pools of clear water will delight those who enjoy swimming in pristine, vibrant waters… +700m elevation gain, 6 hours of hiking

After a 20-minute transfer by vehicle to Loubaresse, the hiking route descends along balcony paths into the wild Borne Valley. The trail crosses the Chambons monastic forest before reaching the village of Borne and its feudal castle, perched atop its granite outcrop, guarding the entrance to mysterious gorges accessible only on foot. Elevation gain: 680m, hiking time: 6.5 hours

After a short transfer by vehicle, we set off today towards the Drobie Valley, one of the main valleys of the Ardèche foothills. The hamlets of Pourcharesse, Bolze, and Le Travers are havens for wandering spirits. Beautifully maintained by the inhabitants, admittedly few in number, but aware that they live in a land of plenty. Water flows freely, the sun beats down on the sunny slopes, the soil is fertile… nothing better to guarantee a wide variety of fruit trees on the numerous terraces (faïsses) that border the hamlets. +600m elevation gain, 5 to 6 hours of hiking

Last day of hiking. Leaving the gîte, we head up towards Le Perrier to reach the bare ridges that lead to Brison. From the Tour du Brison, a former watchtower, the view on a clear day stretches from the Alps to the Mediterranean coast, including the famous Mont Ventoux. We can see a good portion of the routes we've covered during the week. We reach Le Gua via a mule track steeped in history… +450m elevation gain, 3.5 hours of walking. End of the trip at 2:30 pm in Le Gua.