Need to get away from it all? Take a deep breath and discover the most beautiful walks in the Ardèche.
With its breathtaking landscapes and picturesque villages, the Ardèche is a region full of surprises. Come and admire the countryside and characterful villages. Hiking in the Ardèche is one of the best ways to discover the department. Let us guide you along the Ardèche trails and discover the secrets of this land of contrasts.
Now all you have to do is decide on your route. And to help you, here’s a selection of the most beautiful hikes in the Ardèche.
1. On the trails of the Ardèche Gorges
Photo credit: Shutterstock – nounours
Duration: 5 hours
Difference in altitude: 533 metres
Difficulty: Medium
Distance: 12.2 km
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This hike in the Ardèche is almost like having your feet in the water. You walk along the river’s edge, over pebbles and rocks. As a result, the paths are quite steep and require you to be comfortable at times.
Take a day trip and pack a picnic lunch to relax by the river. If you can, leave early in the morning. That way, you’ll avoid the heat and the canoes!
2. From Vogüé to Balazuc along the old railroad line
Photo credit: Shutterstock – JeanLucIchard
Duration: 4h30
Difference in altitude: 284 metres
Difficulty: medium
Distance: 14.6 km
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Here’s a hiking trail in the Ardèche that will surprise you. In fact, a large part of the trail is flat, which is not the case for all Ardèche trails! Some seasoned hikers may be disappointed by this lack of gradient. But don’t worry, the return journey along the right bank of the Ardèche is much wilder.
In any case, the route takes in a number of points of interest that are well worth a visit: the Grotte des Estinettes, the old village of Balazuc and the village of Lanas.
3. Chirouse volcano
Photo credit : Alltrails
Duration: 5 hours
Difference in altitude: 627 metres
Difficulty: medium
Distance: 12.1 km
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Pass through the Ardèche forest and its quiet hamlets. Here you’ll find a peaceful atmosphere and the scent of oak leaves. Ideal for recharging your batteries, this Ardèche hiking trail invites you to become one with nature.
Your path leads you to the Volcan de Chirouse. Today, the site is a vast scree of basalt rock. Erosion has created a plateau culminating at 767m. You’ll also pass through pastoral zones: you may be lucky enough to come across a few sheep… But above all, remember to close the gates behind you!
4. Balazuc loop via the Coste-Labaume ledge
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Richard Semik
Duration: 2h20
Difference in altitude: 172 metres
Difficulty: easy
Distance: 6.6 km
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With no sporting pretensions, this peaceful walk will take you through a variety of landscapes. After crossing a plain, you come to the Hameau des Louanes. Take time to rest your legs and open your eyes wide. On the way back, wander through the narrow medieval streets of old Balazuc. This village is one of the most beautiful in France.
Remarkable viewpoints are to be found all along the route: impressive plunging views over a meander of the Ardèche, but also over small hamlets typical of the Ardèche.
5. Château de Crussol and its ridges
Photo credit: Shutterstock -PhotoGranary
Duration: 1h15
Difference in altitude: 206 metres
Difficulty: Medium
Distance: 4.5 km
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This hike in the Ardèche is great for the whole family. Right from the start, you’ll come across the ruins of Château de Crussol. These majestic remains have retained all their charm, and leave no one indifferent. Take a stroll through the ancient castle, which will take you back in time.
The outward journey takes place on the edge of the ridges, with a permanent panorama and breathtaking views of the Rhône valley and the Vercors. The return journey, on the other hand, is along the riverbank, ideal for a short break!
6. Gorges de la Sainte Baume
Photo credit: Flickr -Frédéric Woiltock
Duration: 3h30
Difference in altitude: 509 metres
Difficulty: Medium
Distance: 10.9 km
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Far less well known than the Gorges de l’Ardèche, the Gorges de la Sainte Baume are no less pleasant! The best way to discover them is undoubtedly by hiking.
Departure is from Saint-Montan, one of France’s most beautiful medieval towns. The path then leads to a troglodyte house. You can also admire a limestone valley, with views over the Rhône valley and Mont Ventoux. With its many points of interest, this pretty family trail is sure to suit everyone.
7. Saint-Laurent-sous-Coiron
Photo Credit: Flickr – Max Audouard
Duration: 3h30
Difference in altitude: 331 metres
Difficulty: Medium
Distance: 12.1 km
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Set off from the stunning hilltop village of Saint-Laurent-sous-Coiron. From the belvedere, you’ll have a fantastic panoramic view over the plains and mountains of the Ardèche, from Villeneuve de Berg to the Col de l’Escrinet. You’ll also find educational panels explaining the geological history and life on the Coiron.
This Ardèche hike is ideal even in summer. Indeed, Saint-Laurent-sous-Coiron is located at an altitude of almost 500m, so it benefits from a breath of refreshing air that’s very pleasant during the summer season!
8. Lac des Meinettes
Photo credit: Flickr -Guit07
Duration: 3h30
Difference in altitude: 237 metres
Difficulty: Medium
Distance: 12.6 km
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This easy hike is perfect for families, couples and friends alike! Also known as the « Cheminas Loop », this hike takes in the Lac des Meinettes and its surrounding path. In less than 4 hours, you’ll have a great overview of the Ardèche plateau!
Along the way, you’ll enjoy breathtaking panoramic views. The Rhone Valley is just around the corner. You can also look out over the Alps and Vercors. And to top it all off, most of the route is shaded, making the walk even more enjoyable.
9. Chenavari Peak
Photo credit: Facebook -Alain Bellon
Duration: 6 hours
Ascent: 813 metres
Difficulty: medium
Distance: 17.7 km
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The Pic de Chenavari is a volcanic peak from the top of which you can admire the great diversity of landscapes shaped by the volcanism of the Coiron. From here, you can enjoy an exceptional view of the Château de Rochemaure and the Rhône valley, including the Lavezon valley, the Baronnies, Mont Ventoux and Vercors.
On this hike in the Ardèche, you may hear the sound of running water: your path crosses several fords and small streams. For this reason, the trail should be avoided after heavy rain.
10. Mont Gerbier de Jonc
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Joaquin Ossorio Castillo
Duration: 20 min
Vertical drop: 69 metres
Difficulty: Easy
Distance: 1 km
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Climbing the Gerbier de Jonc is a must in the Ardèche. This very short and easy hike takes you around it and up it.
The landscapes you encounter are diverse. After a long passage through the forest, a rather steep climb awaits you. But the view is worth it! To make the most of it, choose a day with good weather, so that the view is unobstructed and even more splendid.
11. Gorges de la Daronne
Photo credit: Flickr -Frank Riddell
Duration: 3h10
Difference in altitude: 342 metres
Difficulty: Medium
Distance: 7.2 km
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Set course for a wild and adventurous hike in the Ardèche. The entire walk is on small paths. That’s why a map and compass are highly recommended.
Not far from Tournon-sur-Rhône, this pretty spot invites you to discover the Doux, Duzon and Daronne gorges. These sensitive natural areas are a must-see. In the shade of chestnut and oak trees on a lovely summer’s day, you’ll have to cross two fords. Depending on the season, you may need to take off your shoes.
12. The Granges trail
Photo credit: Flickr -Lemoox
Duration: 6 hours
Ascent: 784 metres
Difficulty: Difficult
Distance: 14.6 km
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Finally, here’s a hike in the heart of the Monts d’Ardèche Regional Nature Park, departing from Laboule. All in all, it’s the ideal place for hikes with contrasting atmospheres. Sometimes steep and splendid at the same time, this trail is superb for all seasoned hikers.
At the top of the Granges trail, you’ll enjoy unrivalled panoramic views of Mont Blanc, Mont Ventoux and Mont Lozère. The return trail may not always be easy on the feet, but it’s certainly easy on the eyes! Depending on the season, you may even encounter snow.
Now all you have to do is choose your favorite Ardèche hike!